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Subject: New student having kiting problems, what am I doing wrong?
From: Jim
Date: Sat Jun 29 12:12:58 2002

I started paragliding pilot trainging two days ago and after my second
full day of kiting or ground handling practice, I am still unable to
control the wing for more than a few seconds. My instructors are
helpful, but they can't spend all day with just me, so most of my
training is self-experimentation. I have watched "The art of kiting"
video , which was somewhat helpful and I think I know the basics of
what to do, but seems like I am missing something fundamental. Others
I watch barely move at all, especially their feet. I see young kids
and women out there barely even fussing with the kites and they
control them perfectly, while I am running side to side making huge
corrections, using brakes constantly, etc. Its a mess. Am I just using
too much power? Should I even be moving side to side trying to get
under the center?

Basically my issue is that once the wing comes up overhead, it
immediately starts to turn either left or right and eventually "flip
over" as it crashes. Very frustrating since my instructor said that
most students get the hang of it in just 2 hours...
Usually when this happens I try to turn towards the side of the wing
that is falling and pull the break of the side that is higher, then I
try to move backwards into the wind, but I usually end up going
sideways because the kite drag prevents me from going backwards. They
say I am fighing it, but I am really trying to go with the kite.
...Just not going well.
Also, should all my weight be on my butt/harness rather than on my
feet?

If anyone has had this issue themselves and has a helpful tip, I would
appreciate hearing about it. Starting to wonder if this is just not my
sport.
Thanks
Jim

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