Launching any kite in the wind window in 30 knots is very dangerous , that's all .
Best wishes to the unfortunate kiter .
I launch those from taco-position, fill as much as possible in taco position. tips will always stay empty about 1/2 meter. so when kite opens downwind, it start raising slowly and when it fills it goes higher. and best is that it don't have too much pull when it's not full and hangs low.FredBGG wrote: Do you launch your Venoms uninflated?
I always forund that good inflation was neccessary for a smooth launch.
At many locations getting pulled 5m (15ft) can be a problem.
Yes.voodoospirit wrote:i might try your PL downwind method, always did the usual launching (45° launches) or sometimes assisted when i don t have the space on the ground ( like LEIs covering all the launching area).
in fact , u do the same thing as a relaunch but with the kite less inflated...
You make a good point here (point 2).gmb13 wrote: 2) I know I am probably the only arcuser who does not advocate launching the kite by yourself in strong winds. I prefer to launch with a Partner inflating and holding the kite. This gives you a similar launch to an LEI, and is much more controlled. Also sometimes its the only option, eg. in Hood River last year when the Sandbank was submerged, I had to have people walk out into the river and inflate my kite there and then launch it LEI style.
3) It's become far to normal nowadays to launch and land your kite by yourself. I am one of those guys who does it far too much and in dangerous situations. I should now better, but I only do it if I really can't find anybody to help me. If there is someone there, I will ask. This "out for myself" attitude is what is getting people killed. So I think that is where the underlying problem is.
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Gunnar
I reiterate my initial point. While only feeling the utmost sympathy for the rider involved in the accident, it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that THIS accident was partly caused by the type of kite (ram air) used and the requirement/temptation to do downwind launches.FredBGG wrote:You make a good point here (point 2).gmb13 wrote: 2) I know I am probably the only arcuser who does not advocate launching the kite by yourself in strong winds. I prefer to launch with a Partner inflating and holding the kite. This gives you a similar launch to an LEI, and is much more controlled. Also sometimes its the only option, eg. in Hood River last year when the Sandbank was submerged, I had to have people walk out into the river and inflate my kite there and then launch it LEI style.
3) It's become far to normal nowadays to launch and land your kite by yourself. I am one of those guys who does it far too much and in dangerous situations. I should now better, but I only do it if I really can't find anybody to help me. If there is someone there, I will ask. This "out for myself" attitude is what is getting people killed. So I think that is where the underlying problem is.
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Gunnar
The assisted launch you are talking about where the assistant hold the kite up in a taco shape and inflates it is a very nice method in strong winds.
When it is well inflated the assistant opens up the taco and releases the top tip, followed by the bottom tip and the kite goes up at the edge of the wind window..
It's particularly nice with small kite when it's blowing really strong and just bending down on the beach will get you a face, mouth and eyes full of sand.
That said you need to have an assistant that knows what he is doing... and when it come to arcs there arn't enough around...
You can also do it with some of the flysurfers, However I prefer to lay the kite out just to take a peek at the whole bridal before launching.