Today I had a extremely bad day.
The wind was strong 20+ knots. I went to go,out on my 12 mtre as its the only kite I have. I knew it might b a struggle but there were others out on similar size kites and bigger.
I went to launch my kite with some help from a fellow kiteboarder. Unfortunately the kite appeared to be filled by the wind so I gave the signal to let go. Somehow the kite shifted sideways when it was let go and moved straight towards the power zone. I got dragged about 15-20 metres when it clicked in to let go of the bar (my first instict was to attempt to steer it out)and the kite crashed into some near by bushes. My fault as I don't think the kite was quite right when I gave the signal.
The gentleman that had assisted with launch came straight over to help plus another kiwi. The two helped me get the kite out and reset up.
I was very embarrassed but then also very appreciative I am in a sport where so many people who don't know each are always willing to stop and give others a hand.
My session didn't go to long as when I got out on the water my chicken loop came loose and I had to use the ER as I could not depower. I kind of figured I'd call it a day after that.
Lessons learnt if you are new to the sport and the wind is at the top of the wind range for your kite get a smaller kite or don't go out.
Thanks to the two gents that helped out. As much as I have a bruised ego it's good to know there are good people around to help one another.

I have seen this happen many times of Kiter's kites falling back in the wind window on launching and it then roll over on it's wingtip once or twice and then cross into the hot or danger power zone. The reason for this is when you have your kite set level with the side of the wind window where your canopy of your kite snaps or goes taught and you then try to launch from there, your kite generally has not got quite enough forward speed to defeat any slight lulls in gusts while you are trying to launch. The solution to this is when you are level at the side of the wind window you then need to walk approximately 4 to 6 paces further up wind so that the person holding your kite on the beach is slightly struggling to hold your kite as it wants to fly forward (this means you now have your kite slightly positioned into the power zone, if that makes any sense), have a quick check of everything around you for the all clear, ensure no lines are tangled, your red side of the bar is on the left, your chicken loop is secure and then give your kite holder person the thumb up and away you go. Launch your kite up steady and controlled, making sure that you had your bar facing roughly parallel to the leading edge of your kite as you steer your kite up to 12 o'clock, this allows for having maximum leverage and control on steering the kite up. Do not have your bar sideways facing to the leading edge of your kite when launching your kite up as I see a lot of people do this also. Holding the bar sideways makes one outside steering line more slack than the other one which again can cause the wind to force your kite to stall backwards or sideways as you put it and then rolling or falling into the power zone. It is important to get this right as things can go drastically wrong if you don't which I imagine you experienced today. Hope this is of some assistance. Cheers and good winds

Sparky394... Seems that even when you knew the kite was too big you still proceeded to go out. You are not the first learner to kook out and you won't be the last.

Next time take your Medicare card with you to Make it easier on everyone when you get slammed into the dunes and need the ambo's to cart you off to hospital.

If you want to be "that" guy then let me know which beach your heading to and I'll bring the go pro. Also will bring a few beers and BBQ chair and make a day of it

Depower kite 100 percent before launch, power up at 12 once it's up in the air.

Check QR and line before launching.

Look at the sizes of kites that are up. If everyone is on 7s or 8s, and your putting up a 12 then there is a sign your on the incorrect kite

I did 15-20 after a steering line was caught on the wingtip, I had the bar out the whole time and after the first few meters I was on my stomach.

Just pure luck I didn't hit anything solid or anyone else.

Just before my launch it felt a bit wrong, the kite was pushing so I'd step back downwind and so forth.
I'd passed through the noob stage where my mind was on my quick release and falsely thought I could handle any situation.
Whenever my spider sense starts tingling nowadays my hand is a split second from the QR.

Always be ultra cautious if your launcher flips your kite as a line or bridles can get caught on tips and struts so be double sure everything's right.

Never wing it, especially if you have other objects or people downwind of you.

If someone comes and gives you some advice when you are launching suck it up as they are trying to help you and protect the local (yours and theirs) spot.

I've gently approached a few people about to do ****ty launches and most of them are like zombies totally fixated on the goal and won't listen to advice.

As a noob, the people at your local can be a great resource to get you out and having fun, a bit of humility will get you a long way.

DO NOT TRIM KITE FOR LAUNCH!

Fine,

I take back my comment.. Dont depower your kite on launching.

For the record I would like you to FULLY POWER UP THE KITE as per above comments.

Safety first.

btw last session i was out ^^

NoBS said..

Fine,

I take back my comment.. Dont depower your kite on launching.

For the record I would like you to FULLY POWER UP THE KITE as per above comments.

Safety first.

You'll be safer with full control of the steering, launching at the right angle to the wind, ready to pull the QR, with a launcher who actually knows what he's doing.

Unfortunately the kite appeared to be filled by the wind

Meal?

Every time you launch
F*ing iPad

haha yeah I wondered what the deal was with the title ^_^

I'm no expert but learnt valuable lesson... Seaward launch every time....