RichardM wrote:
Very nice video.
As to the actual technique:
1. I'm especially impressed with your use of the bag to latch the kite down rather than putting sand on the tip.
2.I assume you used 45 degrees because the wind was too light to get the kite more upwind at launch. So my question is, does it work as well closer to the side of the window if there is enough wind or do you have problems with the bag not holding it enough?
Richard M.
Sorry i took so long to answer
Yes the technique is to latch the kite down as shown with sandbag...1/3 of it's weight ON tip LE
The bag is ONLY IN the kite when i pump it
As far as the pull angle relative the the trailing edge that is set exactly parallel to wind flow...
...45 degrees is ideal angle in order to "pull up" the "leeward" wingtip........
.....that way the kite slide right off real EZ from underneath the latched positioned sandbag
From that angle of pull...as the kite gets off the ground...it pretty much jumps at the edge ......
.....of the wind window.....all you have to do in higher wind with smaller kites...is too keep kite.....
....low to the ground longer at take off...and it will not pull or yank you at all..it works like a charm
When the kite is on it's back pumped the wind flows over it...and flattens it and to keep it down
I never needed 2 sandbag at windward tip LE to keep any kite sizes in any wind down on beach
You must pay attention to wind direction throughout the whole process...
....and re-set kite position relative to wind...if it keeps shifting
Test the wind flow direction....especially important in higher wind...by tossing sand in the air....
The key factor is that the central part of trailing edge (TE) MUST be kept "parallel" to wind flow
By doing that...it keeps the kite down in a flatter position..and PREVENTS ......
....the wind to flow under the LE....and LIFT the kite up
I have tried different angles of pull...45 degrees is my favorite
It works also at 50 / 55 / 60 degrees.....but i would not go beyond that...
...because leeward wingtip "may not pull up" enough..to slide kite properly under the bag
....and it may instead pull a bit of windward wingtip..and that side could comes off ground "first"
...which in essence is very bad....because..you could end up with a TUMBLING kite instead...
...and a failed self launch
I hope this answers your questions properly Richard
Talk to you soon
Michel..who NJOY making it look SupaEZ
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