I usually kite where the launch area is a narrow rock jetty and self launching is not a viable option. The way we launch is the kiter gets in the water on the downwind side of the jetty and someone holds the kite at the top of the jetty (about 5 meters up) for the launch. Luckily there are always a few kiters around to help ...maybe 5 on a quiet day and maybe 25 on the weekends. (And there are a few windsurfers around to help launch the last guy on a quiet day.)
So you always need help to launch. This has developed a very teamwork oriented culture for us. Everyone helps everyone else. The quicker we get someone launched, the quicker it will be our turn. There is only one launch/landing area so we try to keep it clear like on an aircraft carrier.
Landing is just the reverse. You kite toward the jetty, tap your head to indicate you want to land, and someone on top of the jetty will catch your kite. Sometimes there is a line up with several kiters circling waiting for their turn for landing. But it always works. Every kiter on the jetty is always ready to catch a kite. And if the catch doesn't work, you just bring your kite up and circle around for another try.
It may sound like a difficult site, but our reward here is steady reliable wind and flat water for about 5 months of the year. Average kite size is usually 12 meters.
Here are some rules that have evolved for us.
First, we inflate our kites and put on our wetsuits away from the launch area.
Then we lay out our lines at the launch area on top of the jetty. (The launch area is wide enough for several sets of lines.) Then, when it is our turn, we quickly move our kite to the top of the launch area, connect the lines, and get launched. Usually the next kiter has already laid out his lines and is getting ready immediately afterward. If you are slow or disorganized, someone else will quickly get in front of you for a launch ...this is perfectly acceptable.
On landing, after someone catches your kite, your lines will be immediately disconnected from your kite by the people who catch your kite at the top of the jetty. And then they put your kite down well away from the launch area, (usually stacked behind other kites). This leaves the you in the water free to roll up your lines and get out of the way. When I land, I can roll up my lines when I am still in the water, and by the time I crawl up to the top of the jetty, my kite will have been stored somewhere.
The key thing is that no kite ever sits in the launch area with lines connected for very long. No one has to enforce rules. Newcomers generally just ask how we do things, and then join us. I can't ever remember a kiter being unwilling to help in a launch or landing. Its teamwork at its best. It's a great sport.
Chris G
Squamish BC, Canada