VIDEO: Jon Modica Demonstrates A Novel Solo Landing Technique For SB III Kites

I've landed my waroos with this method for a year now and it works. However, no way I would try it in 25 because if the kite slides backwards and relaunches over zenith you may get a nasty surprise, even fully depowered. I was always afraid it would end up in the trees at backside (small launch surrounded by trees).

The graph I see for that time shows 15-18 (with some gusts above 20) up until just after 5:00.

The waves and chop are too clean for 25 gusting higher imo. Not to mention that both hair and the palm trees in the background aren't even moving. My guess is 15 - 18 mph.

But regardless this is an ok method for landing in a pinch... I like the front line ring better but this works.

Yeah. Top ring for sure. It won't work otherwise.
Because of this, I usually reason which front line I want the ring on when rigging. If I will be coming back in on a port tack, I attach the ring to the right front line. If coming back to shore on a starboard tack, I attach it to the left. I switch my leash over for a self landing while on the water, just before I come in. I also attach it there when self launching in hairy winds, just in case. It will flag the kite out on that way if the launch goes bad.
Then I move it back to the normal spot once I hit the water.
Things don't go wrong too often, but better safe than sorry is sort of my mindset when launching/landing solo.

I noticed that Ozone built in rings for both front lines last year with easy to reach handles.
I think Best is considering the same.

I looked for videos last night demonstrating the self landing using the rings (like your method, but with the leash to a front line ring) and couldn't find one. I did find a psycho on a kite that almost broke his arm by tethering himself to a long rope and going up about 70 feet. He then crashes down. I don't think that qualifies as a self landing video though.

[neil xrated]

Exactly how I launch and land my Slingshot TD2. I also teach this method. Cheers Neil

[eclipsedave]

Originally Posted by Tom Stock

I've landed my waroos with this method for a year now and it works. However, no way I would try it in 25 because if the kite slides backwards and relaunches over zenith you may get a nasty surprise, even fully depowered. I was always afraid it would end up in the trees at backside (small launch surrounded by trees).

The graph I see for that time shows 15-18 (with some gusts above 20) up until just after 5:00.

The waves and chop are too clean for 25 gusting higher imo. Not to mention that both hair and the palm trees in the background aren't even moving. My guess is 15 - 18 mph.

But regardless this is an ok method for landing in a pinch... I like the front line ring better but this works.

This is what I have been trying to tell Ikite for over 6 months now there sensor reads 4-5 mph higher in jupiter that makes a big difference and they keep telling me nothing is wrong

[jon modica]

Originally Posted by Tom Stock

I've landed my waroos with this method for a year now and it works. However, no way I would try it in 25 because if the kite slides backwards and relaunches over zenith you may get a nasty surprise, even fully depowered. I was always afraid it would end up in the trees at backside (small launch surrounded by trees).

The graph I see for that time shows 15-18 (with some gusts above 20) up until just after 5:00.

The waves and chop are too clean for 25 gusting higher imo. Not to mention that both hair and the palm trees in the background aren't even moving. My guess is 15 - 18 mph.

But regardless this is an ok method for landing in a pinch... I like the front line ring better but this works.

hey Tom,
it was pretty windy. i was riding an 8m kite in the finals just minutes before this video was taken. I weigh 160lbs.

as long as im using a true bow kite, i am comfortable doing this up to 25knots no problem.

-Jon

[ricki]

Hey Scott,

I moved your manlifting video into a special place all of its own in "Lessons From the Hardside." Added a post I made from kiteforum when this same thing came up again recently. I'll have to dig up details of all those other cases, photos, etc. and add them to your post.

I was wondering about that, Rick. That video is a classic.
When I first saw the video with Jon, I too assumed it was not much wind like Tom is saying.
It really doesn't look windy.

If you guys think your sensors suck, GEEZ, I would be ecstatic if ALL of ours were only 4 knots off
I agree though, 13 compared to 17 knots is night and day.

You know what would be awesome? Showing landing using the leash on the ring. I don't thing one of those vids is on the 'net. (Not a smooth move one... only released from zenith).
I noticed on many sites that sell Cabby's that they mention the bar has a self landing ring. Seeing it in action would help people... tons.
I get asked to show people how to self land moderately often at the beach, so I know there is interest.
The last time was on a Cabrinha. It's a great skill to have, just in case, as you guys already know. I think it's awesome you guys took the time to make the first video.
Making one with use of a leash on the ring would be even more awesome. That way people could do it both ways.

[skiprima]

what inside ring are people referring to? I have an '08 Switchblade 3 that only has one ring, on the back left line. The right back line has a red ball.
there isn't anything on the inside lines.

I was taught to attach the safety leash where Jon has it. Is there a better/safer place for it. there is no place to attach it to the front lines.

Great demo on the video, I can't wait to try it next time I kite

[ricki]

If the kite bounces, the technique shown for completely solo landing your kite is not reliable in my experience. Jon's technique of tensioning above the bar on the trim strap assembly seems to very substantially flat kites I have tried it on to date. Many do bounce excessively unlike the SB III Jon did his demo with.


Does your bar resemble the one shown below:


From: http://www.mackiteboarding.com/


Question, are they still skiing at A Basin this season or are things over until the fall?

[BizGuru]

Rick,

The Switchblade 3 doesn't use a pulley bar and uses one of the rear lines for leash attachment.

This bat looks like the Crossbow 3 / Contra Bar.

Ken