Make sure you are clear on what the individual kiters launch signal is beforehand

no stamp i am not taking the piss

stamp said...

not sure if you're taking the piss or not, but in case you're not;
stand clear of the lines on the leeward side of the luff.
hold the kite by the centre of the luff into the wind, until the bloke with the bar yells out to let go.

Maybe kiters have a different definition of leeward to windsurfers, I always thought you stood upwind of the kite? Bit hard to grab the leading edge if you're on the leeward side.

busterwa said...

...surfing is my relegion

Do you have any church around Perth? I really like to worship your gOD

yep, if u really want to know how the best way to learn is for someone to show u in person....

Hey Buster,

Good on you for trying to lend a hand. You're surely fostering good relations between the codes which is often needed.

The thing for you, when launching kites, is the experienced guys will basically get themselves into the correct position so that you don't have to, and they will give you a clear "thumbs up". This is an indication for you to no longer hold the kite and you should just "let go", without throwing or angling the kite in any way, just step back from the kite and release it, let the pilot control it to where they want it to be. Never "throw" a kite up, even if someone asks you to "throw me up" It's a figure of speach

Others have mentioned the correct assistant launch position of being in front of the luff/leading edge and behind the canopy so I wont elaborate on this.

The problem exists with noobs who do not understand correct wind window positioning ie the relationship to windward of kiter and kite, and will often just stand there hoping you are in the right position, often you wont be.

A nice simple rule of thumb is to draw a line between you and the kites pilot and see that the wind direction is perpendicular to that line ie 90 degrees. This should put you (the launcher) slightly upwind of the minimum power area (Neutral zone) creating a canopy that is flapping when the lines are tight. Simply walk downwind until the kite stops flapping and then take a few more steps until the kite is pushing slightly towards the wind, then check the lines to ensure there are no snags of bridles or lines around wingtip, and if clear, give an obvioous "thumbs up". Wait until you receive a clear thumbs up back and simply let the kite go. If the canopy is fluttering, DO NOT LET GO.

Thanks for the good post and peace, wind and waves to you.

IF YOU HAVE JUST WATCHED THE YOUTUBE VIDEO above Q1 Why do the guys launching on the video have to move out of the way of the lines ??? If you are in the correct position the kite should move away from you and not over you i thought . Q2. IF LAUNCHING IN A TIGHT SPOT ;DONT STAND UPWIND NEXT TO A f;;;;;g CAR .HELLO .
If im wrong GET OUT OF MY WAY . but please tell me

I reckon just tell em to self launch, everyone should be able to do that.

p.s. maybe give them a hand landing if its really windy.

I've launched more kites than I've had hot dinners, but hey we get on in the deep north
All I ever do is pick it up with the leading edge (or whatever you call it) facing the wind, let the skypilot walk to his launch spot and load the lines, let him/her fiddle fart around checking it's hooked up right and then let go when I get the thumbs up
Big tip though for you kitters is make sure your launcher knows what he's doing, I've seen them let go as soon as the lines load up or they get scared and just let go anyway, not good

But please don't ask me to catch it when it wet with salt water and I'm holding my camera, and yep don't swear at me if I refuse for that same reason

Bob

We'll show you how when you come to pick up your sails.