Launching your Kite

 

In this article you will learn a safe and proven way to launch your kite while standing on the beach.  Know that this is definitely not the only way to launch your kite but is the most common method to do so.

After you have attached all your lines, checked all your safety systems, and have your life vest on you are now ready to launch your kite.  The first thing you need to know is that although it is possible to launch your kite by yourself it is always safer and overall a better idea to have someone help you.  These instructions assume that you have someone to assist you in launching your kite.

First have your assistant grab the leading edge or your kite and walk it to either edge of the wind window.  Then after double checking to make sure your lines are straight have your assistant raise the kite so that the leading edge is facing towards the edge of the window.

Make sure your assistant is standing in the correct location, right on the edge of the wind window.  You can tell this by looking at what the kite is doing.  If the kite is pushing on the person holding it for launch then it is not quite at the edge where as if the kite acts like it has no power or wants to drift back wards then you have passes the edge of the window.

Now double check and make sure you kite is fully depowered.  As it can be very dangerous to launch powered up.  Now with your bar parallel to the ground, lines tight, have your assistant slowly release the kite as he/she does so start to slightly pull the bar to the opposing side of the window (of your kite is on your right pull on the left side of your bar and visa versa).  Your kite will slowly drift up higher and higher.  Once it is directly above you stop pull.  You have now completed launching your kite.

A few rules and guide lines about launching you’re kite:

• Never assume everyone knows how to launch a kite (aka don’t ask a random dude on the beach to launch your kite)
• Always launch with you’re kite fully depowered
• Never launch near obstacles which you could catch you’re kite on such as trees, power lines, buildings, ect…
• Make sure your safety system is attached before you launch
• Be smart, know the conditions and your  limitations, don’t launch in winds to high