Re: [Paddlewise] Paddling with kites/umbrellas

On 23 Apr 2005 at 19:18, Paul Ash wrote:

> Does anyone here have experience of using a kite to tow a kayak? (Or a
> golf umbrella, for that matter). I'd be interested in any comments.

Little personal experience, since I've only used borrowed umbrellas 
on day trips for a few minutes.

Around here, golf umbrellas are popular - they are big, tough, not 
subject to corrosion (all plastic and fiberglass) and spill excess 
wind (they are Gustbusters or equivalent).  They can be handled with 
one hand or snagged under a deck bungie/line. They store easily under 
deck bungies.   I've had my eye out for one on sale for a while; 
they're pricy when new.  You can really scoot along with one.

I've been toying with making a kite as well.  I have a ton of very 
light Dacron sailcloth 330mm wide (just over one foot) - the end of a 
roll sawn off.  When Amie saw it, she thought it was a roll of paper 
towel.  Well under 2 oz per yard stuff.  $0.50 at a garage sale!  So 
far I use it for making light stuff sacks.

However, when I think of how easy it is to use a brollie, the kite 
isn't as attractive.  I have a rudderless kayak, so the kite seems 
like it would be a tad more trouble to control.  If I took sailing a 
kayak seriously, I'd consider a deck-mounted sail, but then I 
recently inherited an old Hammer foldable kayak (two seater) complete 
with sail rig (main and jib) that just begs to be reconditioned and 
sailed.  So many projects, so little time...

Mike
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