A few comments.
edt: Tethering 10m from obstackles is the only way to launch at most spots here, and I do that often - and have never destroyed a kite.
Not saying it can not happen - just that it is extremely rare - and I think your own mistake if it happens
So risky yes, but not that much IMO.
The major issue is when it goes on the LE in lulls - so you have to be aware the kite can "slide" into something - and if bushes with thorns it is a bummer
But you can often correct and avoid this by just pulling the former upper line, even when walking back to your bar.
Of course - there are some kites, like very C shaped ones - that does not work in less stable winds especially, but one knows this beforehand I believe, from tethered launches with lots of space
juandesooka: Why try it with small kites first ?
I see no reason for this, as it might give a very twisted picture of the real behaviour with normal kite sizes
I would just test with my regular kite - as you got the bar on your water-anchor and kite still resting safe on the beach LE down.
Then you go back to the kite - put it up on the side - and guess what ? Just WAIT there and see what happens
Then you dont risk anything, as you can just grab the kite if something odd is about to happen.
Just remember - that a fixed kite will sometimes jump a meter up and land a bit more downwind in the classic "compressed" way - but I know you know if you are used to tethered launches.
This way you will get an idea whether it seems like a good stable solution or not
JGTR: Anchor on land and leave kite standing on the tip in the water, is possible.
I dont do it though - as I've (in fact almost always) experienced that the kite will drop on its LE extremely easy - and have even seen it go on its back too.
Because, the water is never flat (if it was flat, one could just walk out in the water and launch), so even in light wind, even small small waves will catch the wingtip and roll it "under" the kite, so it tumbles down. In light wind, even small waves only a few inches, rolling slow, can "tumble" a kite.
In more wind, the smaller kites sit much more stable, true - BUT, you got much bigger wind swell now, so the same issue (is my experience).
Also, in general, kites wont sit very stable on the wing tip when in the water, in gusty wind, compared to when on a beach. Because of the huge drag that water causes on the lower wing tip - "odd" things can happen so much easier when in water - that wont happen on the beach.
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I wont say what is the "right" way - just note some experiences I've found during the last 8 years since SLE kites came - if someone can use these hints.
I mostly always self launch - also if we are many (to be able to get out/in if they are on the water, or has left home), so you get 500-1000 selflaunch/landings per year quite easy - and the "slide" self launch is way to dangerous, even though I also use it in light wind - but have seen line snags and disaster too often with this method
Of course we launch/land each other also - but not the first time at a spot, as it is VERY important to see that your tether angle and line length is correct, when having narrow beaches with obstackles !
A practical detail: Put your kitebag next to, or around your stake/tether.
This way, when others come or want to go in, when you are out - they got the chance to see where there "might be" a stake so they can start or land.
That is one benefit.
The other benefit of doing this - is that you will never forget your stake/tether/anchor and carabiner, because you need your kitebag when packing down - as there are often someone that takes your kite down if you stop for the day simultaniously, and it might be a bit dark and cold and you got hours to drive home maybe - so you forget all about your stake.
I have lost (meaning - forgotten) many tether systems until I placed the kite bag at the tether.
Sounds too simple and a bit stupid maybe - but believe me, it works
Just some experiences, if anyone can use this.
Peter