Self launch and self land option

[Herman]

Thanks for a nice description of self landing from the edge of the window by Foil. I liked the highlighting of the need for asymmetric braking by holding the brake handle off center. I would also add that I think it is worth using the spare hand on the top leader to enhance control of this asymmetry. Obviously you can transfer the hand to the bottom leader if required. For me letting go of the bar helps me to change mindset; the bar no longer has control so no point in holding it!!

As an intermediate foil kite flyer I think it is swings and roundabouts between handle and leaders:

Leaders give better control feedback in the way you are most used to contolling the kite. But is more finnicky to set up and transfer to tether.

Handle has a quick easy set up and transfer to tether. Weirder control feedback in a relatively alien hand configuration, which makes it easier to screw up and end up with a mess at the edge of the window. (Brake handle control screw ups like this may actually be less likely in stronger wind as there is more feedback and control is less delicate imho.)

Of course you have to factor in that not all rigs have handles. But I will continue to practice both styles for the foreseeable, but I definitely think using the leaders, rather than handle, gives me better control at present.

PS My favourite flag system is the simple front line flag, ie one front main bridle, but I am also ok with the old tophat release of the front lines to flag to Z. But my foil flagging experience is meagre to say the least. Anybody dislike the front line flag (I think Flysurfer call it the FLS system)????? Also any general tips on flagging strategies, that would be appreciated?

[CARMELHILL]

[/quote]

I am thinking that if you release a normal closed cell twin skin kite on to a 5th line with fully pressurized cells in stiff winds, it may rip the middle seam in half as it suddenly folds in two under pressure.
my hyperlinks which are dual mode kites, the instructions warn not to operate the 5th line option if the air intakes and 5th line center zips are not configured for open cell use as in use for land base sports.
[/quote]

That's exactly what I thought and why I asked. That was my interpretation also after reading the Hyperlink manual.

[Regis-de-giens]

Here is a hot launch on a crowed narrow beach (i had to negociate to free one possible launch axis...
Lei users were ... astonished...

[CARMELHILL]

Lei users were ... astonished...

Show off.

LEI should see this more and maybe they will switch. Dump the pump.

[Bille]

Lei users were ... astonished...

...
LEI should see this more and maybe they will switch. Dump the pump.

Don't let PMU , hear you say that !! -------

Bille

[downunder]

Here is a hot launch on a crowed narrow beach (i had to negociate to free one possible launch axis...
Lei users were ... astonished...

Well,

im astonished with a 6 pack I develop with pumping

Not any more with foils

[Regis-de-giens]

I am not saying it is better than LEI. With such conditions I'd prefer launch my LEI to get the same axis and "understanding " than other kiters.

Ot was just for sharing and illustrating that it is feasible (but not for beginners) and kind of beautiful (i think ☺).

[Regis-de-giens]

I like this one last week-end :

[Foil]

I like this one last week-end :

I would sell the house and find a better location if that was my only beach, yikes! thats hard.

[JakeFarley]

I wouldn't want to walk on those rocks, let alone launch or fly a kite from them. Just one misstep....