Lofted 1200 ft. By Squall And Survived

[ricki]

Yes Marc, Erik's lofting is a classic. Though there was another remarkable uplift lofting involving a famous pro kiter, on snow for the first time? It is a must see for kiters AND on a smaller foil too. You can check out a "twofer" of both Erik's and Malik's video clips at:

http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=7576

Interesting comment Greg. It is easy to look at a kite as a free body diagram (fixed in space) rotating nicely around fixed axis. In reality, it may be moving more than that as you point out. Still, if the angle of attack is nearly flat the resulting lift should be minimized. Enough other factors occur in extreme wind loading to make lofting still a distinct possibility anyway.

How many folks have had the bar all the way out and still felt they might be lifted on a flat kite before? Or worse, actually were lofted? Nothing I would encourage, still it is better than considering you have infinite depowering ability ("wind immunity"). That would be a real bad conclusion.

Thanks John and you're welcome. We really need to get the word out about some of the weather realities of this sport in ways folks will take it to heart.