This is the best product I've ever used for ear protection, which I highly recommend: https://www.aquagear.com/barracuda-ear-plugs/ http://www.tyr.com/shop/silicone-molded-ear-plugs.html You can still hear everything fine, it is just when you wipeout, the oversized cap prevents the insert from going...

If you are kiting your alaia, then glassing was a good move. If just surfing the alaia, glassing is not necessary. For my unglassed alaias, I would just seal them with tung oil (or linseed oil if unavailable). Leave the top surface with a rough sand. I would usually oil the board before sessions wit...

Or you can just use a pulleybar. :thumb: Early kite bars had the depowerloopline go on the outside of the bar. I believe most people prefer the "feel" of a line going through the bar as it is less obtrusive. Some Peter Lynn flyers did not have the depowerloopline attached to the bar at all, called t...

I agree with Jake to replace bridles in pairs. I don't prestretch bridle line, but measure them under load. I like to stitch one side and do a zacher knot (adjustable) on the other end. I agree that bridle lines shrink over time. Using a zacher knot gives some adjustment. https://ericedttaylor.wordp...

Post 2001 kites last quite long. My most used old kite is a 7M 2004 SS Fuel (I love c-kites). Also have a 2002 flysurver psycho1 that I use for light winds. My average kite is probably 2008. Most 2005 kites were just so good, I never saw the need to go newer, especially since c-kites were no longer ...

Would you say it is harder to SUK than light wind TT? The main difference between SUK and light wind TT is you can go upwind much earlier. Deep water start is much harder on a SUK than a TT. When the winds shut down, I much prefer the paddle back with the volume of a SUP to a TT. If you want more f...

I like c-kites too, nothing wrong with them (I still actively fly them: pulleybar, frickenloop, etc). Get another c-kite (2005 or newer) if you can find one. Sizes 7M and 9M are fun. If you still have your Wainman, make sure you fly them on the single bridle setting (front pigtail closest to tailing...

I like to pack a SUP for the super light days. If the winds never hold steady over 5 mph, than I just stand up paddleboard before the winds pick up (as opposed to getting skunked). Sure hydrofoils start early, but I find that a SUP with kite I can start just as early. I see the benefit of the SUP as...

I like to keep the center chord length about the same for my quiver of kites. To make the kite bigger or smaller, adjust the aspect ratio. For small kites, I go a larger aspect ratio. For large kites, a high aspect ratio. If you try to keep the aspect ratio fixed for a quiver of kites, you will find...

IMO pulleys on kites are a comprimise. Why? A kite without a pulley on the leading edge bridle may not be able to do a traditional water relaunch. A kite without a pulley on the steering lines, may not be able to do a reverse relaunch. I prefer kites without pulleys, especially on the leading edge, ...