Drift Self Launching The Event Site, Why?

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

What are the forum thoughts on the choice to self launch? In particular the drift launch.

I'm wondering why someone would self launch when someone is available to launch your kite for you?

Is it that people who self launch are demonstrating a high level of skill, kite control and superior brass hardware? However, the question that pops up in my head is why drift if it's not really necessary?

Ok, so your out all alone and nobody around to launch you, so you drift it, fish it, and fly it. But what if someone is around to help launch you?

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

waynepjh · Since 27 Jul 2008 212 Posts jackson wy Stoked

Maybe there were to many kooks around to have enough faith in to launch your kite! I was at lyle and asked for a launch from a guy who refused because he thought my kite was to big for the conditions! He almost let the air out of my kite. I pulled it fom his hands and self launched then procedecd to pull off some of my best overpowered 9m megaloops ever! Have you ever had someone screwup launching your kite? If you don't know who is launching your kite you might be better off doing it yourself! JMO!

jack · Since 12 Mar 2006 214 Posts Stoked

why not?

I trust me more than I trust you, it does not require much skill at all, it does not require any type of brass hardware and I can be out of your way much more quickly than relying on you to take time out of your day to launch me.

When the conditions are right i think it makes a ton of sense and is a lot less chaotic than worrying about getting lines crossed up and hung up on other kites, boards, bags etc...

bustingbladder · Since 12 Jul 2006 387 Posts Seattle Obsessed

The self launching, maybe good practice for many. I just couldn't figure out the paintball mask thing all weekend Question

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Ok, so here is my issue, among others, about people drift launching. First and foremost if that's what you are gonna do, then do it. I don't g a shizzle. So, that being said, here is what I see developing.

If newbs go out and start drift launching then what? Nobody launches your kite cause your scared that they will screw it up. Hell, I had Jim's student launch my kite and he did a great job and it was high wind. Thanks Jim B.

Launching a kite is a basic skill to being a kiteboarder. If you are riding you better know how to launch. Ya know?
So, we have people going out and demonstrating a wonderful drift launch, and that's great. Eric does it, Doyle does it, and everyone else who knows how, but the question is, "Why not Drift launch?"
Answer, "It's an advanced skill."

This is the Gorge and it's gusty. Drift launching is an option, but so is self landing, but why do it if you know somebody downwind might get some spaghetti for lunch?

I'm just saying,
R

Very Happy

Sella · Tue Jul 06, 10 10:03 am

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

pollywog · Since 07 Aug 2009 291 Posts Obsessed

He won't die from skin Cancer. That can be reason enough.

Matt E. · Since 22 May 2008 318 Posts West Coast Sales Rep Obsessed

Sometimes I just don't feel like bothering the guy or two around that just want to get out on the water and kite as bad as I do. It's simple/easy to just toss the kite in the water and allow others to get out on the water! Very Happy

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

I've never been able to watch one from the start. Is the process this:
1. Attach CL/DD to your harness and walk towards the kite
2. Deposit in the water LE down
3. Walk back until your lines are tight
4. Launch when lines are tight?? Question

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

Hey Jack, Thanks for the info. The area that is still a little fuzzy is this: I assume you rig with the leading edge into the wind? After ensuring that your lines are all downwind (and you are connected to your harness), you pull on the far-side trailing edge to get the kite spun around with the trailing edge into the wind. By now, the kite has drifted into the water and is LE down in the water ready for launch? Question

jack · Since 12 Mar 2006 214 Posts Stoked

That is correct (or at least how i do it). Has yet to fail...

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

Jack,

Got it. Thanks for the tip. I just did a little youtubing and it all makes sense.

Now if I could only figure out how to self-land with a North 5-line kite without pulling the safety.........the guys flying RPMs make it look so easy by yarding the leading edge (which is not possible with the North).

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed