after 30 mins on the water last thursday in about 20-25knts a larks head
slipped off the connecting knot on one of my steering lines. The timing was not very convenient as i was about 5m off the water. The kite powered into a severe down loop slingshotting me about 15 meters down wind and crashing me quite heavily into the water. I was out past the breakers but was finding it hard to swim and breath with broken rib. I am glad my good friend robbie was around to help me in and with my gear. There is usually no one out at this spot so i was lucky i had a buddy.

After inspection of the line we both ruled out user error as the kite had operated fine for 30mins before the accident and the larks head loop was still in loop form looking like it had just slipped past the knot.The knot on this brands bar does look a bit average. we have beefed it up to prevent it happening again

In 5 years of kiting i have never seen it happen. Any other people experienced it?

Im lucky it happened out at sea and not on land otherwise it could have been a lot worse.

Never seen it, but worried it might happen when I tried a Liquid Force Havoc. The not to hold the lark's head is tiny. Had no faith in it at all, and checked it a few times before going out. It's a pity though, cause everything else about the kite semed great

yeah u prolly didnt pull it tight enough and one of the larks loops slipped off.

brady said...

Never seen it, but worried it might happen when I tried a Liquid Force Havoc. The not to hold the lark's head is tiny. Had no faith in it at all, and checked it a few times before going out. It's a pity though, cause everything else about the kite semed great

I agree, when I demo'ed the havoc I was worried about the knots. I think it's something LF could improve on.

if its windy enough sometimes the flapping motion of the kite can loosen the larks head. I have noticed mine looking very loose sometimes after the kite has been sitting on the beach for awhile

Its happened to me once too while on land. The air was nice, the landing wasnt. Always make sure they are pulled tight. I think thats what brought Johno Keys to grief too.