Technique : Self-Launch

A Guide to Self-launching

Caution: There is an inherent risk increase when self-launching. You shoudl always use an assisted launch when possible. It is never advisable to kite alone!

You may encounter a situation when you need to self launch, and there are two techniques to do this safely. Always remember to depower your kite as much as possible and ensure all your safety systems are fully functional. Do not hesitate to eject if you need to. Never self-launch with any people or objects downwind.

Self-Launch, Technique #1 : Sanding the Tip

• Check your safety systems and pull your depower strap to 100%. Check that you have plenty of room downwind of your launch area.
• Layout your lines directly perpendicular to the wind (across the wind) and attach your kite. Recheck your lines.
• Flip your kite over so that the leading edge is into the wind and the top of the canopy is on the ground. The kite should be lying across the wind, like you were pumping it up. Pile sand between the tip and the first strut and make sure you have enough sand on the kite to hold it steady.
• Walk quickly back up your lines to your bar. Attach your leash. Pickup the bar and take a step toward the kite (so there is no tension on the lines).
• Hook into the chicken loop and check your setup to make sure no lines are wrapped around the bar.
• Take a step or two back to tighten the lines. The kite should pull into shape, sitting on the sanded tip, ready for launch. Look down your lines to make sure nothing is kooked.
• If you need to, take a step or two upwind to get tension in the back lines.
• Launch the kite as normal, pulling on the upper steering line. The kite will slowly start to launch and the sand will begin to fall off the tip. Once the sand is off the tip, you should be launched.

Self-Launch, Technique #2 : Sand Bag Assist

• Before leaving home, pack a garbage bag in your kite bag along with a carabiner.
• Check your safety systems and pull your depower strap to 100%. Check that you have plenty of room downwind of your launch area.
• Layout your lines directly perpendicular to the wind (across the wind) and attach your kite. Recheck your lines.
• Put the garbage bag into you kite bag as a liner and fill it at least 1/2 full with sand. Attach the carabiner to a strap on your bag.
• Hook your chicken loop into the carabiner.
• Walk down to your kite and set it into launch position on its tip, the lines should be tight against the weight of the sand bag.
• Walk quickly back up your lines (run your hand along the upper front line for safety) to the bar and sand bag. Hook in your leash.
• Kneel down next to the bag. Grab the chicken loop only and unhook from the carabiner. Do not touch the bar. Hook into your harness.
• Stand up and launch as normal.

You can also land using this same technque in reverse!