10 knots versus 35 knots.....3.5 times more wind speed.........12.25 times more power in the kite

............IGNORING that fact may be hazardous to your health and others around you

I don't self launch nor land my kite!

Because
A: too dangerous
B: don't want to destroy my kite
C: I never go out alone

I am still nearly always unhooked for launching - been doing it for many years - just don't hold on tight and be ready to let go.

Yeah for sure unhooking as soon as possible is real important on landing, have had the "catcher" mess up quite a few times.


I like your quotes "more or less very safe" "can be very safe" lol We would never get any racing done in sub 15 knots, could be waiting for weeks as would other locations around the world. You are right about the using the safety in first lesson. I show students the QR how to load and how to release and how to reload - 3 times minimum and about clogging with sand etc... Then (using my kites) I shout at them to release kite while flying "there is a brick wall coming and you are heading towards it!" and most cannot activate the release - they just cannot do it. It is a reaction most riders need to learn for whatever reason - part of this is to face the reality of the possible consequences of not releasing in time. I once had to (Hossegor, France) rugby tackle a rider in a death loop about to hit a 15 foot high beach wall head first and fight the bar off him and pull the QR, he told me afterwards he was in panic - his natural reaction was to try and hold on, this has to be taught.

I can understand not wanting to land a kite without a single line flagging system. I find it very bizzare that Olympic Kite Racing does not require this after everything we have learnt over the years.

I used to always launch unhooked "in the days of pulleys bars"....my motto was..keep it low / let it go

Also "if" someone volunteers to catch my kite i will always gladly say yes
As soon as they grab the leading edge i do not unhook but instead run or walk quickly towards them
This helps the lines to slack and the nice helper to get a firmer grip on the kite

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If I unhook my IDS will not work

Unless of course, you're an experienced professional - then you send beginners out to try new kites

Supaez: I unhook and run towards the helper!
Everything can happen, and you still are hooked...

man your an enigma to me Toby.

your a really dedicated kiter.

but you don't kite over 25-30knots
you don't solo launch and land
you never kite alone.

WTF... ? i would miss 50-60% of my sessions if i adopted your rules. And i would most definately missed the most fun sessions 25+ knots!.

that aside i have a airstyle challenge for you. can you to a back role and then a front role in the same jump?

Seriously, never kite alone? I am in the same boat as Plummet, I kite alone often in the winter because there is no one else around. For many miles! I assess the situation, self launch and when I need to land alone in 25 knots plus, I just release to a flagging line and work my way up the kite. Always be aware, always have an exit plan, and if in doubt don't hesitate to pull the pin and wait for another day.
The big days are exhilarating but the risk is greater.
my 2 pesos worth

Hey Toby i waste zero time unhooking once the helper grabs the leading edge

I immediately go (run or walk depending on conditions) towards helper ASAP still hooked....
...and in the event the helper has "butterfingers" and the kite starts to tumbleweed down the beach...
...i immediately then run "upwind" away from runaway kite while i Quick Release on my 5th line...

...gotta keep that kite leashed and under "our" control 100% for a very happy ending

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