I've got a 14.5m Flite that I often have trouble self launching (drag method) because the bridles are so freaking long. The upwind bridle almost always gets caught on the wingtip when self launching. Anyone figured out a good way to keep this from happening? Thanks
Seems to slow down the rotation of the kite some and make it pivot around the weighted wing so maybe the lines are not moving around as much to get wrapped up. I have a OR 14.5 Flite too.
That is a good video but a couple of things I’ve learned,
You can pre turn the kite on the ground, that can make it a bit easier and it also
Helps keep the upwind rear line which you pull on from wrapping over the kite. I’ve actually begun starting with me more down wind to make sure that line goes under the kite.
Also, if you note in the video the bar is upside down and only pull on the upwind rear line until the kite gets up into a c.
One you flip the bar over, walk back down wind because the kite is normally farther down into the wind than where you would launch assisted or tethered.
Moving back down wind will reduce the power on the launch.
I’m not sure why the bridle catches on the Flite, as just moving back to launch should pull them clear.
I always clear out the bridles when I rig, and double check they aren’t caught on anything.
Maybe you should video a launch? It might show you what is happening.
Bill, that's cheating. Anyone do regular anchor-less launches?
Anchor is what I do, mainly because we don't have rocky beaches. Seems like less to go wrong, as you can be sure lines are right, no bridle wraps, etc, before you get the kite in the air.
These users thanked the author juandesooka for the post (total 3):
Peter_Frank (Tue Oct 08, 2019 8:43 pm) • knotwindy (Tue Oct 08, 2019 9:31 pm) • Bill C (Tue Oct 08, 2019 10:27 pm)
Bill, that's cheating. Anyone do regular anchor-less launches?
If I launched without an anchor, my leading edge would look like it was attacked by ninja knives due to all the sharp shells no matter how minimal I drug it across the sand.
Do you put some sand on the upwind portion of the canopy?
No sand. Just set the kite on its wing tip and walk back. Same when I land. If the kite is bouncing around due to wind, I lay my hand on the top steering line and walk back to the control bar or towards the kite when I land. Make sure where the wing tip is sitting, there aren't protruding sticks or shells with sharp edges. Also make sure your lines aren't crossed before launching. If its windy, depower your bar.
I've owned Liquid Force, Naish, Ozone, Switch and Cloud kites using the same procedure at nauseam.
Launching without an anchor or with back lines looks cool, but I eventually cut my kite with shells.