i am learning to kitesurf and have had a couple of lessons at the maroochydore river mouth, but i dont really feel confident in the deep water.
i live near lake weyba and would like to practice there, but i am not sure on the best way to launch and get out on the water.
i have seen a few guys walk out near the middle and launch, is this easy enough for a begginer?
I did ask my instructor but he wasnt sure.

It's tricky at first but if done in under 15kts to start you can't go too far wrong.

The key is to lay out your kite and lines on the shore, hook in and then grab your kite and wade out into the lake - far enough for plenty of room to be dragged downwind. Pay attention to your lines and avoid any sticks/leaves tangling as they drag out behind you. If someone can help with this process then it will be a lot easier.

When you are out a fair way, place the kite in the water LE down and let it drift downwind to the end of your lines. If all goes well it will be in a normal position to launch - pull on one line to bring it to the edge of the window and launch.

The biggest problem is tangles in your lines or lines hooked on the kite etc. Avoid at all costs and be ready to hit your QR when the lines tension up.

Weyba can be gusty so keep an eye on the water to see the gusts coming.

Drift launches are very hit and miss - I would hardly call them "safe".

Any kite you have enough power to ride with has enough power to make a mess of you if it all goes wrong. Also remember your safety will not work while you are winding out the lines.

If you must do a drift launch be very careful about the lines as they play out, and whatever you do only hook in after everything is in the air and flying properly.

Is your instructor a qualified one? Go and see George & Fiona at Adventure Sports at Noosa, or Martin at Lake Cootharaba. They will both be able to teach you the best method to launch at Lake Weyba. George teaches at Lake Weyba often. Top school, all their customers gave them thumbs up. Their contacts can be viewed at: http://www.ikointl.com/iko.php?page=iko-kiteboarding-centers.php

brettasmith said...

i am learning to kitesurf and have had a couple of lessons at the maroochydore river mouth, but i dont really feel confident in the deep water.
i live near lake weyba and would like to practice there, but i am not sure on the best way to launch and get out on the water.
i have seen a few guys walk out near the middle and launch, is this easy enough for a begginer?
I did ask my instructor but he wasnt sure.