Leaving your lines fully extended.

[conchxpress]

We are often reminded to wind the lines up when the kite is not in use, or at least secure them in a way that people don't trip over them, or they get tangled, etc. Here's a new reason:

While waiting for the wind to come up at Smathers in Key West, my lines were placed downwind from the kite after coming in from a short session, ready to go again when the wind appeared. A group of us were sitting under the palms discussing the usual stuff. The kite was secured with a good amount of sand, about 10 yards from us, mostly downwind.There didn't appear to be anyone else on the beach. Since we were sitting and somewhat distracted, we couldn't see the beach on the other side of the kite. One of the guys looks up and asks, "is that your kite down there?" The kite was about 20 yards further down the beach, still in the resting position, still with the same amount of sand. The bar and lines were still stretched out, but now the bar lay next to a 4 year old boy, who had apparently dragged the bar down the beach and the kite with it, still in the same position.He was a very cute kid and seemed to be having the time of his life. I couldn't really scold him. Besides, he didn't speak english. All this time his mother who was sitting on a towel speaking Spanish into her cell phone, was oblivious to his activities. I had this image flash thru my mind of a small boy being lofted into the power lines or out onto the road. It would give new meaning to the term "El Nino." And the next image was me standing in front of the judge. "Well you see, your honor..." That's the one time I'm glad there wasn't any wind. I don't know if he learned his lesson, but I learned mine. Beware of ankle biters!!! And wind your lines up.

[ricki]

Good story Frank. You were right there and yet kids, dogs get up to stuff before we know it at times. Wrapping the lines up is a good policy. If you're going to leave the kite unattended for a while, deflating the leading edge and rolling it up taco style is good too. Cuts down wear and tear strumming in the wind.

If I have concerns about someone taking the kite for a flight, it is amazing how often this happens involving people who have no idea what they are getting into, it is best to detach the lines from one side of the kite or even all of them.

A prime example of what can go wrong shows up at:

Don't try this at your beach or anywhere else for that matter! Too funny.