Okay then I give in. Having been asked I don't know how many times "how to pack a traction kite away" I've relented and written
up a post made to the Rec.Kites many moons ago. If you've got another method, additions or event better some nice simple illustrations let me know.

Rule No. 1 - Once the lines are on the kite don't take them off unless you have to.<br>
Rule No. 2 - Wrapping the lines around the handles works but unless you get it right twists abound.<b
Rule No. 3 - Once the lines are on the kite don't take them off unless you have to.<br>
Rule No. 4 - Remember which method you used to pack a kite away when you get it out the bag - forget at your peril.

Start of Procedure..

- stake lines down. That's what the loops of cord on the bottom of the handles are for.
- NOTE: ALWAYS stake the brakes NOT the power lines.
- grab all four lines in one hand just before the bridles start.
- run hand along lines right into the kite as far as you can go (the kite will bunch up).
- with back to wind throw all the bridled lines into the natural "pocket" created by the bunched kite.

Then...

Method 1

Putting It Away

- fold kite neatly and place into bag.
- holding the bag in one hand, walk back towards handles stuffing the lines into the bag on one side of the kite (!! keep the lines taught at all times).
- when you reach the handles hold them together and stuff into the bag on the other side of the kite opposite the lines.

Getting It Back Out
- remove handles from bag and stake out.
- holding bag in one hand and lines in other, walk away from handles slowing feeding the lines out.
- when you reach the bridles pull kite out of bag and unfold.
- voila.

Method 2

Putting It Away

- fold kite until about 1/3 original size (normally just fold the ends in towards the middle and then fold whole thing in half).
- using both hands start coiling the lines in a circle, remember to add a reverse half twist with each loop to stop twisting in the lines.
- when you get to about 12 inches from the handles fold the kite over the looped lines.
- place handles and remaining lines into fold kite.
- fold or roll remaining kite to fit in bag.

Getting It Back Out
- carefully remove kite from bag.
- unfold kite to stake out handles.
- slowly and without dropping kite or more importantly the looped lines (otherwise a massive birdsnest will be yours) walk away from handles
slowing feeding the lines out.
- when you reach the bridles unfold kite.<
- voila.

For me Method 2 is definitely the fastest way to pack and unpack a kite and lines but takes practice to get it perfect. When the wind is howling I often use Method 1 as it allows me to get the kite in a bag quicker and stop it flapping around. DON'T forget which way you packed it though.

Barney Craggs