Re: Launching foils in tight spots
Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2020 3:31 pm
Gyre wrote: ↑Wed Nov 18, 2020 4:21 amThis is a really interesting technique -- never heard of it before. I don't think it would have worked that day, the wind was too strong. I pre-inflated by securing the upwind tip on the ground and holding the downwind tip and the vents open. It doesn't fully inflate that way of course.Jyoder wrote: ↑Tue Nov 17, 2020 4:21 pmDid you really really pre-inflate? Do you know how to fly the kite on the pigtails at the kite with your hands until it is truly inflated?
Hold both front line pigtails in strong hand above both steering pigtails in weak hand. You can yank the fronts to launch the kite and sheet in/out and steer left/right with lower hand. Once kite is fully inflated, backstall it to the ground and carefully walk the lines and hot launch, or just burry a tip and side launch.
If it gets squirrelly, just let go of steering lines or release all but one front line. Or steer the kite to one side and it will fold on the ground and you can grab a wingtip.
Maybe it just goes without saying that the stronger and gustier the wind is, the more unpredictable the launch is going to be.
You’d be surprised how well it works in high wind once you get the hang of it. It can be unsettling to have a fair amount of pull holding the kite this way, but with finesse you can manage by sheeting or oversheeting to get it inflated and bouncing lightly on the ground. Good way to check all bridle lines are clear too. Practice in lighter wind first on soft sand or grass.