There is a small spot of sand next to some good flat water I would like to try to self launch from...Problem is this sand is large enough for my kite but nothing else.
I would have to run the bar and lines out over the shallow water for pretty much the whole length of the lines.
Any one do this and are there any tips...
Cheers
Your only option may be a drift launch. There are some youtube videos on that, but I haven't found one that I would say is the "safest' method...The safest method I recommend is sort of mix between the two methods shown in these two videos:
video 1:
If there is enough width (along the shoreline) to set up the kite, but not depth (to the water), then theoretically, you could setup ont he sand, walk into the water and launch as per standard water re-launch.
Assumes onshore wind no seaweed, etc. plus risky. If you've a mate or a mate, I'd be inclined to set up and have them walk into the water with you to help you launch. Or find somewhere else. just me mind.
It's would be like a normal set up except the bar and lines would be in shin deep water. No current. Minimal weed but definatly upwind.
Attach lines to kite in carpark or somewhere that has 20+m room.
Wrap lines up neatley attached to kite, pump kite up on sand run out your lines and just keep an eye for twisted lines.
Hey hypnotic,
that looks pretty damn scary... the concept of being attached to the kite with no way to de power... gives me shivers.
Was that you?
Wasn't me just some random guy that clearly needs to go to some more lessons. Not just for his safety but the people around him
If I'm last on the beach I sometimes carry my kite in. Works well. I fully rig, attach chicken loop, walk to kite, carry it in, make sure I'm not in the lines etc, let it go. It drifts down until the lines get tight and turns around and you're off.
I did once have some weed get stuck around all 4 lines which was interesting...
