... self launching and self landing is definitely a core skill and in my opinion we should be helping the in-experienced guys to do it perfect, all the time, every time! And when I say in-experienced, I mean in-experienced in that particular equipment even though they may be experienced kiters.

I know I did the wrong thing by me (non qualified) teaching my wife and son how to kitesurf but I was one of those guys who taught himself and discovered all the things not to do, luckily not finding out the hardway with no damage, just to the pride sometimes. With the one thing that stood out was always be ready to punch out!

If in doubt, punch out! I used to push that so much especially with my son to the point where, I could see he didn't even think about it, he reaches for the safety in an instant. Infact I would test him at random times, just to keep him on his toes and have it wired in his head. I wanted him have that the first thing he thinks of when something goes wrong. If you can minimize your reaction time, all the better.

The best kind of guy learning in my opinion is the one who listens to you when you have idea's regarding self launching, then with a bit of mulling around the head, puts his and your ideas into practice to makes that perfect launch or landing. Then he protects him, you, other beach goers and lastly his own equipment which is a bonus to him.

If you suck at it, make it your mission to make yourself a legend!

cheers for now,

Robbie