Forums > Kitesurfing   Newbies / Tips & Tricks

The best rigging method

Reply
Created by Ozone Kites Aus > 9 months ago, 10 Dec 2018
Ozone Kites Aus
NSW, 884 posts
Site Sponsor
10 Dec 2018 9:49AM
Thumbs Up

Please watch this video and learn how to rig your lines safely (walk the lines once!), fool proof, impossible to tangle, and fast.


IanR
NSW, 1237 posts
13 Dec 2018 11:53AM
Thumbs Up

Just a quick note to any newbie looking to try this method , please take the time to untwist the front lines.
If there are several twists in the front lines and something goes wrong on the launch and you need to release to the safety, it may well jam and leave you with a death looping kite. A couple of minutes spent doing this may save a trip to the hospital. Also be aware that the bar is upside down when setting up and will need a 180 degree rotation before launch

alex4714
QLD, 8 posts
13 Dec 2018 3:27PM
Thumbs Up

Why do you need to pop the safety to land the kite ?

cauncy
WA, 8407 posts
13 Dec 2018 3:16PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
alex4714 said..
Why do you need to pop the safety to land the kite ?

Yo don't but I always do
ever seen a Kite take of with 12 mtrs of slack in the lines before the rider realises
back snapping power delivery
but funny in some perverted way

bigtone667
NSW, 1502 posts
13 Dec 2018 6:56PM
Thumbs Up

I gave this method a swing today on my Rebel and it works treat. Thanks again Steve.

cauncy
WA, 8407 posts
13 Dec 2018 8:38PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
IanR said..
Just a quick note to any newbie looking to try this method , please take the time to untwist the front lines.
If there are several twists in the front lines and something goes wrong on the launch and you need to release to the safety, it may well jam and leave you with a death looping kite. A couple of minutes spent doing this may save a trip to the hospital. Also be aware that the bar is upside down when setting up and will need a 180 degree rotation before launch



I put around 8/ 10 rotations in my power lines on average
and come in in strong winds in a dwinder and pull the safety on landing as at times I don't have a tether option
I've never had an issue on any brand of Kite with this
death loops mainly come from backline issues not power lines
The ozone system is as good as most systems in safety regards not matter what brand

KiteBud
WA, 1515 posts
14 Dec 2018 10:03AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
IanR said..
Just a quick note to any newbie looking to try this method , please take the time to untwist the front lines.
If there are several twists in the front lines and something goes wrong on the launch and you need to release to the safety, it may well jam and leave you with a death looping kite. A couple of minutes spent doing this may save a trip to the hospital. Also be aware that the bar is upside down when setting up and will need a 180 degree rotation before launch



Agreed with Ian. Rigging fully downwind is a safer method for beginners. The method explained in the video is great for intermediate/advanced kiters, however, would not recommend for newbies for the following reasons:

-As Ian mentioned, there is a risk of having too many front line twists which could jam the safety system. If there is a problem during the launch, the beginner won't have enough time to untwist the lines after launching before pulling the safety system. Beginners should be encouraged to do a proper pre-flight check prior to launching.

-Beginners tend to wrap their lines around the bar more poorly therefore they tend to have more twists in all of their lines. Connecting both front lines first then walking the back lines to untwist would only work well if your lines were wrapped really well with little to no twists.

-Difficult to do a proper pre-flight check when the lines are crosswind. A beginner attempting to pull the bar to check the lines before the launch could accidentally launch the kite. When fully downwind, it's very easy and safe to do a pre-flight check and not a danger if you pull on the bar slightly to tension the lines. Giving slight tension in all of the lines is essential do to a proper pre-flight check.

Christian

IanR
NSW, 1237 posts
14 Dec 2018 3:47PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
cauncy said..
I put around 8/ 10 rotations in my power lines on average
and come in in strong winds in a dwinder and pull the safety on landing as at times I don't have a tether option
I've never had an issue on any brand of Kite with this
death loops mainly come from backline issues not power lines
The ozone system is as good as most systems in safety regards not matter what brand




Wow Cauncy
I wouldn't take the risk of self landing with ten twists in the front lines no matter the brand of kite.
I try and manage the twists in my front lines either with tricks or the swivel and never have more than four.
Have you ever wondered why the kite company's put the swivel in the system ?

cauncy
WA, 8407 posts
14 Dec 2018 3:55PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
cbulota said..


IanR said..
Just a quick note to any newbie looking to try this method , please take the time to untwist the front lines.
If there are several twists in the front lines and something goes wrong on the launch and you need to release to the safety, it may well jam and leave you with a death looping kite. A couple of minutes spent doing this may save a trip to the hospital. Also be aware that the bar is upside down when setting up and will need a 180 degree rotation before launch





Agreed with Ian. Rigging fully downwind is a safer method for beginners. The method explained in the video is great for intermediate/advanced kiters, however, would not recommend for newbies for the following reasons:

-As Ian mentioned, there is a risk of having too many front line twists which could jam the safety system. If there is a problem during the launch, the beginner won't have enough time to untwist the lines after launching before pulling the safety system. Beginners should be encouraged to do a proper pre-flight check prior to launching.

-Beginners tend to wrap their lines around the bar more poorly therefore they tend to have more twists in all of their lines. Connecting both front lines first then walking the back lines to untwist would only work well if your lines were wrapped really well with little to no twists.

-Difficult to do a proper pre-flight check when the lines are crosswind. A beginner attempting to pull the bar to check the lines before the launch could accidentally launch the kite. When fully downwind, it's very easy and safe to do a pre-flight check and not a danger if you pull on the bar slightly to tension the lines. Giving slight tension in all of the lines is essential do to a proper pre-flight check.

Christian



Are you talking as a self launch?
as this isn't a beginner procedure as they wouldn't have the foggiest what is being put to them
Tbh I don't think there's a 100% gaurenteed method if general factors are taken into account

cauncy
WA, 8407 posts
14 Dec 2018 3:57PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
IanR said..

cauncy said..
I put around 8/ 10 rotations in my power lines on average
and come in in strong winds in a dwinder and pull the safety on landing as at times I don't have a tether option
I've never had an issue on any brand of Kite with this
death loops mainly come from backline issues not power lines
The ozone system is as good as most systems in safety regards not matter what brand





Wow Cauncy
I wouldn't take the risk of self landing with ten twists in the front lines no matter the brand of kite.
I try and manage the twists in my front lines either with tricks or the swivel and never have more than four.
Have you ever wondered why the kite company's put the swivel in the system ?


As a luxury most brands I had didn't have one

Kamikuza
QLD, 6493 posts
14 Dec 2018 7:01PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
cauncy said..

IanR said..


cauncy said..
I put around 8/ 10 rotations in my power lines on average
and come in in strong winds in a dwinder and pull the safety on landing as at times I don't have a tether option
I've never had an issue on any brand of Kite with this
death loops mainly come from backline issues not power lines
The ozone system is as good as most systems in safety regards not matter what brand






Wow Cauncy
I wouldn't take the risk of self landing with ten twists in the front lines no matter the brand of kite.
I try and manage the twists in my front lines either with tricks or the swivel and never have more than four.
Have you ever wondered why the kite company's put the swivel in the system ?



As a luxury most brands I had didn't have one


Uh? Most brands have a swivel, even if it's only below the bar. I'd be willing to bet "all" brands do.

IanR
NSW, 1237 posts
14 Dec 2018 9:22PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
cauncy said..


cbulota said..


IanR said..



as this isn't a beginner procedure as they wouldn't have the foggiest what is being put to them
Tbh I don't think there's a 100% gaurenteed method if general factors are taken into account



That is exactly why I, and I think cbulota have commented
This is the Newbie Forum if you have not noticed
It has been spruiked as " The Best Rigging method " with no mention of the fact that it is a Intermediate to advance technique either in the video or title
The first line of the original post states "Please watch this video and learn how to rig your lines (walk the lines once) FOOL PROOF, IMPOSSIBLE TO TANGLE, and fast
I don't really think its funny seeing people hurt themselves
Have a merry Christmas and Peace to All Men

KiteBud
WA, 1515 posts
14 Dec 2018 7:01PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
IanR

That is exactly why I, and I think cbulota have commented
This is the Newbie Forum if you have not noticed
It has been spruiked as " The Best Rigging method " with no mention of the fact that it is a Intermediate to advance technique either in the video or title
The first line of the original post states "Please watch this video and learn how to rig your lines (walk the lines once) FOOL PROOF, IMPOSSIBLE TO TANGLE, and fast
I don't really think its funny seeing people hurt themselves
Have a merry Christmas and Peace to All Men



Yep exactly my point as well

Adam''KiteRepair
NSW, 104 posts
14 Dec 2018 10:02PM
Thumbs Up

Imo, downwind method isn't even usable for self launching. Not any way, Iv ever seen. To address the disagreement with the cross wind line walk, I think most people would agree that they have seen alot of mayhem over the years because a person has dragged their lines over some object that snags and or locks two lines together and won't free up. Crossword method is a must in alot of places, definetly places that I kite.as far as the comment about the twisted front lines and if you should free them before releasing. My first argument is, if a saftey system won't release when the front line are twisted, it is not a saftey system. Common accurance would be for a kite to death loop several times before a kiter can pull his QR. In saying that, for arguments sake, perhaps it wouldn't hurt. But most people turn their below bar swivel right after a twist. After all the swivel isn't there the help a kite fly safe as such, it's their to stop lines rubbing and wearing prematurely aswell as the point of the Y from not being were it shouldn't.

Additional note: in order to counter some attack that I'm a pimp.
1: I hate the connect two front line thing. Steve always tells me to do it, and I tell him to leave me alone(useally not that nicely). But IV given it a go before and it does work. Def works when your helping to straiten your mates lines on the beach when he has fully released in the waves. As I tested the other day. Was kinda cross that Steve was right. Lol
2: I don't use my saftey when landing, I reach up to grab my top line and land the kite, not advisable for beginners or none experienced flyers though.

cauncy
WA, 8407 posts
14 Dec 2018 8:12PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
Kamikuza said..

cauncy said..


IanR said..



cauncy said..
I put around 8/ 10 rotations in my power lines on average
and come in in strong winds in a dwinder and pull the safety on landing as at times I don't have a tether option
I've never had an issue on any brand of Kite with this
death loops mainly come from backline issues not power lines
The ozone system is as good as most systems in safety regards not matter what brand







Wow Cauncy
I wouldn't take the risk of self landing with ten twists in the front lines no matter the brand of kite.
I try and manage the twists in my front lines either with tricks or the swivel and never have more than four.
Have you ever wondered why the kite company's put the swivel in the system ?




As a luxury most brands I had didn't have one



Uh? Most brands have a swivel, even if it's only below the bar. I'd be willing to bet "all" brands do.


Date dependant

cauncy
WA, 8407 posts
14 Dec 2018 8:28PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
cbulota said..

IanR

That is exactly why I, and I think cbulota have commented
This is the Newbie Forum if you have not noticed
It has been spruiked as " The Best Rigging method " with no mention of the fact that it is a Intermediate to advance technique either in the video or title
The first line of the original post states "Please watch this video and learn how to rig your lines (walk the lines once) FOOL PROOF, IMPOSSIBLE TO TANGLE, and fast
I don't really think its funny seeing people hurt themselves
Have a merry Christmas and Peace to All Men




Yep exactly my point as well


As in a self launch perspective ? Or tether, tether doesn't matter as you've the option to
check untwist pre hooking in
tbh , newbie isn't at the self launch stage, the rigging method imho is fine if tethering or assisted launch,
also not that difficult when walking back after rigging steering lines to have a quick look over power lines

Kamikuza
QLD, 6493 posts
14 Dec 2018 11:11PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
cauncy said..

Kamikuza said..


cauncy said..



IanR said..




cauncy said..
I put around 8/ 10 rotations in my power lines on average
and come in in strong winds in a dwinder and pull the safety on landing as at times I don't have a tether option
I've never had an issue on any brand of Kite with this
death loops mainly come from backline issues not power lines
The ozone system is as good as most systems in safety regards not matter what brand








Wow Cauncy
I wouldn't take the risk of self landing with ten twists in the front lines no matter the brand of kite.
I try and manage the twists in my front lines either with tricks or the swivel and never have more than four.
Have you ever wondered why the kite company's put the swivel in the system ?





As a luxury most brands I had didn't have one




Uh? Most brands have a swivel, even if it's only below the bar. I'd be willing to bet "all" brands do.



Date dependant


Would have to be really ancient gear, to the point of irrelevance for this discussion.

Kamikuza
QLD, 6493 posts
14 Dec 2018 11:57PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
Adam''KiteRepair said..
Imo, downwind method isn't even usable for self launching. Not any way, Iv ever seen. To address the disagreement with the cross wind line walk, I think most people would agree that they have seen alot of mayhem over the years because a person has dragged their lines over some object that snags and or locks two lines together and won't free up. Crossword method is a must in alot of places, definetly places that I kite.as far as the comment about the twisted front lines and if you should free them before releasing. My first argument is, if a saftey system won't release when the front line are twisted, it is not a saftey system. Common accurance would be for a kite to death loop several times before a kiter can pull his QR. In saying that, for arguments sake, perhaps it wouldn't hurt. But most people turn their below bar swivel right after a twist. After all the swivel isn't there the help a kite fly safe as such, it's their to stop lines rubbing and wearing prematurely aswell as the point of the Y from not being were it shouldn't.

Additional note: in order to counter some attack that I'm a pimp.
1: I hate the connect two front line thing. Steve always tells me to do it, and I tell him to leave me alone(useally not that nicely). But IV given it a go before and it does work. Def works when your helping to straiten your mates lines on the beach when he has fully released in the waves. As I tested the other day. Was kinda cross that Steve was right. Lol
2: I don't use my saftey when landing, I reach up to grab my top line and land the kite, not advisable for beginners or none experienced flyers though.


The only difference between downwind and crosswind is the direction you lay the lines out. Any detritus (or weeds, in our spots) that would grab your lines dragging them from down- to side-wind would also grab them during sidewind set up. We've got some real gems here.

The benefit of downwind rigging is that you can visually inspect the steering lines once rigged to ensure that they are not twisted around the center lines, with the kite still on the ground.

Safety systems rely on being able to lengthen the relative differences between the safety line and the others. Wraps around the safety may bind when loaded, or shorten the relative lengths enough to negate the safety. Can't blame the designs for friction.

I'm starting to form the opinion that "safety systems" are, like depower, misnamed and people put too much faith in them, expecting perfect safety when they throw the QR. Kites still death loop when the QR has been pulled and properly deployed. The only truly "safed" kite is one that's been completely released.

...

When you wrap your lines up, attach the LH steering line to the LH center line, and vice versa. Next session, you walk the lines out with the centers between your legs -- the lines looped around your thighs keep them tidy -- attach the lines one side at a time. There is literally no way that you can balls up and wrap the steering lines around the centers, and the twists in the center lines are almost zero. Works for any direction of rigging.

I still prefer downwind rigging because of the secondary visual check. Thought I should be less lazy about dragging the kite around into position I guess, but if the wind is up it reduces the odds that the kite will get blown out of position.

I land like you do too (in strong wind) and when I launch, the opposite: with the kite balanced on the tip, I can do a final check on the lines before walking into the wind the last couple of steps.

Self-launching is really no different than relaunching on the water, the addition of the danger of being on land. I don't think it's *that* much of an intermediate technique.

Ozone Kites Aus
NSW, 884 posts
Site Sponsor
15 Dec 2018 9:19AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
alex4714 said..
Why do you need to pop the safety to land the kite ?


You don't, but when you do, you learn a couple of things and they become instinctive in an emergency.
1 - Where your primary release is located.
2 - What happens when you use it, and you know it works

Knowing what happens when you pop the safety builds confidence and makes you a safer kiter.

I've been using and teaching this method for several years, there are no hidden dangers when using it with an Ozone bar, or any bar that I know of (26 yrs in the kite industry, averaging 250hrs water time every year).
If you do exactly as shown in the video you cannot loop a side line around your centre lines.
Kiters that are ready for this method will know it, and they will not be wrapping up their lines with a hundred twists in them, but regardless the kite would still launch and the kiter would still have time to release and if needed completely detach, but that is an extremely unlikely scenario.

I've made these videos because I see lots of rural/coastal kiters that have poor technique, and also plenty of city dwelling kiters too. The intention is only to make kiting safer for everyone.

Kamikuza
QLD, 6493 posts
15 Dec 2018 10:50AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
Ozone Kites Aus said..


rural/coastal kiters ...city dwelling kiters ...


Is this a thing is it

Simsurf
WA, 237 posts
18 Dec 2018 7:24AM
Thumbs Up

Call me old school but I ALWAYS run my lines twice, and do it the way I was taught by the old cruiser at my local. Centre lines between my legs, steering lines on the outside and run them from directly downwind of the kite. I self launch and land a lot and have never had an issue with twisted lines. Seem so many issues on launch or people having to land again to re-run steering lines that are through the center lines through people not taking the time to run them properly. IMHO its one of the most crucial parts of the setup. Might as well take 60 seconds longer to be sure.

Ozone Kites Aus
NSW, 884 posts
Site Sponsor
18 Dec 2018 10:57AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
Simsurf said..
Call me old school but I ALWAYS run my lines twice, and do it the way I was taught by the old cruiser at my local. Centre lines between my legs, steering lines on the outside and run them from directly downwind of the kite. I self launch and land a lot and have never had an issue with twisted lines. Seem so many issues on launch or people having to land again to re-run steering lines that are through the center lines through people not taking the time to run them properly. IMHO its one of the most crucial parts of the setup. Might as well take 60 seconds longer to be sure.


Clearly there is more than one way to rig a kite and if you have a way you are happy with it it never lets you down why change? Perhaps only if you see something better? Thats what I've always done, keep an open mind and change if something tried is better or makes more sense.

Like you after seeing so many issues caused by poor rigging technique I had to share this method. By connecting the front lines first and then walking them as you do fronts between legs and rears in each hand, they cannot be fouled around each other, and only 1 walk is required.

theDoctor
NSW, 5765 posts
18 Dec 2018 5:19PM
Thumbs Up


Always double check and keep red to the left

KIT33R
NSW, 1714 posts
21 Dec 2018 10:04AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
theDoctor said..

Always double check and keep red to the left


...and a glass of white in the right



Subscribe
Reply

Forums > Kitesurfing   Newbies / Tips & Tricks


"The best rigging method" started by Ozone Kites Aus