Date:	Mon, 6 Sep 1993 20:51:40 -1000
From:	tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com
Message-Id: <9309070648.AA20490@enet-gw.pa.dec.com>
Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Subject: Re: Edge launch and tip stand

>From:	SWAM1::DECPA::"era_pul@ki.ericsson.se" "Peter Ulfheden"  5-SEP-1993 09:08:48.15
>
>Subj:	Re: Cicada leading edge take off performance...
>
>	How can I improve leading edge take off performance?
>	How can I keep the nose from dropping when I do wing tip stands?
>
>	Peter

Sometimes making sure your kite is set up correctly will help in the edge
launch.  I.E., it is easiest to launch with the nose of your kite pointing
toward out toward the edge of the window, so in the case where your kite
is on the ground between the center of the window and the left edge, it
should be pointing toward the left.  The set up for this is to wiggle the
kite around until you can maintain even tension on both lines with your
right hand offset about two feet in front of your left.  After your kite is 
set up, reverse your hands so that your left hand is offset about two
feet in front of your right.  Observe your kite carefully, and just as it
is either about to tip forward, or, the leading edge that is on the ground
begins to come off the ground, pull firmly with BOTH hands.  This technique
minimizes the need for the kite to push forward on the ground and if you
observe your kite carefully, you will notice that it actually lifts up
more vertically then trying to "drag" it up.

As far as how to keep the nose from dropping in a tip stand... I'm not sure
what the main difficulty you're having is.  If you're not familiar with the
move, most kites are held in position the easiest when the nose is pointed
up in about a 45 degree angle or so.  Kites with a straight leading edge
can usually stand slightly more vertical than those with curved leading 
edges but no kite that I have tried is stable when the spine is parallel
to the ground. Try balancing your kite with the nose pointing up and as your
touch improves, rotate it over to the more difficult position.  Be aware
that this trick is stressful to the spars.

Hope this helps,
Bert Tanaka
West Covina, Ca.


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