Has anyone tried using a hydration pack whilst kite boarding? I never see anyone using them so I assume they must be a pain in the arse for one or more reasons
I've seen one guy use them every session, it has some merit I guess if you want to stay out.
I had a bump n jump impact vest years ago with pack built in. Was great actually, pull up and have a few minutes rest and a drink, then take off again.
Biggest problem is that they are hard to keep clean. The packs just don't dry inside, so they grow mould or even if you can't see anything they can be slimy inside. There's a special drying hangar thing you can get and tablets, but that was all too much hard work for me.
Select to expand quotekiteboy dave said...
Biggest problem is that they are hard to keep clean. The packs just don't dry inside, so they grow mould or even if you can't see anything they can be slimy inside. There's a special drying hangar thing you can get and tablets, but that was all too much hard work for me.
I've found as long as you only put water in them and leave it full of water in storage there's no issue with mould etc. just flush with fresh water prior to use and all good.
Personally would bother for kiting though, another thing to get in the way.
Just skull heaps before u go out.
I've used a run of the mill classic style camelbak 1.5l hydration pack in the past for longer 3-4hr sessions and worked very well.
In saying that I've only really used it for long downwinders so didn't spend much time in the water. I found that when i was in the water it would ride up. It would be a pain if you were boosting or spending more time falling off.
It was something small like:http://shop.camelbak.com/classic/d/50012_c_1120_cl_2520
I used one when learning. I found doing the walk of shame tiring (made me thirsty) and also wanted to avoid landing then launching just to grab a quick drink. Now I use one if I am going to do a big downwinder, otherwise its alot easier to just keep a water bottle on the beach and come in for a drink when desired.
Ive used a camelbak a few times, I have one of the smaller ones so it doesnt move around much and you dont notice it whilst kiting.
RE mould / keeping clean, you can either keep the bladder in the freezer (empty) or clean it out with PSR which is commonly used to clean bear bottles for home brew
Select to expand quotenigelw2 said..kiteboy dave said...
Biggest problem is that they are hard to keep clean. The packs just don't dry inside, so they grow mould or even if you can't see anything they can be slimy inside. There's a special drying hangar thing you can get and tablets, but that was all too much hard work for me.
I've found as long as you only put water in them and leave it full of water in storage there's no issue with mould etc. just flush with fresh water prior to use and all good.
Personally would bother for kiting though, another thing to get in the way.
Just skull heaps before u go out.
Yeah, that was part of my problem... cordial.
Cracknback, Freezer sounds like a good trick, low fuss.
I also used one when learning, found that it was great to have fresh water to keep me hydrated whilst expelling lots of energy required in the learning process wrestling the kite and board etc. small camelback style. Did me well, but have grown out of the idea through progression.
