Self launch leash

undertow · Since 15 Feb 2008 371 Posts BeaversBurg Obsessed

Most of my kite friends are not as addicted as me. I have used this device in more than one self launch during 50mph gusts at Rooster and works fine. Just be sure that the sticks and grass are off the lines. Last sat I self launched at Rooster and what I thought was some harmless grass/seaweed, that would just shake off held on and created enough tension that the kite sailed to the otherside and into some trees.
Lesson learned Clear every piece of vegetation off your lines before self launch.

Nak · Tue Nov 29, 11 7:57 pm

mikie · Since 06 Nov 2011 21 Posts

I am a long time paraglider pilot, but a newbie in kiteboarding and love all the information my simple question has raised. Thanks, great learning tool for me.

undertow · Since 15 Feb 2008 371 Posts BeaversBurg Obsessed

The Kite Buddy anchor

hoarhey · Since 20 Jul 2008 63 Posts the corridor

Dont clip into the 5th line while using the technique to launch. It will flag the kite. I use this techniquue all the time when my buds arent around. It is much safer than trusting somebody you dont know to launch or land you. In light conditions I have used my board as a not-so-fixed object. Cinder blocks and large logs work in heavy conditions. In my opinion, every kiter should br taught this technique when they are given a lesson. You nevet know when the conditions will necome undafe for YOU. Or you just might need to go to work, or something, and your buffies ate having too much fun to come in and catch your kite.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

at a place like jones where i am sometimes solo, i just run around the kite til its kind of in relaunch posish then do a kind of relaunch. easy squeez mang! occasional issue, but pretty easy.

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster

mikie · Since 06 Nov 2011 21 Posts

Undertow, got a quick question for you. In what order do you hook up to the 5th line? After you come back and connect yourself to the chicken loop and before you hook to the 5th line, do you need to grab the bar to keep it from flagging the kite?

mikie · Since 06 Nov 2011 21 Posts

Flydunes, I live up north in the 49th state.

undertow · Since 15 Feb 2008 371 Posts BeaversBurg Obsessed

Mikie, I don't have a fifth line, just 4 lines on the "Kite Buddy" anchor. I attach the chicken loop to the carabiner and lead the kite to the edge of wind window and place it into position, then (making sure the lines don't have any vegetation on them) go to the anchor, grab the chicken loop from the carabiner, hood in, check lines, then take the kite up. I have used this with OR Rises in the past, now with F- One Bandits, all four line kites.

ericvs · Since 05 Jul 2008 133 Posts Stoked

mikie · Since 06 Nov 2011 21 Posts

Just read your post, thanks for the info. Mike

undertow · Since 15 Feb 2008 371 Posts BeaversBurg Obsessed

Yeah, I do connect the kite leash first before I release the carabiner to hook in. Laughing

kenja · Since 19 Jun 2008 179 Posts Stoked

I hook my safety leash up first, then hook the chickenloop to my harness, and then disconnect the carabiner from the chickenloop. Repeat in reverse order if self landing. I'm not a big fan of holding my kite by the chickenloop when on the beach even if the safety leash is connected. A big gust or a case of butterfingers and your kite is rolling across the beach.

A 5th line is totally irrelevant to this launch style since the carabiner is not connected to the safety system at all. The only time it comes into the picture is if you drop the kite with your safety leash attached. When that happens I'd rather have a 5th line than not.

flipper · Since 17 Oct 2011 320 Posts Obsessed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of2nZn2cJbE

I use this and it seems good, but it may end up in my nads one day.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

most of the time, I'm self launching due to lack of kiters on the beach. up here in the puget sound the beaches are lined with driftwood. Since I use naish bars with below the bar sheeting I can get away with just pulling each rope apart and slipping it over a log or a branch on a log. It won't matter the size of the log, just that it is secure. this system has always worked for me for launching and landing. the drawback is it can lead to additional wear on your rope, but I replace mine regularly anyways.
you might be able to see if you watch the beginning or the end of this video.

Link

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

I don't like to kite in the crowds so this makes a fixed point launch the best choice. Usually my kite is on the sand, but with the high water the beaches shrank a bit this past year.

The one variable that can ruin your day is if the "fixed point", the place you secure your kite to fails. When this happens your kite will fly away, not good. Happened to me last year, nobody around and I'm holding the bar as the kite pulls me across the beach and into the air. I let go and my kite just flew away. Not fun..Check your secure point and double check it.

I kite mostly in Da Gorge and it's windy. I'm usually on a 10 mtr. RPM in powered conditions. I like to ride a bit overpowered, so the wind speeds are usually 22 to high 25 maybe a bit more.

My safety checks for a fixed point launch are; 1. Check the fixed point, 2. take in a couple inches of depower, 3. Put kite closer to the water than the bar(avoid taking kite through noon on the clock if possible.) 4. Place board close to water(put it where you are going to need it, don't walk around on the beach) 5. remove objects that may tangle your lines(twig, boards, rocks, stuff that will hinder your lines), 6. Hook your safety leash prior to inserting your harness hook into chicken loop(this way if something goes wrong you can activate the famous RPM safety system.

Make sure and wear some good beach shoes as well. This way if something does go wrong you have a padding between your feet and can resist the kite without injuring your feet.

Good luck!!