From: tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com (Bert Tanaka) Subject: Axel off a Wing Tip Stand Originator: kitenews@netop3.harvard.edu Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Date: Wed, 7 Sep 1994 05:46:27 GMT This is a trick I've used in my precision routine which is sort of neat despite my poor showings in competitions lately. Its a way of getting back up into the air off of a wing tip stand. From a wing tip stand, the kite pops up, and then axels into a horizontal exit. Kites used, Legend IQ's, California Katana. 1. Put your kite in a wing tip stand, about halfway between the center and and the left edge of the window. It should be pointing toward the edge, while it is standing on its left wingtip (the wing that attached to your left line). 2. Quickly let the right wing tip lower until its about a foot off the ground, but not touching it. 3. And then, pop both lines to lift the kite barely off the ground and get tension off both lines immediately. The kite will do a natural push stall. 4. Axel the kite 3/4 around by snapping the right line and causing the kite to turn CCW until its pointing toward the center of the window. 5. Pull up on both lines to make the kite accelerate in a horizontal line. Keys: Pop both lines evenly. This keeps the kite in position with just a small tilt toward the outside edge. You will find that in this attitude, you can axel the kite very close to the ground because the snap will lift it slightly. Also, with the nose pointing just slightly to the left, the kite will axel in place and not drift toward the center which gives it a cleaner look. You can do this trick in relatively strong wind by just tip standing closer to the edge. A variation of this move is to axel the kite all the way around and take off vertically. Have fun, Bert