Yesterday was walking my kite back to the landing area when the wind dropped considerably. I started trying to work it, flying it back and forth, and running into the wind to stop it dropping completely. I also pulled the power strap (ie not the red de-power ball, but the black ball). There were people on the beach and I didn't want it to drop and then power up unexpectedly.
In the end it did fall, spinning around as it did so, and not being far from people, I pulled the QR and all ended safely. A big wet tangled mess, but a safe mess.
Asking advice later, someone said I shouldn't sheet the kite in too much in these situations, and I got confused. I thought I needed MORE power to keep the kite aloft - so shouldn't pulling the black ball help? Doesn;t that sort of replicate running backwards as fast as possible?
I may have completely misunderstood, so just here to get some advice - what is the best way to keep the kite aloft when the wind isn't cooperating?
Sheeting in sends the kite back into the wind window, which can give it more power, but can also send it too far back in the wind and cause the kite to stall. The only tip I have is to grab the front lines, which usually means grabbing the chicken loop line/depower strap above the bar and give a few good tugs toward you, you will see that the kite will look a bit like a bird that is flapping its wings, and you'll see it start to fly higher in the sky and more over head. Give it a few short sharp tugs, then see how it is.
One other good trick, if your kite falls out of the sky while you are in the water because the wind is light, pull the quick release like you did, but tie the leash to one of the footstraps of your board. This will keep your board close, your lines stretched out, and will allow you to carefully swim up one line to grab and control the kite. No more spaghetti lines!
As breathe said, if the whole kite is backing downwards, grab as much of both front lines as you can and pull hard. This should get it going forwards again.
Obviously don't fly it right overhead, keep to one side. If it rolls over anyway and starts falling, grab as much of the top outside (back) line as you can and pull hard. If done quick and hard enough this should turn the kite back upwards and get it flying again.
Also if you are backing, take a second to make sure you're going directly into the wind. Most noobs head instinctively away from the kite which is not straight upwind.
Hmm, some good ideas there guys - I particularly like the bird-flappy tip and the non-overhead tip. Will keep it in mind the next time the wind dies.
Many thanks 
just keep your bar out, and keep the kite flying, ie, swoop it gently through the top of the window from side to side. as soon as you put it in one spot for too long it will hindenberg.
