How to self launch a kite

[knotwindy]

One of the things I like about the tethered or anchored launch is that if you are even close to doing it right the kite can ONLY be in the right place relative to the wind direction. It just sits there waiting like a good dog. If it falls forward there is not enough wind to ride. If it bounces around it is too big a kite to ride comfortably but perfect to boost. Lots of safety info while still on the beach with no one else around.

[kite_hh]

Some kites even have a self launch system.

Self Launcher
With the Self Launcher, we are offering you a tool to easily solo-launch the BOOST3. Position the kite at the edge of the wind window, connect the sandbag (which comes with the kite), or any other bag and place this on the ground. Once the kite lines are tensioned the Self Launcher automatically releases safely at just the right moment.
https://flysurfer.com/project/boost3/

https://youtu.be/Nh0kgv8aok4

I wonder if this works at high winds also...?

[Hugh2]

I use (still) the weighted wing method.
However, unlike a tethered (& anchored) launch, it doesn't offer a solution for self-landing at the end of a session.

With all your years of experience i doubt that you are not capable of walking up safely/ steadily up the centerline(s) all the way to the kite when it's 30 knots

It was blowing 30 knots this afternoon when I finished my downwinder at Haakgat north of Cape Town on my wonderful 7m Pivot, and as usual with noone else on the beach (I stop half way down the beach at Holbaai), I did my usual release to safety leash. No messing around with trying to selfland, no anchors, and completely safe. Have never had a problem doing it as this is a wide open beach generally with noone around, only a few mussel shells and some kelp for company.

[PullStrings]

It was blowing 30 knots this afternoon .
I did my usual release to safety leash.
No messing around with trying to self land

Yes it's great and safe to do "our usual"
I have "messed around" a lot learning to walk up the lines safely/steadily all the way to the kite in that wind speed....very useful in tighter landing spot
Practicing that way starts by doing it all the time....first in half the wind...15 knots... with a bigger kite....then with 20...then 25... & then up...to get the confidence
Can't recall using QR to self land after a session
But QR does work...because before every self launch... i practice releasing it and re-assembling twice..to make myself fully aware of the motion that i may have to do in next minute
That's where i believe it's most crucial...at launch...a wingtip wrap..... a line break...a bridle break....a bridle wrap..and as result a kite going/spinning into the power zone

[RadDrDuke]

I almost always self-launch. Big empty beach. Slide launch, pulling rear line until kite catches and rotates onto side for launch. Works great but does put some wear on kite from sliding on the sand ~10 feet or so each time.

Landing I pull safety on Airush (flag out front line) and the kite just sits on its back like a fifth line, works perfect everytime.

If you have limited room then drift launching is great but obviously gets your kite wet and doesn't work with a line camera.

[FarQueLot]

I almost always self-launch. Big empty beach. Slide launch, pulling rear line until kite catches and rotates onto side for launch. Works great but does put some wear on kite from sliding on the sand ~10 feet or so each time.

Landing I pull safety on Airush (flag out front line) and the kite just sits on its back like a fifth line, works perfect everytime.

If you have limited room then drift launching is great but obviously gets your kite wet and doesn't work with a line camera.

sounds to me you are standing 10 feet too far down wind and not angling the kite

[pmaggie]

Nice video, but the real world is often very different. Self launching and landing on a huge totally uncrowded beach in light to moderate wind is quite "easy". Things are different when you have to launch and land in a narrow place with obstacles and people (but no kiters) around…

[Robsw6]

As you say, nice video & I'm sure that is fine for hydro-foiling (i.e. lighter winds), but for me 12m means 20-25knots and a kite held with a tiny sand bag would disappear off down wind

[cor]

My favorite self launch so far: https://youtu.be/46cqOOoNCLo?t=4

[bay surfer]

Big sandy beach that would be nice, but for launching in not nice areas, drift launching much safer, as long as there is no big waves and water is not deep.
Best way to drift launch is to hook in, take your kite into the water, HERES the kicker for a safer drift launch put the kite behind you head on shoulders, then unroll your lines letting the lines drift out while walking back slowly, when lines unwound then let the kite go.