I've been self launching (as taught) by standing 90 degrees to the wind and launching like a water start. To date it's been controlled and seems safe. I've been shown the upwind and downwind start version and opted for the downwind setup as it seems safer. I've noticed on YouTube many guys self launch by hooking the "loop" ( forgotten what it's called for the moment) to a log, car bumper or whatever, then running back and hooking into their harness. My question is why are these guys launching this way when it seems so much easier the first way I described ??? Or is the second way safer ??

Hey main, i always use the tethered launch method if no one is around, its just a fail safe in case your way ends up bad. piece of good sturdy rope with a loop and a strong carbine clip. feed the rope around itself to any pole/tow ball/log and connect the chicken loop to the carbine then go back to the kite and set it up as you would with a assisted launch..

Great thanks for that info.

NickT said...
Also self launching above 30kts gets serious, no time for reaction if it goes tits up.

Yep - general rule is do not hook in when self launching until the kite is flying nice and stable, especially in serious winds.

The problem I have with launching unhooked is its easier to get out of control for people who don't know what they are doing. I.e. trying to hook back in alone can be a good way for things to go pear shaped.

I agree, just a week ago I saw a guy mess up his tethered launch, don't know exactly what happened cause I was far away but did see the kite end up smashing into the dunes. What I do know is this guy was an inexperienced kiter and shouldn't attempt self-launching...

Regardless of your method, self-launching is only safer for advanced kiter only who can systematically take the right actions to help minimize the risk and do the right thing fast if things go bad.