Excellent refresher that prompted me to cut off a piece of line and do a practice run through my basic knots and configurations. This is the kind of practical kiting knowledge that really advances the hobby. I don't know about most people, but I originally learned kite anchoring as wrapping line on an anchored carabiner. This traveling pigtail anchor is so doggone useful that I'm sure my carabiners will sink to the bottom of my kiting toolbox, and I've already prepped and included in my toolbox several different length pigtails in 500# line. Thank you, Jim. This video is an oldie, but a goodie.
I din't think of it, Graham, my friend Carl did - or copied it from elsewhere. But it's so simple that it's the kind of thing you kick yourself for not thinking of yourself. I wish I'd known about it earlier.
Great instructional video and great to hear your voice Jim! I just want to say to anyone who has a bit more knot knowledge should know that a sheet bend is greatly preferable over an overhand/granny knot any day. If you have no clue what I am saying then Jim's advice is totally solid and more than sufficient for your needs,
freedom1996 Despite having been a Boy Scout member 60-odd years ago, I don't know much about knots, so thanks for that information. I've had no problems with the overhand knot, but am always open to suggestions. There's no "right way" in most things, I've found. To some people, of course, it's either "my way" or "the wrong way!"
What a superb video. That was presented in a way that was so easy to follow. A beginner would have no problem with that. The only thing I can say is I used to use a Bowline quite a lot, A loop that wont slip, But since my visit to see Jim I have used his technique a lot more. Its more simple and effective.
Sir Jim ,i just fly for first time my Hata kite ,,into the wind ,,,with his original line,,,but my gosh the line is turn to badly twisted to itself ,,,i make a try and make it good again but it starts to twisted again,like a spiral ! ! very unhappy !! please tell me what to do ! is my line damaged for life ? or its a problem can be solved ? i flow the kite in light wind ,,make 3-4 loops and landed him,,,fly for about 20 minutes,,,do i have to rewind the line on spool hardly or softly ??
I used this method with my #1000 on my 8sqm tadpole and it snapped on the knot itself. For big kites, maybe use a carabina instead of tying directly on the rope
If that was with spectra/dyneema line, then that's why it broke. Such line needs to be sleeved at both ends where you are going to tie a knot - that is, where it's attached to the kite and where it's attached to an anchor. (Do a search for sleeving kite lines to see how it's done). This does not apply to dacron (polyester) or nylon lines, and there is little chance of them breaking unless they are greatly overloaded.
Jim, I'm going to be new to using these yo yo kite winders while anchored like you should in the video. How do undo the knot while the kite is in the air? Do you walk the kite down with carabiner then undo the knot or do you do this mid flight?
I always find it easy to just pull in the line a little to create some slack and then undo the knot before reeling in the kite. It's only a problem with a very hard-pulling kite in a strong wind, and then I use a Crocodile Grip to do the same thing. I almost never walk-down my kites as there's no room where I fly to do so.
great advice --now all I need is an object to tie too. More over , I am stuck with weighted bags as an open field has few if any objects that stand hard in the ground... I am thinking of that dog tie out spike that screws in to the ground. Ever see that one, Jim?
I have a couple of those, Priscilla, although I've almost never used them. Many people make regular use of them as kite anchors, but they should be used with care. If they come out of the ground, they could be a lethal weapon whipping across the field. And I've heard of one that broke off near the top with similar results. Stick to light-pulling kites if you use them. I sometimes use the Claw, sold by Into The Wind, as a good ground anchor in a field (I have three of them.) It's designed for holding down light aircraft when they're parked, and rated at 1,200lb pull, although again you need to be careful if you're flying big stuff, as you wouldn't want that flailing around in mid air and knocking people's heads off.
Hi sis, i use these stuff. There seems to be 2 sizes of the cockscrew dog stakes, i use both (main lifter(s) or laundry). Dog stake, 46cm, 460g and 9mm diameter. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.0.0.398e15c3551ZuR&id=45307280501&_u=q1u0hcibcac4 Dog stake, 41cm, 300g and 8cm diameter. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.0.0.398e15c3551ZuR&id=546329400620&_u=q1u0hcibd8ea They are probably normal steel or something, coated with something. What i have heard is that a guy here use them and have flew them with his biggest kites (think Maxi size) with no issue. However, the field here is moderately hard, the top part is soft though due to frequent rains, but the deeper parts past 20cm is pretty hard. What i think is that the most crucial aspect is really the condition of the field. Another factor to consider would be if the ground stake would rust or not. You can certainly fashion a steel rebar that is ultra strong from 16mm bars, but it might rust even if you paint it. Also, if the wind is strong, you must remember to tie your line or whatever fig of 8 device or carabiner etc to the bottommost portion of the stake. If you tie it to the topmost part, the whole thing acts like a lever and for sure even a tough 16mm diameter stake would bend while a puny 8mm dia with the line anchored at the part closest to the ground might not bend. Think about that......it makes sense. I also use the following, 63cm depth and 10mm dia stainless steel. This reaches even deeper into the ground. I have seen 1m ones, but only 10mm, i think for my field here 1m and 14-16mm makes more sense here, and besides i do not have any humongous kites, and the ground stake would also be pretty heavy so be unsuitable for those who do not have personal transportation. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.0.0.398e15c3551ZuR&id=534859054971&_u=q1u0hcib892f More stuff : 50cm lightning conductor. I think it's a 12mm dia. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z0d.6639537.1997196601.165.213b69bektrpuM&id=525426849044 Camping ground stakes : 40cm 10mm stainless steel. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.0.0.26cfd7dbkGIOUu&id=551140673191&_u=q1u0hcibf32f
16mm 1.5metre lightning conductor. The specs say that it's galvalinsed (with what? nothing) and would not rust. However, even in my country (Singapore), it might cost a bit more to ship here due to it's length, not very cost prohibitive though, maybe a few dollars more than the original price....maybe $15 total for this thing. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.20141002.6.45b2aa05OgOy5a&scm=1007.10009.70205.100200300000001&id=554596220615&pvid=2a7c6849-4244-4257-a679-8233c479a945
Hi Jim - great instructional video - i was about to ask you in another post, how you tie down all your Kites, but i stumbled across this video. What is the "Black" coloured line you are using ? ( Spectra or Dyneema ) And where is the best website or shop to get my Kite lines from ? Regards, Rod.
All the line I use is braided dacron - the black one came from Gomberg Kites; most others sell only white. I have bought from Into The Wind (expensive but good,) and Picture Pretty Kites in USA, and more recently I've bought from Emma Kites in China, who sell different colour lines. Once I bought some braided dacron fishing line from a store in Ch Ch, but it was expensive, and they didn't have a choice of strengths. Actually I like black line best, but I haven't bought anything from Gomberg for a very long time so haven't had a chance to pick up more. www.gombergkites.com/line.html
Hi Jim Just a question regarding Yo-Yo Reels ( Like your Aqua coloured one in the video ) Have you done a video on types and sizes of these to use on various line strengths ? For instance i am needing a few shortly for 100lb / 150lb / 250lb and 300lb line, but i do not know how large of a reel to use? I will be spooling them up with 250 feet of line each, but there are 4-inch / 5-inch / 6-inch / 7-inch and up to 10-inch reels. So my question is: What size reel should i use for these line strengths? and where is a good place to purchase them? Regards.
I don't recommend buying 10" spools, as they are a bit big to handle. Eight inch are good for 300lb line, but for anything lighter a 7" or even 6" is fine. I wouldn't go smaller than that or it takes too long to wind the line. I haven't found anywhere in NZ to buy decent spools, so I've bought from Into The Wind or Picture Pretty kites mostly, as those are the main people I deal with. I also have a few I bought on AliExpress, but I can't recall who the seller was.
Amazon sells Premier Yo-Yo reels in various sizes, up to 8 inch. They have others as well including that oddly shaped hand casting fishing reel which some use for kite line. They have In The Breeze reels that are loaded already with either stranded or braided nylon line. I have a few of those.
CirrusRC I try to avoid sand anchors if I can, because dogs pee all over them (dog owners here tend to be very irresponsible.) I usually tie down to the low fence in the video, or to large pieces of driftwood - most of which the local council has just removed for some unknown reason, very strange since they don't usually bother to clean up the beach at all and the driftwood is actually useful!
Jim Nicholls I learnt a lesson regarding sand anchors and leaving unsupervised! Made my own 1m X 1m sand anchor for hols last week. Worked really well. I bought the kite down and packed away but left anchor in the sand whilst I waited for more wind. A pit bull type dog came along and pulled it out of the sand and ran off with it. Punctured both the strapping and ripstock! Was annoyed at myself and the owner. Just glad kite was not attached at the time.
I use a length of paracord to gather the loops of my sand anchors and tie off my kite. I used to have nightmares being caught without a carabiner. Now I have none.
Excellent refresher that prompted me to cut off a piece of line and do a practice run through my basic knots and configurations. This is the kind of practical kiting knowledge that really advances the hobby. I don't know about most people, but I originally learned kite anchoring as wrapping line on an anchored carabiner. This traveling pigtail anchor is so doggone useful that I'm sure my carabiners will sink to the bottom of my kiting toolbox, and I've already prepped and included in my toolbox several different length pigtails in 500# line. Thank you, Jim. This video is an oldie, but a goodie.
I'm glad it was useful, Richard. I use the tiedowns every time I fly.
Thanks Jim, flown kites for years just never thought of tying down like this.
As you say easy way is best but someone has to come up with that idea.
I din't think of it, Graham, my friend Carl did - or copied it from elsewhere. But it's so simple that it's the kind of thing you kick yourself for not thinking of yourself. I wish I'd known about it earlier.
Thank you! This simple information has taken me forever to find. Now I can tie off to sand anchors on the beach.
+Jessica Wallace Ayala I'm glad it was useful. The simple methods are usually the best!
Thanks so much for this. Been refreshing my basic SLK knowledge and now I can set up a show wherever I go!
Glad it was helpful. Have fun!
Super useful information! Thank you, Jim.
Glad it was helpful!
Great instructional video and great to hear your voice Jim! I just want to say to anyone who has a bit more knot knowledge should know that a sheet bend is greatly preferable over an overhand/granny knot any day. If you have no clue what I am saying then Jim's advice is totally solid and more than sufficient for your needs,
freedom1996 Despite having been a Boy Scout member 60-odd years ago, I don't know much about knots, so thanks for that information. I've had no problems with the overhand knot, but am always open to suggestions. There's no "right way" in most things, I've found. To some people, of course, it's either "my way" or "the wrong way!"
This is far too simple! Wow! Thanks Mate. I'm off to a kite fest tomorrow here in Minneapolis. Cheers!
Simple is always best, Dave! People who try to over-complicate kite-flying give me a pain.
Love these tutorials. Thanks.
I'm glad to be of help. Have fun!
How I wish this was around when I was a newbie! Wonderful, simple, easy to understand!
K B Glad you enjoyed it. I'll do a few more of what I hope will be helpful videos when the weather permits.
Now that a have the largest kite of my collection coming soon, I needed this video to help with anchoring. Thanks Jim for this info..... very helpful~
Always pleased to help, Mark!
What a superb video. That was presented in a way that was so easy to follow.
A beginner would have no problem with that. The only thing I can say is I used to use a Bowline quite a lot, A loop that wont slip, But since my visit to see Jim I have used his technique a lot more. Its more simple and effective.
graham vaughan Thanks, Graham, I'm glad you liked it. Seems a long time since you were here, must be almost time for another visit!
Sir Jim ,i just fly for first time my Hata kite ,,into the wind ,,,with his original line,,,but my gosh the line is turn to badly twisted to itself ,,,i make a try and make it good again but it starts to twisted again,like a spiral ! ! very unhappy !! please tell me what to do ! is my line damaged for life ? or its a problem can be solved ? i flow the kite in light wind ,,make 3-4 loops and landed him,,,fly for about 20 minutes,,,do i have to rewind the line on spool hardly or softly ??
Another excellent video, cheers.
+Don Coldwell Thanks, Don!
I used this method with my #1000 on my 8sqm tadpole and it snapped on the knot itself. For big kites, maybe use a carabina instead of tying directly on the rope
If that was with spectra/dyneema line, then that's why it broke. Such line needs to be sleeved at both ends where you are going to tie a knot - that is, where it's attached to the kite and where it's attached to an anchor. (Do a search for sleeving kite lines to see how it's done). This does not apply to dacron (polyester) or nylon lines, and there is little chance of them breaking unless they are greatly overloaded.
Jim, I'm going to be new to using these yo yo kite winders while anchored like you should in the video. How do undo the knot while the kite is in the air? Do you walk the kite down with carabiner then undo the knot or do you do this mid flight?
I always find it easy to just pull in the line a little to create some slack and then undo the knot before reeling in the kite. It's only a problem with a very hard-pulling kite in a strong wind, and then I use a Crocodile Grip to do the same thing. I almost never walk-down my kites as there's no room where I fly to do so.
@@JimNicholls Thanks Jim
You're very welcome!
Very useful one Jim:) Thanks...
0KiteEatingTree0 Glad it helped. I'll try to do more soon.
I'll definitely remember that one in future for my #OctopusKite
I'm glad it was useful. Have fun!
Thanks for your lesson
You are welcome. I hope you had a good day off today.
@@JimNicholls Not too bad day.
Haha
great advice --now all I need is an object to tie too. More over , I am stuck with weighted bags as an open field has few if any objects that stand hard in the ground... I am thinking of that dog tie out spike that screws in to the ground. Ever see that one, Jim?
I have a couple of those, Priscilla, although I've almost never used them. Many people make regular use of them as kite anchors, but they should be used with care. If they come out of the ground, they could be a lethal weapon whipping across the field. And I've heard of one that broke off near the top with similar results. Stick to light-pulling kites if you use them.
I sometimes use the Claw, sold by Into The Wind, as a good ground anchor in a field (I have three of them.) It's designed for holding down light aircraft when they're parked, and rated at 1,200lb pull, although again you need to be careful if you're flying big stuff, as you wouldn't want that flailing around in mid air and knocking people's heads off.
Oooh...I can imagine the mess they might make..will do , Jim..thanks for the tip!
Hi sis, i use these stuff. There seems to be 2 sizes of the cockscrew dog stakes, i use both (main lifter(s) or laundry). Dog stake, 46cm, 460g and 9mm diameter. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.0.0.398e15c3551ZuR&id=45307280501&_u=q1u0hcibcac4
Dog stake, 41cm, 300g and 8cm diameter. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.0.0.398e15c3551ZuR&id=546329400620&_u=q1u0hcibd8ea
They are probably normal steel or something, coated with something. What i have heard is that a guy here use them and have flew them with his biggest kites (think Maxi size) with no issue. However, the field here is moderately hard, the top part is soft though due to frequent rains, but the deeper parts past 20cm is pretty hard.
What i think is that the most crucial aspect is really the condition of the field. Another factor to consider would be if the ground stake would rust or not. You can certainly fashion a steel rebar that is ultra strong from 16mm bars, but it might rust even if you paint it.
Also, if the wind is strong, you must remember to tie your line or whatever fig of 8 device or carabiner etc to the bottommost portion of the stake. If you tie it to the topmost part, the whole thing acts like a lever and for sure even a tough 16mm diameter stake would bend while a puny 8mm dia with the line anchored at the part closest to the ground might not bend. Think about that......it makes sense.
I also use the following, 63cm depth and 10mm dia stainless steel. This reaches even deeper into the ground. I have seen 1m ones, but only 10mm, i think for my field here 1m and 14-16mm makes more sense here, and besides i do not have any humongous kites, and the ground stake would also be pretty heavy so be unsuitable for those who do not have personal transportation.
item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.0.0.398e15c3551ZuR&id=534859054971&_u=q1u0hcib892f
More stuff :
50cm lightning conductor. I think it's a 12mm dia. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z0d.6639537.1997196601.165.213b69bektrpuM&id=525426849044
Camping ground stakes : 40cm 10mm stainless steel. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.0.0.26cfd7dbkGIOUu&id=551140673191&_u=q1u0hcibf32f
I briefly checked your channel. Lots of snow there! I reckon that a 10mm 1.8 metre long ground stake would be nice for your trilobite. :)
16mm 1.5metre lightning conductor. The specs say that it's galvalinsed (with what? nothing) and would not rust. However, even in my country (Singapore), it might cost a bit more to ship here due to it's length, not very cost prohibitive though, maybe a few dollars more than the original price....maybe $15 total for this thing. item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.20141002.6.45b2aa05OgOy5a&scm=1007.10009.70205.100200300000001&id=554596220615&pvid=2a7c6849-4244-4257-a679-8233c479a945
Hi Jim - great instructional video - i was about to ask you in another post, how you tie down all your Kites, but i stumbled across this video.
What is the "Black" coloured line you are using ? ( Spectra or Dyneema ) And where is the best website or shop to get my Kite lines from ?
Regards,
Rod.
All the line I use is braided dacron - the black one came from Gomberg Kites; most others sell only white. I have bought from Into The Wind (expensive but good,) and Picture Pretty Kites in USA, and more recently I've bought from Emma Kites in China, who sell different colour lines. Once I bought some braided dacron fishing line from a store in Ch Ch, but it was expensive, and they didn't have a choice of strengths. Actually I like black line best, but I haven't bought anything from Gomberg for a very long time so haven't had a chance to pick up more. www.gombergkites.com/line.html
You could look up Metropolis Drachen in Germany, they have a great website. Fair price for "Climax Black Line"
Hi Jim
Just a question regarding Yo-Yo Reels ( Like your Aqua coloured one in the video ) Have you done a video on types and sizes of these to use on various line strengths ?
For instance i am needing a few shortly for 100lb / 150lb / 250lb and 300lb line, but i do not know how large of a reel to use?
I will be spooling them up with 250 feet of line each, but there are 4-inch / 5-inch / 6-inch / 7-inch and up to 10-inch reels.
So my question is: What size reel should i use for these line strengths? and where is a good place to purchase them?
Regards.
I don't recommend buying 10" spools, as they are a bit big to handle. Eight inch are good for 300lb line, but for anything lighter a 7" or even 6" is fine. I wouldn't go smaller than that or it takes too long to wind the line. I haven't found anywhere in NZ to buy decent spools, so I've bought from Into The Wind or Picture Pretty kites mostly, as those are the main people I deal with. I also have a few I bought on AliExpress, but I can't recall who the seller was.
Thanks for this Jim
Amazon sells Premier Yo-Yo reels in various sizes, up to 8 inch. They have others as well including that oddly shaped hand casting fishing reel which some use for kite line. They have In The Breeze reels that are loaded already with either stranded or braided nylon line. I have a few of those.
Cheers Jim useful info. When you do these videos with 10+ kites, how are they all anchored? Sand anchors or fixed to objects on the beach?
CirrusRC I try to avoid sand anchors if I can, because dogs pee all over them (dog owners here tend to be very irresponsible.) I usually tie down to the low fence in the video, or to large pieces of driftwood - most of which the local council has just removed for some unknown reason, very strange since they don't usually bother to clean up the beach at all and the driftwood is actually useful!
Jim Nicholls I learnt a lesson regarding sand anchors and leaving unsupervised! Made my own 1m X 1m sand anchor for hols last week. Worked really well. I bought the kite down and packed away but left anchor in the sand whilst I waited for more wind. A pit bull type dog came along and pulled it out of the sand and ran off with it. Punctured both the strapping and ripstock! Was annoyed at myself and the owner. Just glad kite was not attached at the time.
And I thought having them pee on the anchor was bad enough! Some dog owners just aren't fit to have an animal.
Great information. Thanks.
+Chris Morrison I'm glad it was useful.
I use a length of paracord to gather the loops of my sand anchors and tie off my kite. I used to have nightmares being caught without a carabiner. Now I have none.
lionharehart Agreed. Carabiners are unnecessary for tying off a kite - still good for attaching line laundry, though.