geopeck wrote:Snip...
Also - Peter Frank - WTF? You always seem pretty thoughtful - but this is a safety issue that you are falling on the wrong side of so that you can keep your kite pretty? Have you ever had a bladder burst while you are riding? It's very nice to keep some flotation with you, especially in the cold water we both have.
?
I dont get what you mean by "keeping your kite pretty" ?
Anyways, I choose NOT to close and open my clips every single time I rig/derig my kites - because I ride A LOT !
What a waste of time in my eyes
And on the big kite I have taken the clips off, as it will be lighter, and they wont rub against something (destroy the kite), nor need help when inflating.
As big kites are often packed really hard in the bag, both because of their size, and because you typically only use limited amount of time when rigging down.
So only advantages by NOT having clips on those IMO (except for the rare rainy days where they are practical).
Yes, you can have a bladder failure - I've had one in 14 years, so yes, it can happen - and it could happen tomorrow.
It is my choice though - just like I often ride without safety leash too, because it is faster and easier sometimes - if sideon and waves and alone or just a few out, where I just want to get rid of the kite if it goes into the rolling waves.
The risk that I am really far out, and the wind changes 90 to 180 percent, and that I can not ditch the kite and swim ashore on my board (or without), is 1 out of a million in my eyes.
You also got a downside, if you try to rescue your kite - as you will get dragged out so far and fast (as we agree that the only scenario where it could have an impact, is if wind oddly changes to offshore, right ?) that you might not be able to swim ashore no more - and then you are in REAL trouble !
Water can be cold, and darkness could be approaching - and if out alone or if noone sees you - you could be worse off than if you go for the swim ashore
There is a risk in both scenarios - but it is just my choice to do like I do.
Just like some are using impact vest, flotation vest, helmet, knife, whistle, GPS transponders etc etc.
Others are not, or just using some of the add-on gear.
Personal choices, and depending on WHAT you are doing, as if going for a long distance ride far out, you choose differently of course.
Just like I wear a helmet sometimes, other times not.
So I choose not to close the valves, as it is a PITA to do both before you go out, and to open afterwards, besides it makes derigging MUCH slower.
And evaluating the risk and any situation I could think of on a given day - I typically make my choice.
You choose to close/open your clips every time - I do not
Off topic, I know, but would just respond !
Peter