lower line self landing

[edt]

I think everyone knows the upper center line self landing technique, you bring the kite down and yank really hard on the upper line. As I have said before I like this technique fine . . . in 15 knots or less wind. Above that you are taking a chance that the wind will get under the kite and well it just sucks. Maybe you end up flagging out maybe you have to release the kite. So above 15 knots I use lower line self landing. Not upper, lower. You use the lower line just like it were a flag out line. Completely disconnect from the kite, grab the upper line and walk slightly upwind to keep the kite in a U shape. Then stroll to the kite, walking down the lower line, like I said.

This technique is pretty much identical to flagging out the kite, disconnecting from the kite and then walking down the flag out line. The only real difference is you don't throw the QR and you put the kite in a U shape so it won't flap around.

You can use this technique up to about 30 knots. Above that I prefer flagging out on the water if I have to self land.



sorry for the shake cam and light wind. You know how it is, always something more interesting to do than make a self landing video. So I probably won't remake the viddy.

[Bushflyr]

That's not a self landing, that's a barely recovered crash.

[Westozzy]

I see death spiral potential here, or is it just me?

[airsurfer]

in stronger winds on most bridled kites bring kite to edge with one tip touching the ground unhook walk up both front lines with steady and even tension. When you get close to the kite you can grab it or pull upper front line to drop the kite. try it in lighter winds before you try it on a windy day. having someone experienced land your kite is always best but not an always an option so I do this often.

[edt]

i honestly dont have a good feel for how good this landing technique is. I have done it hundreds of times and never had a death loop but that doesn't really mean anything it's a small sample size.

The main reason I made this video is not to get other people to try it, use your own technique I think whatever you use now is perfectly fine. The main reason I made this video is that everyone is using top center line self landing and every time I tried to explain lower center line landing nobody understood. So I made a video of what it is.

The two types of self landings, top center and lower center are entirely different techniques. If you want to try it go ahead if not that's fine too.

[sarc]

Now I have a headache from the shakycam AND I MUST know what was making the squeaky noise... please?

[Sgallian]

Unfortunately, french video (and the automatic translation is useless, sorry), but I now use the method shown from 5:35 when the wind is above 15 kn...

[edt]

Now I have a headache from the shakycam AND I MUST know what was making the squeaky noise... please?

the same cause for shakey cam & squeaky noise it's the go pro I'm holding. the orange floaty sqeaks when it rubs against things.

[edt]

Unfortunately, french video (and the automatic translation is useless, sorry), but I now use the method shown from 5:35 when the wind is above 15 kn...

yeah that's the double center line method. Put the kite on its side and walk up both center lines. That method is better with a Y. With a low V the lines are always trying to get away from you.

[Balloonboy]

Unfortunately, french video (and the automatic translation is useless, sorry), but I now use the method shown from 5:35 when the wind is above 15 kn...

That not much wind by the looks of it but it seems work in those conditions. But there's something about taking advice from a dewd who's hand is wrapped up from severe rope burns that just doesn't seem right.