There's alot of info out there about self launching but I'm really not sure what to follow. Anyone got any recommendations with self launch vids, instruction etc.
Thanks
Some tips we have compiled on self-launching are here: kitesurfing-handbook.peterskiteboarding.com/progression/self-launching-your-kite
Bear in mind that there a differences in techniques between kites for self launching, so its best to find someone who knows the method for your particular kite and can help you out while learning.
Experimenting can be dangerous. You are on the beach and can easily get dragged somewhere unpleasant if you do the wrong thing, and damage your kite.
This is another option as long as your anchor is solid and the sand is fairly soft as the kite may bounce a little on the ground.
hey peterc150 love your site man great stuff very helpfull
this is the method i use
I'm still new but I actually combined the two videos posted which has worked well.
How...
I use the anchor method to know 100% the lines are good... hold the kite up, eyeball it, then put the kite back down... and go for the other launch (where you move a little up wind) until you can launch it.
This way I don't have the kite bouncing around on an anchor... (while I run to hook in) and then I can take my time dragging it around while knowing the lines are good to go.
I've only done this a couple of times, but it felt safer than either of those launches on their own.
GreenGriff, thanks for the feedback. Its appreciated.
I have added the video to the self launching and self landing articles, along with tip about positioning the kite to the seaward side of the wind window.
I'd use the anchor launch - its less likely to damage your kite and with the drag the kite round on the sand launch you can still snag a bridle line or something small sticking out of the sand.
Funny you say that, coz a friend of mine with much more experience than I recently burst his kite doing exactly this.... reckons he hit something sharp.