Self-launching the Rebel

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Happily coming off of flat kites to a 2008 Rebel quiver. One launching method that worked pretty well with the flat kites was ghost launching, whereby you would hook your chicky to a fixed object, walk over to your kite, stand it on its wingtip and then launch. Can this method be used with the Rebel? If not, what are some preferred methods of self-launching?

Chooch · Sat Apr 25, 09 9:19 am

That works fine with the rebel....it can be self launched just like any other "flat kit" or bow kite

shred_da_gorge · Sat Apr 25, 09 10:09 am

I've seen people self-launch Rebels on sand by spinning the kite around and lifting the windward line (kinda like you'd do on the water). I'm not brave enough to try it and I'm told it puts wear on the leading edge and is not recommended for heavy wind.

lloyd · Since 16 Aug 2007 108 Posts Hood River Stoked

Self launch my 2007 Rebels all the time. Rig up the lines going straight downwind of the kite (they'll be upside down. Red on the right). Attach fifth line, hook in to chicken loop and walk upwind to either the left or right of the kite keeping the lines tight. Lines tight is the key. Sometimes the kite will slide across the sand. But it will pop up in to launching position just like on the water. There is some finesse, but you'll figure it out and become comfortable. I don't see it as a dangerous move because you can always activate the fifth line if you get in to trouble. I self land alot by activating the fifth line then walking to the kite.

jack · Since 12 Mar 2006 215 Posts Stoked

.63rd described it perfectly, i always launch with 1 hand on the bar and the other on the iron heart just in case there is a line tangle. it can be done in high wind as well, the kite behaves in the exact same way, but everything is quicker. the kite if rigged properly will not lift of the ground on its own, just make sure all the lines at the kite are clear and are not in a position to get caught on the leading edge.
use common sense when deciding which surface to do this on, the coast is easy as is the sandbar, just check for debris that could snag the lines or kite

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

The only thing that you really need to worry about is make sure your lines are rigged correctly and hope to god you dont have any lines/bridle hanging up on the wing tip. If you do that sucker will fly across the window slaming into the ground sending you into a face first super man slam. Shocked

That shit happens so fast that you dont have time to pull the quick release.

shred_da_gorge · Sun Apr 26, 09 8:27 am

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

teaching on the rebels last summer, i always taught my student how to self launch and the way (63rd Airbourne) described it is totally solid. on a side note don't be afraid to move your body so your kite is sitting at the edge of the window. i see a lot of people get the kite almost in a launching position, but just wont go to the edge of the window because of the friction on the land. all you need to do is move down wind so you are lined up with your kite and it will prevent you from hot launching that sucker..

grinder · Tue Apr 28, 09 6:42 am

Here's a visual that helped me understand how to pull this off:

Link

Unfortunately the audio sucks.