BillyKP wrote:Peter_Frank wrote:Doing it in exactly the same way each time is a good thing and definitely a sane habit, as it will minimize mistakes, and you can do it easily and without sudden "mess"
The downside is, as we can see here, that because many "refuse to do it otherwise than the way THEY want to", it gets messy at tight spots with many kitesurfers
With currently 45 votes:
60 % of us always rig so we might block other kitesurfers, even when many kites
40 % rig side to the wind, when many other kites, and good to see that in fact more than half of us pay attention to others and change from up or down to side when other kites on the beach
I think it is a bit sad though, to see that most of us dont give a sh.. about how we might mess up for the rest
Could be fine with some more consideration about others, and learn at least two ways of rigging lines
Peter
Good post ! Good topic ....Ya its gets hectic for sure when there is bunch of us... but I think its just the nature of kiteboarding. There are a few "dont give a sh.." ..but a lot of people don't understand all the chaos and how to work inside that jungle. We are all eager to rig up and get out there and we are sometimes blinded by that excitement. Even if you try to lay your lines in way that is courteous to others, its inevitable someone will land their kite, as their lines fall over yours...just as you are getting ready to launch. In many spots we go, there can be a lot of confusion and "head shaking" , "rolling of the eyes etc etc...but most guys are pretty decent and eager to help lift lines off kites, launch and land and sort things out when it gets tight. Depending on my mood that day, it can either drive me crazy, or sometimes it just makes me laugh watching the antics
Thanks, and yes you hit the nail on the head - most are eager to get out, and never get to understand the "mess" they make, particularly if not used to crowds.
Not on purpose no, and we all find out how to get along even with these messy line layouts some carry with them onto crowded spots, having no idea what nuisance it creates.
I think you are right, only a very very few deliberately dont care about others - it is bad habits brought to crowded spots so no idea what follows often...
But those usually having lots of space, and travelling to crowded spots, are the ones making this error again and again.
My advice to those 56 % of the kitesurfers who still rig "egostyle" (but most likely not aware) up or downwind WHEN crowded, is:
Pump your kite first, and place at same side as most others.
Roll the lines off the bar side to the wind from behind the kite, so everybody can rig at the same time, and others get up or down without interfering.
When lines are rolled out, run the lines out from the bar (you are still side to the wind) towards the kite, centerlines (and maybe 5th) between your legs and steering lines on your left and right.
Dont put the lines on the ground, connect all 4 or 5 lines one at a time, from the rear/downwind side of the kite - and you are home free no tangles no matter how windy
Practice this now and then even when not crowded, so you are familiar with this method, even if you normally rig up or downwind.
Now you have a way of rigging and laying lines out that works when many kites on the beach, and crowded
And when no crowds, do whatever you like.
Spread the word is my advice, and things will be a lot easier out there c",)
Peter
