Ken,

 I know you mentioned permits before are they still needed?  If so what do we need to do to get one?  I'm up for a downwinder some time or to receive a little coaching.  I would even be willing to ride support untill I can feel comfortable out on the water.  Any recomendations on a life vest as I should probably pick one up?

Bigstreet,

You available during the week?  As I have mentioned to Ken, I basically have 2 out of every 5 weeks off work, so I have alot of time available through the week, but don't ride cause I don't feel comfortable yet going out by myself.  Nor have become independantly wealthy enough to move to a more kiteable location.

BTW I sent a request for a dealer app for http://www.sofxusa.com, my guess is $450 to $550 for the ufo complete, wholesale.  If any one is interested, it would be specail order only, would have to figure out the warranty issue though as I'd basicallly be giving them away at cost + shipping, don't know if the shop owner would be willing to give out receipts, but you could buy 2 for less than 1 other kite.  As far as I know I can still get Liquid Force, HQ, Ozone, and Ground Industries gear.

It would be a good idea to seek a permit. The one Ron and I are using expired last year I believe, but they have not said anything about it so far to us.

Contact the Alum Creek Park office to get the permit.

http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks/parks/alum.htm

A lot of times I bring the Jet Ski, but don't launch it because there is no one to ride it. If you want to run relaunch support we can teach you how to approach a downed kite on the Jet Ski safely. This will also allow you to be closer to te action and better observe. I found this very helpful last summer myself. I am now comfortable not having it all the time, but I don't ride as hard sometimes because I don't want to drop my kite in the middle of the lake. 

During the summer I think we need to avoid the beach if it is crowded. A ditched kite would likely end up hurting people downwind The Alum Creek Downwinder is the obvious solution. We are starting to have enough people to make this possible. All we need is a good NNW or SSE wind
The other option is to launch from the point, but this is not good if you can't return to the same point you started from.
Either way the summer winds last year were not suitable for kiting most days. It is not the ideal time to learn at the creek due to boat and people traffic.

I have lot's of parts and pieces. I can probably come up with enough leader and line material. I am at work now, but can check when I get home. I would suggest adding Oh Shit handles too as alternate attachment points.

In this forum I have a thread on how to rig your own Adjustable on the Fly 5th line/safety leash. It involves bolting a Cam Cleat to your sheeting strap and adding a ring to your Chicken Loop.

The benefit to rigging your own bar, is you better understand how it is supposed to work. Many people have never used their safety systems. It is important to use and understand them before they are needed. Practice deploying your safety at the end of each session and soon it will be second nature.

When bad things happen, there often isn't time to think of what to do, it needs to be automatic.

It sounds like you are getting ready for the Water Start. Basically:

1. Point your board towards the kite (mostly).
2. Move your kite to the 12 to 11 O clock position depending on power needed.
3. Swoop the kite down through the power zone and in the direction of intended travel.
4. Lean back on your board edge and begin carving more upwind (gradually or you will stall the kite).
5. If powered Lock the kite and ride, otherwise sine the kite to gain extra power.
Note: if you drop back in the water, make a bigger power stroke (start further back in the window). Also try not to go downwind too much or you will lose line tension and stall the kite as well.