For places where you cannot walk the line down, it is necessary to have some way of keeping a strain on the line as you
pull it down. When the winds picks up during a session, especially when alone it can be dangerous trying to get your kite
down in control. I made a winch out of a bicycle free wheel assembly, it is still just a prototype and needs improvement,
but it works fairly well though it is heavy and fairly bulky, it could be lightened with more use of Aluminum. I will
probably make another one to try and perfect it. Click here to see winch.
There is a factory made alternative to the above-mentioned device available that is intended for sailboats and can be
purchased in a marine chandlery dealing with sailing equipment. I ran across this item in a KAP discussion group nearly
a year ago. It is a �Harken little Hexi-ratchet�. This block has a switch on one side that allows you to stop the block
from rolling back in one direction as it ratchets in the line (you pull it in, it stops the line from slipping back out).
It is necessary to take a round file and knock down some ridges to keep from damaging your line (initially it was intended
for heavier line than kiteline). I usually only put it on when there is a chance of the wind picking up by feeding the line
around the wheel a full turn paying attention to the ratcheting direction. The switch doesn�t need to be on unless you need
it. The only drawback here is that this device needs to be put on before you loft your kite. It would be nice to be able to
put the standing line on a block if the need arises due to increasing wind. Click here to
see rachet.
The last item I will mention for now is for attaching your rig to the kiteline. I used a loop of line attached to my
kiteline with a prussic knot for quite a long while, and still do occasionally. I finally got around to making my rendition
of Brook Leffler�s �Hang-up�. At least I am pretty sure that is what his design is getting at, I never actually handled
one of his. It is kind of like the tent & awning line tensioners of long ago. They are made of plastic and I carry them
in my pocket along with change. Click here for picture of hang up and Pendulum.
