I agree 100% on this one.gyru wrote:Jesus, this cant be real!
Steve, why u are so stuck with the downwind "method"?
On my opinion the obvious rigging is side-slightly-upwind, i.e. in the position you get when you land the kite down on the beach (side of the window), as this is also the position to launch from.
Sometimes, for real beginners may be better to rig straight upwind (in order not to f*** around with the four ends), and then walk on the side of the window to launch, but after a couple of time you can easily jump this step.
I dont see any advantages in rigging downwind, but if you like it just remember to turn the bar and that's it. BTW fokiten method DOES NOT IMPLY YOU HAVE TO RIG DOWNWIND, just rig side-up and you dont have to walk before launching!!!
Snip......
gyru
This is what we teach on our kite school here too.
ALWAYS rig side-sideupwind in the start/landing position !
You can not rig your kite near any others, if you dont do it this way.
We often see some kiters rigging with their lines straight upwind, or straight downwind.
I believe this was taught in the old days, or in old videos - and this is why some are doing it this way.
When doing this, on a beach with 30 kites on the beach - you are sure to be the most "wanted" person on this beach, because you block all other kites from launching
And you can not even launch yourself, because you have to get your lines over all the other kites, before you can launch !
It does not matter if others rig the same way too - because when a kite is landed, it'll be in this exact position.
So rig the kite the same way, and there will be no problems !
You get another advantage, even if you are alone on the beach/starting area:
Your lines will not be damaged, because they'll just lift straight up from the ground.
The other "old-timer" rigging method causes the lines to be dragged on the ground for up to 40-55 meters (bar end), and this can really damage the lines seriously, when there is rocks/seashells/small wood pieces etc. on the beach.
I believe all kites today are male/female and colour coded, so attaching lines can not go wrong.
If you have an older system, you can easily change it to a "safe" system by making a knot on the back line, and a loop on the front line.
Or use your existing system, if you dont want to change - it is just a matter of doing it in the same and step by step way, and it is easy.
PS: I have not read this whole thread - but would just point out how to rig a kite in the most efficient and practical way, without damage risks.