Hi all,

as promised, here is a video tutorial on self-launching. Please pay attention to the safety warnings in the video and below. Experienced kiters: feel free to add additional helpful tips or input to this thread in relation to this self-launching technique.

-Self launching should only be attempted by more experienced kiters with comfortable flying skills as well as quick and appropriate safety reflexes.

-It's always best and much safer to learn to self-launch in lighter winds first, i.e. 15-18 knots as in this video.

-Self launching should only be attempted when the downwind, upwind and cross
wind areas are completely secure and empty of other kiters, people, obstacles, etc.

-Always ensure there is plenty of space downwind, preferably a good 50meters or more.

-Make sure the beach is wide enough for self-launching, at least 30 meters wide.

-Make sure there isn't too much risk of tangling your lines around seaweed or branches. Such obstacles will easily tangle your lines and turn your self-launch into a kitemare.

-When attempting to self-launch in stronger winds (20 knots or more), it's always a better idea to have one hand placed on the chicken loop safety release in case anything goes wrong, so you can release very quickly at the first sign of any problem.

-Avoid grabbing the bar and powering the kite until you are certain the kite is safe to fly and under control.

-Always try to self-launch without pulling the bar in, simply using the steering line to
get the kite off the ground.

-Don't forget to TRIM your kite before launch, especially in strong winds, this will make a massive difference to minimize the risk in case anything goes wrong, like a kite tumble or a sudden launch off the ground.

-Self-launching and self-landing your kite isn't the best for the longevity of your gear as most of the damage on kites usually come from self-launch or self-land.

-Whenever possible, kiters should always use help to launch and land, especially on a busy beach, narrow beach, too much obstacles on the beach, etc.

-Self-launching in very strong winds (25 knots +) can be extremely dangerous and should only be attempted by advanced and expert kiters.

-All kites react a bit differently to self-launching, familiarize yourself with your kite's self-launching behavior in light winds first, then gradually attempt it in stronger winds.

Good video Chris, you are becoming an internet sensation. I think you would get more hits though if you added a screaming goat in there

Just another thing to mention, self launching in any way can(will) cause premature wear and tear to your kite.
Most of the kites that we get sent to repair from the north west, have damage or repairs inflicted by self launch.
If you are at a beach and there are other kiters introduce yourself and ask for help, this will save your gear, and probably make you some friends.
Toddy

terminal said...

AKSonline said...
Just another thing to mention, self launching in any way can(will) cause premature wear and tear to your kite.
Most of the kites that we get sent to repair from the north west, have damage or repairs inflicted by self launch.
If you are at a beach and there are other kiters introduce yourself and ask for help, this will save your gear, and probably make you some friends.
Toddy

Nice work on the videos.
Its all very useful stuff that too often gets overlooked, and these things are sometimes critical for avoiding injuries or death.

How about showing an achor launch with a bag full of sand?

+1 ... Or using one of those wombat type sand anchors.

I've been using this method with great success, but my kite does a lot more sliding downwind before propping up on a wingtip for launch. I've been launching on hard sand so maybe it's just more slippery than soft sand?

In the days of 'C' kites the folded wingtip was the standard method for all. The birth of the bows was when this 'new' method was introduced.
Like most I tried the folded wingtip & sand when I bought my first bows but found it very sketchy - dangerous even - as the folded LE would spring out spilling all the sand.
Result - kite out of control cos you werent in place for a launch.
It may be doable as a regular practice??? Im not sure as I gave it away & havent tried since I learnt the 'pull into the wind' method.
Yep Im unsure but wouldnt recommend it unless you have already mastered it somehow - like caucy has obviously.

zarb said...
I've been using this method with great success, but my kite does a lot more sliding downwind before propping up on a wingtip for launch. I've been launching on hard sand so maybe it's just more slippery than soft sand?

As the kite fills with air try walking half step or so towards the kite(not too far) and give the upwind steering line a small tug, this helps the kite get of the ground...

Cheers guys. Tried it again this afternoon. Perfect launch.

puppetonastring said...
In the days of 'C' kites the folded wingtip was the standard method for all. The birth of the bows was when this 'new' method was introduced.
Like most I tried the folded wingtip & sand when I bought my first bows but found it very sketchy - dangerous even - as the folded LE would spring out spilling all the sand.
Result - kite out of control cos you werent in place for a launch.
It may be doable as a regular practice??? Im not sure as I gave it away & havent tried since I learnt the 'pull into the wind' method.
Yep Im unsure but wouldnt recommend it unless you have already mastered it somehow - like caucy has obviously.

the stronger the more sand, it has its advantages if done correct you dont even connect until just before launch taking that bit of risk away, tethered is imo the only true safe way, but good videos for the guys and girls

All good , but you broke rule #1
Where possible launch towards the water .... I would have set the kite up on the edge of the water and launched out towards the water . If things go wrong the kite and rider goes out towards the water( much softer landing for the kite if you f up ) , if your launch went wrong your kite would have ended up in the fence or in a tree.

Thanks cbulota, get little vid.

Hey Cbulota

Thanks for the great vid, used this technique yesterday in 22kts at my local, also used the sand behind the LE as also advised, worked a treat, very impressed.