Oh my god do not try to swim in without rolling the lines!!! I thought I'd try that once. Only had about 200 yards to swim and dead calm conditions, so didn't take the time to roll up my 32m lines. I could not believe what a mess this made. It took me and a buddy over two hours working together to get that thing untangled. Definitely roll the lines all the way up as far as they will go including as much of the bridles as you can.
Yeah sitting on the board is a great idea not just for self rescue but also for a simple relaunch. I learned about it and definitely worth remembering.davesails7 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2017 5:42 pm
Also, grab your board and sit on it as soon as the kite goes down. Otherwise it will take off downwind way faster than you. It took some practice, but now I can sit on the board no problem while rolling up the lines.
I've had way too many self rescues on my tube kite so I know the feeling. I tell them to go f*** themselves when I get in. How is the fire department going to rescue me? Call the coast guard or sheriff you imbeciles. There is literally nothing you can do if you are kiting solo. The "Thumbs Up" signal is the universal signal that you are ok. Anything else and they think you are drowning, but when you are that far away they can't see the thumbs up. If they send a helicopter, the helicopter will get close enough to you and when they can see you, give them the "Thumbs Up" and they will go away. It is nice to know they care though. I've done some long mile+ swims before and boaters saw me and just went by. Maybe I look like I can take care of myself, or maybe they don't care if I drown lol, I dunno.davesails7 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2017 6:11 pmOne thing I need is a way to signal to bystanders that I'm OK. I've had several instances where I get to shore after drifting in about a 1/4 mile sitting upright on my board and then people on the beach say "are you OK? I called the fire department to come rescue you." I appreciate their concern, but someone sitting upright on a sunny day in mirror flat water, i camt figure out how to let them know im fine.