I'll leave it for now with one small like.  I am assuming the strap the kite was wrapped in was for that purpose only...?   Because folding a kite and getting it back into a bag always came at the wrong time of the day.  This strap was unexpected but handy.


Jim

That was fun today, even though I kind of tweaked my shoulder. A little CBD/THC and it will be happy tomorrow.

Here's an underside look.  I don't mean to bore or overdramatize, but these companies do not realize that there are some of us who simply better process information visually.  I read Ok, turn off the sound on most videos because I don't process speech as well as I can see.   So for me, my two best choices are touch or sight. Hopefully, one of you benefits seeing more of this wing.

Jim

Hi Wet,

Do some of the handles have rubber grips and others do not?

Here's the cockpit.  Without really knowing anything - I like a Y control system over a center bar. I understand the V in the wing (dihedral) will give it some lateral stability, but for some gut reason, this slight offset grip seems like it should help me fly this wing.*  Center straps are there as an option. Which brings up my first-impression squawks.

Start with the petty: White fricking thread...  There's a ton of stitching - and as someone who's seen a little in his day - it is remarkably well done. (I stopped looking for nits pretty quickly.)  But the contrast kinda makes it look like a clown costume. These folks should study renderings from people like Peter Strayer of KIA, formerly AUDI, for visual presentation.  I do have to give them an A for coloring.   Not only is this emerald a nice rich color but their asymmetrical color blocking is great.

Let's stick with the petty: too much printing.  Perhaps the only person who does not know this is useful for surf, snow or skate is some redneck that stole it and is wondering if is worth more than a six-pack in trade...?! 

The single thing that I disliked, and, understand —I am a self-identified cranky old fuc— are the control grips or loops. Even as a young male, I found round tubular shapes comfortable to grip.  These are foam filled webbing rectangles. Nominal 1-3/8 x 1/2" (35mm x 12m)   They work, but there are few things I like for handtools or other controls:  rigidity, non-slip and rounded shape.   

Jes' so happens...  'had some C'hit laying around.  I could see doing a bit of surgery, but I might have to sell this if my non-foiling ideas fail.  I have another idea for placing a 1/2 round on the topside, but two bigger projects are more important.

These photos were taken behind the dune. 'Nice little onshore breeze gave me a 'feel'. I think I am going to pretty much love this new sport! Even for such a small kite** there was some grunt in the puffs.

but once I got bayside the water had too much shine on it (kiters will know), it was not worth the brief pump-up.  I just paddled.

Jim


* In thinking about it - the center may be better for lower winds, whereas the offset-Y position may better 'spill' gusts?  (only a guess at this point)

**our non-kiting local shaper thought the wing was 'big'. 

Jim, the whole industry moved to the big valves. Cabrinha was the first to do it.

Unfortunately, now some brands have gone off the rails with their own versions of this once simple generic standard.

The good news, Ozone is using the simple generic valve. Same with Gong. So both my wings are using the same hose tip. 

I think the softer handle may have a design purpose. I can comfortably move my had back and forth a few inches within the handle for better trim. Where the rigid loops tend to force hand to middle of loop.

Training the wife and a friend today.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2RzD7gnrhW/?igshid=1jr1tesuw8ki9

Jackie, no?   She appears the quick learner.  You have a good spot.  Rain is breaking into my schedule... 

Jim