I received one email and one person posted here about multi-line parafoils being something I should look into. In fact, these kites were the first I looked into, but the cost-effective ones are not practical for kayaking. Dual and quad-line kites can generate tremendous pull when they are flying close to downwind and in motion (usually a figure eight). This is what kitesurfers do. The problem is that most reasonably priced ones cannot be launched from the water. Unlike a single-line kite, which is paid out as the kite takes off, the flying line for a dual or quad-line kite must be paid out first, then the kite is launched. The only water relaunchable foils have inflatable frames (Naish and Wipika) that keep them from sinking. They cost $400 and up. Plus you need two hands to keep them up. Lastly, their lines are never longer than 150 ft. (or else you can't control them), whereas a single line parafoil can benefit from much more than that. Ken Cooperstein *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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