how to switch from suicide to "self-landing" ...

[EvanOR]

Now I understand the hesitation with #5...... :)

I ride a 4m Rise (surfboard, 150lbs) when it's over 30. If you're riding a twin and are any heavier than me then the 6m is the way to go. If you want crazy range, the 6 is magic. You'll be amazed at the low end it is.

[vdeub]

when it s very strong i take my twintip, but i am around 160lb. (lost a lot of weight lately ;) -

[EvanOR]

Yes, then I recommend the 6m.

[jbirdmarin]

Seems like everything has been resolved here - but it makes me cringe just a bit to see the pics of the saftey leash associated at all with the chicken loop (not confused with self rescue saftey which should be on the loop). Unless I am missing some other benefit, my experience has been to keep it out of the way clipped to front or side of your harness, even if an extension is req'd. Sure, sometimes when you spin the bar you have to reclip the safety again (not the end of the world and good practice) or just loop or spin again.

A few years back I was involved a rescue of a guy who had his bar wedged (off-center) into the harness hook, thus powered up and hard steering left; the rider couldn't release the dang bar from the hook. I think everyone can visualize endless, powered, uncontrolled kiteloops, relaunching off the water every 10 secs? I believe the safety was stuck in the middle and was part of the jamming problem (how he got it wedged there is still a mystery.) The guy couldn't keep his head out of the water long enough to cut his lines in time.

[EvanOR]

The leash is not supposed to be clipped to the chicken loop. One end of the leash clips to the ring, and the other end of the leash goes to your harness, typically on either side or on the back where it can slide freely from side to side on the handle pass loop.

I don't think there is a manufacturer out there that currently supplies a bar with the leash set up you describe (they were common in the early part of the decade). You'd never be able to sell it because people want to be able to spin their bar and be leashed in at the same time. Having to unclip to do that 1) inhibits your riding and 2) invites trouble and is likely more unsafe.

Advanced freestye riders choose to clip to the chicken loop (on any bar) if they want a suicide set up .

[jbirdmarin]

Looks to me like the leading end (non clipped) of the safety leash is below the bar - that's what I was referring to. Maybe my bar is goofy or I have all three set up wrong, but the leash is above the bar at the line spreaders (2007 kite+bar).

I guess maybe I need to rething how it is set up, b/c I see the advantages you are talking about (they all came that way from the factory and per manual??)

[EvanOR]

I could be mistaken, but my guess is that you have a really old bar. If not being able to spin the leash works for you, then stick with it!

[EvanOR]

Looks to me like the leading end (non clipped) of the safety leash is below the bar - that's what I was referring to. Maybe my bar is goofy or I have all three set up wrong, but the leash is above the bar at the line spreaders (2007 kite+bar).

I guess maybe I need to rething how it is set up, b/c I see the advantages you are talking about (they all came that way from the factory and per manual??)

If you post some photos or tell us what you have, then we could help you. Perhaps the rep for the brand you own wants to step in, my fingers are tired and I'm going to Crissy. :mrgreen:

[jbirdmarin]

You can still spin, but sometimes it gets hung up on the bar. Here's the setup (maybe I just explained it wrong, wouldn't be the first time.)

[EvanOR]

Yes, that is from a 2005 Shockwave. It is not up to par with current standards. Spining the bar with that leash set up is inviting trouble.

http://www.ikiteboarding.com/kiteboardi ... kwave.aspx#

Take a look at the current Naish bar and you will the set up is almost identical to yours.

http://www.naishkites.com/en/products/kites/cult.html