I did do an extensive search on this topic through alot of forums and websites. I can get heaps of info on self landing, but not self launching.

Can someone please explain to me in detail the steps needed to self launch? All I know so far is something about putting sand on the wing tip?

The reason I want to know is because my days off are generally when others are at work, so there is usually no one around to help.

Which I guess begs the question, is it safe to do this on your own at a place like dolls point or wanda beach?

Thanks guys and girls.

I'll try to explain it to you Monkey kiter.. But I'm not a good teacher.

Firstly have your kite set up and facing into the wind as normal.
I run lines across the wind so that the kite is seaward when launched
Then flip the kite over and place on the ground upside down.
Fold over the wing tip that is closest to your bar (fold near the first strut on most kites)
Pile sand on the wing tip, and make sure there is plenty of it so the kite doesn't blow away as you go back to your bar.
Run back to bar, connect safety
Hook in to chicken loop (or launch unhooked)
You should be in a line with the way your kite is sitting in the wind. ie. lines and kite al lined up.
pull lines tight slowly then jerk at the last moment to flip sand off of wing tip and away you go.

Whatch out for. 1 not enough sand and kite blows away before you expect. 2. lines fowling on the kite when launching. 3 lines getting tangled from sticks or generally flapping around for too long. 3. kite being to far up wind and falling back and over when you flip the sand off..

The first few times it may be a good idea to have someone ready to grab your kite if it doesn't work.

Good winds

Ken

hey mate - this is really easy, but maybe a bit nerve racking first couple of times... it is most important to put *heaps* of sand on that tip, otherwise you risk having your kite flying off downwind. likewise dont forget to fold over the tip you are going to sand, ive seen a few people sand the unfolded tip, and the kite will not lift off as the sand cannot get out of the pocket it creates....

Hey Peco,
I used to do 'drift' launches all the time and people thought I was crazy! I started doing them because I had too many hot launches using the sand method.

Anyway, I found the 'drift' launch was OK in moderate-fresh winds but in strong winds they can be a bit dodgey. I also sometimes had trouble with seaweed and sticks during the 'drift' launch.

I've reverted back to the sand launch because I've come up with a "kookproof" method. I do a 'double sand' launch in that I place a scoop of sand on the wingtip (before I fold) then more sand on the folded tip.

I always launch hooked-in at full power.(I sheet out on the chicken loop if required). When the tip flicks off the sand as the lines tension, the kite will hover above the ground about 1m until I shake off the remaining sand.

It works for me.

Hey Monkey kiter,

Why not just go down and have a 2 hr lesson with a professional instructor and have them teach it to you properly the first time and show you the tips and hints into taking the surprises out of it.

Can't hurt, you may learn some other stuff while you are at it.


Good winds and Peace