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You know the technique to self launch by putting a pile of sand on the wingtip of the kite. I read somewhere that when you use this technique then you should launch the kite unhooked, with the depower strap pulled all the way in, only the leash connected to the safety line. Then you hook in once the kite is in the air. I guess it´s safe to do this in case something would go wrong and you can just let go of the bar. But does this technique not also result in that you will launch the kite with quite a lot of power and it should therefor be sensitive to back stalling, right? Or do you simply launch with one hand on chicken loop and the other on the bar to avoid launching with full power?

You're not full power if you have the depower strap to the maximum like you describe. And the kite launch on the side of the wind window so you should not have a lot of power. I don't like launching unhook, I would do the same technique but hooked. Anyway when you launch a kite you should always have a free hand ready to activate your security. I hate to see peoples launching a kite with their board in the hand, not safe!

Séb wrote:You're not full power if you have the depower strap to the maximum like you describe.

I know that, but with the depower strap to maximum and the bar sheeted all the way in, then I think you´re quite powered up.

You are correct; safest would be to do the launch unhooked, but it's not my preferred method either. You can always try a drift launch or a self launch off the beach by slowly pulling your kite into the launch position. Both these methods are also safest when done unhooked, but most people I know will do them hooked in with one hand on the QR.

Personally I prefer the pitch-pole technic

nherbold wrote:You are correct; safest would be to do the launch unhooked, but it's not my preferred method either. You can always try a drift launch or a self launch off the beach by slowly pulling your kite into the launch position. Both these methods are also safest when done unhooked, but most people I know will do them hooked in with one hand on the QR.

Personally I prefer the pitch-pole technic

Which is?

the sand on tip is old school Ctype launch.
bridled kites is as follows.
1. kite in stored on beach position lines downwind.
2. hook in safety line on first.
3. walk to side you want to launch from but a bit downwind of kite.
4. tension lines pulling kite around.
5. as kite starts to roll, move upwind to control roll.
6. with bar out let kite roll up onto tip.
7. many kites will self launch themselves onto sitting on tip if you just not hold the bar.
Once kite has settled grab bar and go.

The beach tether is just using a anchor point for QR and going and launch kite yourself. walk back hook up and go.http://youtu.be/KwNHhiK2O8M

Yep remember the old sand tip launch. Rain Inns description is how most do it now as far as I have seen and the way I do it. Although I do tend to tether when my car is driven on the beach. Except in really high gusty winds. Don't trust that wing shooting foward and back. Plus I always quick release is strong winds when landing. If really nuking even consider releasing near the edge of the water to avoid standing on the beach where most accidents occur.

I'm not sold on unhooked launching. The kite has more power in it and you can easily be pulled off balance quickly.

I think its better to hook in... without the Donkey dick pushed in. have one have on the qr aswell and launch that was.

As so as the kite leaves the deck you can push the bar out and there is significantly less power in the kite than unhooked launch.

Plus if it looks like its going peer shaped pull the qr or just dump the chicken loop off your spreader bar

u cant use the old c kite launch on a modern kite they are too stiff, and dont fold under properly. use RAL INN's advice it is spot on about how to self launch.

Just keep in mind that self launching and self landing both scrape the leading edge along the sand. I have popped two leading edges on kites doing this over the years. Just an FYI.