SalmonSlayer - True!
The old part is just a matter of time, 1958 sure seems like a loooooong time ago.
The broken part....is from lots of years of believing that I was unbreakable.
Turns out I WAS WRONG!!!!
I have to be more careful now that my neck is broken (or rebuilt, or repaired, or structurally fortified, or whatever you would call it).
The other stuff that got worn out/broken and then repaired/rebuilt, is no big deal.
The four fused/plate supported-neck vertebrae, means I cannot go full out, balls to the wall, on dirt or pavement or snow anymore.
I even have to go easy a bit, on the water.
A good slam or two per kite session, will have me hurting for several weeks.
The truth is, my stupid neck hurts every day, but I lie and tell my wife and other people who care, that it feels okay.
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I always liked the Surefire hook and I like the way you are using it a lot.
I think Starsky's rig looks great too.
The Jay DynaBar model I have, is one I don't think they continued to make, because it was not popular.
I bought it from 321 Kiteboarding in Florida and the price was very good.
It was aimed toward the wake style kiter and it did not get anyone's attention.
I like it....but I had to make the frame stronger because I kept bending it all to hell from jumping forces.
It swivels side to side (and up and down) and moves the point of contact closer to the hip on toeside riding, so it works good for me, but it is just a hook (no release) and still relies on a normal chicken loop connection.
I also built a rope set up that slides side to side, but I like that less.