New Tech Kites

kchunks · Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 5:36 pm Post subject: Parafoil for line climbers

I am interested in getting a parafoil that I can stake down for line climbers (like the bear or life savers on into the wind). Would the 7.5 be sufficient or would I need a bigger one?
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Kevin

Chris · Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 11:41 am Post subject:

Hi Kevin,

Hard to say without more information about the load you are lifting. Obviously, the strength of the wind is a determining factor. 7.5s are not know as big lifters. A Skyhook 30' would certainly get the job done.

Cheers!

Chris
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"Fly a kite for a child and you entertain them for the day. Teach a child to fly a kite and you entertain them for life."

kchunks · Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 12:51 pm Post subject:

Chris,
here is a link to the climbers http://www.intothewind.com/shop/Line_and_Accessories/Line_Climbers I am interested in the ones that realease and parachute down. The statement says that a 4.5' delta for one and a 6' delta for the other. How does that relate to parafoil size?

I had also read that the 7.5 is a good size for kayakers, which looked like fun (except it always seems that I am paddling into a headwind). I know that the big one would do it, I was just trying to keep costs down.
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Kevin

Chris · Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:26 pm Post subject:

A 7.5 parafoil will certainly lift as hard as a 6' delta.
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"Fly a kite for a child and you entertain them for the day. Teach a child to fly a kite and you entertain them for life."

Albert · Wind Seeker Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 9

I've toyed with the idea of teddy dropping some too, but haven't done it myself. Here's some of the best info I've run across:
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/5861/parafauna.html

Albert

kchunks · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 9:52 am Post subject:

Thanks for the link Albert. I posted a similar message on GWTW and there is a thread there entitled "parachute launchers" under the single line kite forum that has a cheap way to build one.

Chris,
what kind/length of line does the 7.5 come with? Is it easy to attach a drogue tail if needed?
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Kevin

Chris · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 5:15 pm Post subject:

kchunks · Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 10:10 am Post subject:

One more question on this topic, does the Sojourn provide any lift for things like this? I've never flown a box kite and have no idea if they have any pull.
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Kevin

Chris · Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 10:43 am Post subject:

Traditionally, box kites tend to have decent pull, but require a higher wind speed due to their weight (extensive framing) and lack of lifting surface (relative to other kites). A Sojourn in 10 - 15 mph should have no trouble lifting a small payload on the line.
_________________
"Fly a kite for a child and you entertain them for the day. Teach a child to fly a kite and you entertain them for life."