Was it me or the wind?...

[Ringo*]

I went out to Ocean Beach today for my maiden voyage with a powerkite (a 3.5m Pro-Foil). I have handles, not a bar, and just basically had it facing the wind, pulled up a bit, and was able to usually get it up above me. Seemingly in need of kite-Viagra, it had erection problems and would die quickly. The descent was also amusing as it would sometimes just kind of spin downwards, fluffing and puffing to its demise.

So the question: was it me? It felt awesome during the ascent throught the power zone, a good pull, but maybe the wind wasn't enough (average around 8mph), or maybe my lines should be adjusted...

Any advice is appreciated!

[Bulldog]

You need more wind, or you need to keep it moving around in the power zone continuously, flying it in and out.

[elli]

Yep, can be too light wind. Did you feel the kite pulling hard when it takes off?

If you have handles it is also possible that you pull the back lines. This will cause the kite to stall and fly back, and if you overdo it, loose pressure. Try to fly it with the back lines completely loose, stir by pulling the arms to your body rather than applying the brakes (the back lines are also called brakes on foils with handles). I know that some foils come with back lines that are too short and it takes some effort to keep them loose. In that case you have to rebalance the lines or the leaders somehow. Many foils have a few connection points on the leaders that allow you to extend or shorten the front / back lines.