Flying the Zaephay in its Optimal Conditions
The weather forecast was spot on. Sunny and just a draft of wind coming in from the sea. Just the right conditions for flying the Zaephay!
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The 26th Nordic Kite Meeting
Blokhus Denmark
May 13th - 19th 2024
Blokhus Wind Festival
Blokhus Denmark
May 18th - 19th 2024

So I was pretty excited when I walked across the field and I could hardly feel the wind at all. It was there, but just a whisper. Perfect!

I hauled the Zaephay out of its bag, assembled it, hooked it up to the lines and started to fly.

Wow! ????

Awesome! Now this was far from the bumpy winds of yesterday. Barely noticeable but plenty to get the Zaephay flying without too much effort from the pilot.

After a little bridle tweak, I was really satisfied with its flying characteristics and I was ready for shooting some video too.

So here’s a bit of today’s action on the field! ????????

In a Whisper of Wind

3 Responses

  1. Some questions about your set up: you are using something like 4.5m lines? Your handles seem longer than the “normal” (?) 13” – 14”, 15”? I most often use the 14” handles on 4.6m, but have never tried any longer handles than that. What ever handle length that you are using it allows the kite to go really flat (and beyond) at e.g. 0:39 (or is it perhaps in the bridle?).

    After I got started with zero/low wind, after a few sessions, I happened to find a valuable hint on Kitelife. There SHBKF said (sorry I couldn’t find the post again or remember the exact wording), that he felt most in control when he managed to pilot the indoor kite as slowly as possible. For this to be possible (piloting with more limited input of pulling an running) I found that the angle of the handles need to be carefully controlled to maximize the pressure. Apply much brake when the kite is travelling forward to increase the pressure and slow things (like a 360) down. This can also prevent the handles from reaching the floor/ground when doing up&overs on longer lines.

    Once again, congratulations to a successful special session!

    1. > you are using something like 4.5m lines? Your handles seem longer than the “normal” (?) 13” – 14”, 15”?

      Shorter! The lines I’m using in this video is about 3,4 meters and the handles…? A pair Anders made for the NKM2019. I haven’t measured them … yet 😉

      > There SHBKF said…

      Yes, I agree! When flying in true no wind conditions you will need to adapt to a somewhat altered flying style. Just like SHBK says. I have tended to say that rather than fly your kite, you guide it!

      …and I guess I should take a closer look at those DYI handles of mine and maybe adjust the angle somewhat. The bridle of the kite likewise. I have a feeling that the lines running from down spar fittings on the LE to the upper tow points need to be shortened a bit allowing for a somewhat “sharper” angle of attack. (Hmmmm…. kind of difficult to explain without showing that one. 😉 )

  2. > and I guess I should take a closer look at those DYI handles of mine and maybe adjust the angle somewhat. The bridle of the kite likewise. I have a feeling that the lines running from down spar fittings on the LE to the upper tow points need to be shortened a bit…

    I was thinking in the line of more dynamically finding the optimal angle at any given time, at least when the kite is flying in the normal way. But sure trimming the handles/bridle so that you are close to this setting should also help or even be a requirement for effective piloting. The search for the pressure is something I gained (or at least got a lot of practice in) from the no/low wind stuff and is something I often actively return to during the no/low wind practice – feeling for the max pressure both on very soft moves and more aggressive.

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See you at the 26th
Nordic Kite Meeting!

Blokhus, Denmark

May 13th - 19th, 2023

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