Another boat launch method

[KYLakeKiter]

For those who are interested, here is a quick video of how we have been boat launching the kite this summer. I am still using a 5 gallon bucket to organize the lines, and have had consistent and safe results drifting the kite from the boat with the chicken loop hooked to the boat. This video was done in one take with no edits or re-do's.

[KYLakeKiter]

I also should have noted that I coiled the lines in the bucket starting at the bar which is opposite of the bucket method video showing how I rigged the bucket. Sorry for the lack of detail there. I really did not plan to make this video so I didn't show all the specifics.

[NYKiter]

[KYLakeKiter]

No interest in this the first time I put it out, but I am still interested in seeing how other people might be doing this. Lake levels are about to be raised to summer pool again here, so we are about to loose most of our good beach launch spots. Back to the boat as our only option. Any other boat launchers out there? Deep or shallow water, I would like to see how you organize your gear.

[Nico]

Been doing it since zear 2000.
I will have to make a clip sooner or later.
N

[KYLakeKiter]

OK, over 900 views and 2 responses, so I will take the hint that no one is interested in this.

I am working on making the operation more efficient, and maybe developing a floating bucket that holds the bar for transport.

I also have an inclination to try to do a deep water solo inflate, and drift launch from the back of my Seadoo. If I can pull it off safely and with any consistency, I will get a video of that as well.

Let me know if you have any ideas.

[bnthere]

you don't need the bucket, and you don't need to attach the kite to the boat.

[KYLakeKiter]

you don't need the bucket, and you don't need to attach the kite to the boat.

True. The bucket is for convenience. I find it much easier to avoid snags as opposed to unwrapping the lines from the bar. Trying to unwrap from the bar while the kite is drifting was difficult to stay ahead of the kite, and I had more problems with twists. It just works better for me. Of course, you can just coil the lines on the floor of the boat, but we usually have a couple of bars rigged in buckets ready to launch if we get a kite Kooked up and have to recover it in deep water.

Attaching to the boat is another convenience. Sure, I could have it hooked to my harness, but then if it is wrong, it is more difficult to deal with while it is pulling on me. Also, I have the leash hooked to the boat, so if it gets really crazy, I can just flag the kite and recover it. Again easier than having it pulling on me.

As with anything, I am sure there are multiple ways to do this. I have had good luck with this method. Definitely open to other ideas.

[OBX Kiter]

We use the bucket method on Lake Garda too.

[ronnie]

What I would like to see is a drift launch of a single front line flagging kite with no slack lines floating around in the water and everything under control at all times, using just the bar to wind the lines on and off.
You are permitted to have 3 slack lines but only slightly slack.

Should be possible.