First steps with a Revolution kite by Lyze Kiel
Lyze Kiel published a short video series for a friend who was starting with a Revolution kite. The result is informal, but useful for seeing the first gestures in real conditions.
Who is Lyze Kiel?
Section titled "Who is Lyze Kiel?"Lyze practices quad-line kites at the Bois de Vincennes in France.
These first steps were initially intended for a friend who was just starting out. Lyze addresses that friend directly in the videos, then made them public so other kite flyers could use them too.
The advantages of these videos
Section titled "The advantages of these videos"- Lyze’s tone is natural.
- The length of each theme seems appropriate.
- Subtitles are available.
Disadvantages of these first steps
Section titled "Disadvantages of these first steps"- The videos are in French.
- Some moments can feel improvised. These videos were not initially produced for a broad audience.
Setting up your Revolution kite
Section titled "Setting up your Revolution kite"Lyze lists useful gear (up to 0:30). He then shows the carbon rods and how to fit them together and set the leading edge (up to 1:50). Then he installs the connectors on the leading edge (to 3:40). Lyze makes the classic mistake of trying to fit the leading edge before checking the condition of the sail and bridles. We recommend unfolding the sail and checking that the bridle is free before fitting the leading edge endcaps. Lyze then mounts the vertical rods. Finally, he checks that the bridle is free.
Unfold the lines and prepare for flight
Section titled "Unfold the lines and prepare for flight"The basics of flying
Section titled "The basics of flying"Mastering your Revolution in flight
Section titled "Mastering your Revolution in flight"Disassembly your Revolution kite
Section titled "Disassembly your Revolution kite"Do a 45° turn
Section titled "Do a 45° turn"Demonstration of low-wind flying
Section titled "Demonstration of low-wind flying"Lyze shows us how he flies in light winds. Here are a few points to observe:
- Lyze moves backwards to load his kite and go up.
- He moves forward as his kite goes down, while maintaining pressure on his lines. This allows him to regain ground.
- He brings his forearms towards his body to pump as his kite rises. Be careful to keep the lines taut, otherwise the kite will stall.
- Lyze flies a short line.
The absence of wind allows Lyze to fly in all directions.
Here’s some advice before you try it yourself:
- Practice first with a steady wind corresponding to your kite’s range. Flying in light winds requires a good level of skill.
- Bring good shoes.
- Check that the ground is flat and free of holes. Watch out for sprains!
- Before you start, warm up by walking several dozen meters backwards.
- Keep your line plate with you. If you’ve gone back too far, you can put the lines away, move forward again and start again!
Demonstration in steady wind
Section titled "Demonstration in steady wind"Lyze demonstrates one of his training sessions. At the time, he had just completed 8 months of regular practice.
To go further
Section titled "To go further"Last updated