I have used the method that your intending on using in winds of 30+ knots. The main thing is to ensure that whatever you are using to hook onto the chicken loop is secure, this will be the only factor that will dictate to what wind strength you are able to successfully and safely use this method. When using this method in the wind strengths I mentioned, I have used a rock climbing Karabiner hooked through a fence and the chicken loop. Very secure and safe. In lighter winds I have used a buried sand bag and karabiner once again. Should mention also that I have used this for both launching and landing. No difference. Certainly a good option if you don't want to adopt the "drag" type method of launching.

Why not just use the standard method?

I've been using bow type kites (including Cults) for just over a year (kiting for 6) and find the hot launch and to the window and drop it landing method fine-in everyhting from as light as you'd go out in to >25k.

Kites nowadays are well enough protected with bumpers etc. that sand and shells and so on are not really an issue.

Sounds to me that you're really just introducing a whole new level of complexity and hazzard into what it is a relatively simple procedure.

Kites nowadays are well enough protected with bumpers etc. that sand and shells and so on are not really an issue.

i need you to give my recently punctured cult a pep talk (shelly sand)

(Now if I can describe this properly !)
Mainly for people reading this that were wondering again on an explanation of the techniques you guys are describing , not really intended for you guys as you obviously know it , but it is a topic that always seems to come up.
I think the easiest way to self launch with these kites , is just to position the kite leading edge in parrellel with the wind direction, then angle kite position about 20 degrees back from wind direction so you see your furtherest wing tip from you stand up as the wind hits it.
All the while you have sand on the canopy as per a normal landed kite (not too much obviously).
Have kite set ay full depower then walk back to take up tension on the lines at about 60 degress upwind as the lines start to take up tension stop walking backwards and start walking upwind changing your angle to neared to 45 degrees the lines will tension you will see rear wing get lift and roll kite up keep walking on same line kite is lunched , and it's so easy.
As the kite lauches in the powered area of window be ready for intial pull as well.
As for landing IMO the easiest way for me I either use a fixed object(sand bag tech also for launching) to pass my chicken loop to and clip it off then walk back to kite holding down top front line and dump it over once back at kite , if there is nothing like a fence , bumper etc to clip your bar off too you can always have your kite bad fulled with sand and use that.( I'm not sure about driving a pole into the ground etc , but if you are confident it won't budge , I suppose but it does have the possibility to turn it into a javelin.
There is another way to land them but has the potential to stuff up if not shown properly, but it is not 100 % suscessful so I won't begin to describe it.
I hope this helps anyone wondering , if you can get one of the guys at your local beach to show you it would be better and only takes the once.




Below
This is method I said that can stuff up , if you can't quite see what he's doing , he's fully depowered holding depower cleat in left hand grap top FRONT line and pull back and down as he has done , takes a little practice but easy once you have it.





If all that fails I hope this helps those wondering

didi said...

I have three years experience on C-kites, about to upgrade to a 12m Cult. Previous self launch method with the C's has been folded wingtip and sand - never been a problem for me.

Been trawling the kite forums for a "safe" self launch and self land method for an SLE. I'm not keen on dragging the kite around on sand and shells, though I know many use the LE down wingtip into the wind technique with great success.

I'm thinking of using a version of the "ghost" method. ie bury a small sea anchor (ie burlap sack) in the soft sand, leaving just the attached rope and shackle exposed (ie. so no major trip hazard to other beach users - some kiters suggest using bars driven into sand etc - sounds too much like airborne missiles to me should a disaster occur).

Rig and preflite check the kite, and attach the chicken loop to the shackle. Balance the kite on a wingtip at the edge of the wind window (say 2pm), trailing edge still slightly flapping, kite pointed towards the ocean. Can take my time whilst holding the kite to check that bridles look OK and no knots/twists in lines etc. Sprint to bar, clip leash to harness, disconnect chicken loop from the shackle and launch. Reverse the sequence to self land the kite.

I would never attempt this method in >20knots. I haven't trialed this yet and would plan to do so only with an experienced assistant. Any comments?

If you're going to use the sea anchor, try a wombat anchor. They are cheap (about $70) and they hold 300+kg's. Screw them into the ground, and they can't be unscrewed by a passerby. Similar to a dog anchor but designed to hold a stronger load. More expensive but at least you know if a gust hits your kite isn't going anywhere. I've tested mine a couple of times without incident. works well.

http://www.rapidanchor.com/wombat/

www.yachtandboat.com.au/cat/index.cgi/shopfront/view_product_details?category_id=13378&product_id=591221&gclid=CKHBq7nD55ACFRAYewodNEkaOw

hehehe
but really, the spot is fantastic but only if you have someone to launch you.
I think the alternative is to anchor the chicken loop on the beach and wade out, set the kite on its edge in the water then wade back in to hook up.
we did it the opposite, someone who had their kite up grabbed the chicken loop and sat out in the water while i set the kite on its edge on the beach then rushed out to hook up. Not a good idea if there are problems.