Date:	Fri, 25 Jun 1993 08:07:23 -1000
From:	tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com
Message-Id: <9306251804.AA11783@enet-gw.pa.dec.com>
Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Subject: Re: stalls and grip technique


Wes Voss writes:	

<Subj:	Re: Stall tips
<Bert, are you familiar with the NSR? Last night I was sitting there 
<thinking about how to adjust those points. I got thinking that I have 
<that adjustable outhaul. Lee mentioned that by adjusting his outhaul it 
<fixed his problem. I'm wondering, would shortening the outhaul have the 
<same effect as moving the clips?

The NSR has an adjustable outhaul that can be used in combination with
the long bridle adjustment.  Lee is right.  Changing the outhaul 1"
is roughly equal to moving the clips on the long bridle 1/8".  Shortening
the outhaul = lowering the clips.  Lengthening the outhaul = raising
the clips.  Its all very interactive.  Generally speaking, long outhauls
will also give you slightly better spin by keeping the kite in a vertical
plane with its revolution.  Short outhauls give you a slower, more "layed
back" spin (as Marty S. calls it), but with better recovery OUT of the 
spin/turn back onto a line.  
A lot of flyers that do a lot of ground work prefer the outhauls
adjusted on the short side, and with the swivels adjusted low. Once this
optimum position has been established, I leave the long bridle adjustment
alone, and will lengthen the outhaul for low wind only, because its easy
to find the same spot on the outhaul when normal winds return.  IMO, the 
NSR is an excellent kite for ground work and stalls, if you can get used
to the pull (it seems to perform best when its pulling hard). 

Subj:    Re: Ron Reich grip

<I've heard that before. I would like to try it, but I don't see how you 
<my finger would reach the lines with my Skyclaws. I mean, would it help 
<to be monitoring tension on the top connecting line that leads down to 
<the actual lines? Or are you referring to another type of handle? I have 
<lately been thinking about trying straps or something else to give me a 
<better feel for the line. I understand the Moran handles are nice and I 
<guess they are configured with the line between 2 fingers so you could 
<realistically place a finger on the line itself.  Any suggestions? How do 
<you do it?

Can't use this technique on a Moran handle.  Moran's are more comfortable
to some flyers, though.   Personal preference I guess.
You can actually use the Sky Claw the way it is.  Just grab them like
a set of ski poles with your thumb on top of the ends of them.  You
may have to attach your lines off center to the handle so that the handle
will remain vertical in your grip.  Sky Claws were my first grips and I
still really like them (I like the diameter of the grip, and the feel of
the material they use).  I took my old Claws, and using a radial saw, shortened
them by cutting the ends off where the lines go into the handle.  They're
approx. 4 inches long.  Then I re-drilled holes for the cord, right thru the
covering and all.  These are my favorite handles.  I had to tie the cord
so that the knots were in the "front" of the handle so that they wouldn't
rub into my palms.  Very comfortable.  For high wind I use straps.  Using
Ron's technique, your index finger can be used to not only monitor line
but also for fine control on some stunts, such as stalls.  And, believe
me, you'd be amazed at how much a good basic technique such as this one
can help you.  

Hope this helps, you!

Bert Tanaka 


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