Launch etiquette...

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

New to kiting. Watched Progression Beginner Kiteboarding video, and also have done 1 land, 1 water lesson. What I've been told is the proper way to launch:

-Kiter makes sure communication/signals with launcher are clear.

-Launcher holds kite, kiter moves to stabilize canopy and positon themselves correctly for launch.

-Kiter gives launcher thumbs up. This is the signal that the kiter is ready to launch and the launcher should simply release the kite and allow kiter to fly kite out of hands (in other words, don't throw the kite).

-if wind seems insufficient when thumbs signal given, launcher keep a relaxed grip on the kite, and allow kiter to take kite up when wind picks back up.

-across the throat means: "we're not launching, put the kite down". Launcher, lay kite face down, leading edge into wind.

Is the above correct? I given people a number of launches, and this seems to be the most common way, but yesterday, a lady asked me for a launch, I said "sure" and she just ran back to her bar without another word. It was very windy, so I had to be careful holding her kite, however, even though she had plenty of room, she had me walk the kite into the launch position. She then just yelled "yeah yeah yeah!" at which point I released the kite. No issues. I just didn't like having to step around stuff, watching for lines or whatever, while holding her kite in the strong wind. Seems to make a lot more sense to have her move rather than me, but maybe that's not the "normal" way?

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Aug 08, 11 11:38 am

yeah, that is the typical way things go down. Sometimes you have to adapt things to the launch (like stevenson)

I typically ask someone where they want to launch from if its crowded or whatever.

If I don't know the person I generally give them a good look over and I also ask them if they no what the hell is going on. There have been many times I have said yeah sure I'll give you a launch, and then it runs out the person has little idea what is going on and it ends up taking like 15 minutes instead of 5.

Anyways... it typically goes...

Pick up kite, both people get in position.

Kiter "thumbs up or whenever you feel it"

Launcher "here it comes" when they are about to let go.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I haven't heard of the hand across the throat thing. Usually if someone is holding my kite and I see an issue I do the pat-on-the-head signal to indicate they should put it down.

As monkey said you need to adjust to the launch but generally I think the best method is to have the kiter start a little downwind of the optimal position so the kite isn't hot when you pick it up. Then have the kiter walk up wind until the kite fills with air. This of course depends on how much room you have on the beach. You could do this with the person holding the kite moving if you have more open beach than the kiter does.

Another thing is I usually wait until the person has their chicken-loop and safety set before I even pick up the kite; ideally I also wait until they look at me. That way I know they are ready and if something happens they will be able to react to it. When I'm being launched and I'm ready I just hold my thumb up well out to my side so the launcher has a clear view of it.

Sometimes you get people that are stoked or in a hurry or are used to having their friends launch and all they want you to do is turn the kite over so they can send it in the air. Sounds like that is what happened with whoever you ran into.

kiterbiker · Since 12 Jun 2010 65 Posts

Everyone sounds right on track, and speaking of stepping over stuff with the kite....

When not ready to launch, taking a break for a while, or your kite and gear is hanging out on the beach, wrap up lines, keep your stuff together, and out of the way of the launching area. I saw a launch go a little sour this weekend and the kiter got pulled, had to run to keep up with the kite and stepped on someone elses canopy....So for the sake of your own gear and making things better for everyone, pack up and keep your gear out of the way when your not immediately launching. Especially when its crowded or a smaller launch area.

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

Hand across throat? Pat head? Not sure about that. Thumbs up then launch thumbs down put the kite down.

soona · Since 27 Sep 2009 72 Posts

I was launching a guy the other day (a stranger) and he didn't use any hand signal, he just yelled "okay!" or something like that. It was windy, kites were flapping and sand was blowing and it was hard for me to hear, so I had him repeat it to be sure what he meant.

Just use the fricken thumbs up sign so it's clear! I don't want to have to be sure I'm hearing and understanding you properly. ("Okay!" can sound a lot like "wait!" sometimes . . . )

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

wylieflyote · Mon Aug 08, 11 2:52 pm

I don't pick up the kite until the kiter is hooked in and looking at me.

As the kiter, I always first attach the kite leash, and then pick up the CL and set the hook.

When rigging, I always pump up the kite before laying out the lines (more courteous at crowded launches).

Also, always coil the lines back onto the bar as soon as reasonable after your session, or if you're taking a smoke break.

pollywog · Since 07 Aug 2009 291 Posts Obsessed

"pat on the head"? Launchers are not blind, they can tell the difference between thumbs up or down. Stick with the system. Save you ingenious ideas for something else. You'll only look like a kook by doing that..... Oh wait a minute, you are Captain Kook!

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

I usually go for the lip reading approach.

I'll say something like " Holy Shit! What the hell is wrong with my kite! Put it down quick before we both get killed! "

This approach does not work very often. Usually they just smile and let go.

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

If tapping your head makes you look like a kook, then I must look pretty kooky Smile

I learned that a tap on the head is the universal sign for "need a land," and this always works, especially at places where the 'catcher' is far away like Stevenson or someone I don't know. Although its not always a good idea to get a launch/land from someone u don't know. I was self-landing at the coast last week and some random guy ran up and tried to grab my kite and almost ripped the canopy. Good intentions, but not always a good idea Smile

ericvs · Since 05 Jul 2008 133 Posts Stoked

wylieflyote · Tue Aug 09, 11 6:12 am

Landing a kite on a remote beach on the mainland of Mexico, not a soul speaks my language... Pat on the head lands the kite for everyone.
I think this discussion got twisted around a little bit. Someone suggested pat on the head during the launch if the kiter sees his kite as messed up and wants it back on the sand.
Seems like the knife (fingers) cutting across the throat is also a universal sign language for shut 'er down, and will work just fine.