What I find truely amazing is how many Kiters who have 2 or more years kiting experience can't or won't self launch. When they ask me to help them launch or land I ask "Don't you know how to?

I offer to teach them. If they can't be bothered. I won't land there kite. I tell them they shouldn't be Kiting if they can't self launch/land.

When I started to learn to Kite I realised
stuff could go wrong and how important it was to be able to self launch. Especially if you are stuck at one end of the beach and nobody is there to help. So I would practice 100 self launch/landings before I would kite. I did this in 9-30knot winds. Using my Quick release when I had to. I would walk up my lines in strong winds.

Because of this and practicing self rescues I have saved myself a bucket load of grief. If you can't launch your kite in windy conditions, don't go out. You probably don't have the Kite skills for the conditions.

So if you see me at the beach, Don't ask me to help to launch or land your Kite......

The safest way to start or finish your session will always be with the help of a competent assistant (i.e. a well trainer kitesurfer who knows how to safely handle a kite and understands/uses hand signals).

Yes it's good have the skills to self-launch and self-land but not essential. Most kiters (especially beginners/intermediate) won't go out by themselves anyhow and will only kite when many other kiters are present which is the safe thing to do and also ensures there will always be people on the beach to help out.

Self-launching

The problem with self-launching is that no matter the technique used it's NOT a beginner skill and therefore it would be irresponsible for an instructor teach this at the early stages of any beginner's progression. Most students will stop taking lessons as soon as they are able to ride a bit and therefore instructors very rarely get a chance to teach self-launching skills.

The other problem is that metro kite spots are often very busy and that failed self-launching / self-landing can easily end up hurting other people, kiters, damaging your gear etc. As as said above, always safest to use assisted launching / landing.

Another problem with self-launching is that it's often poorly executed and a lot of kiters don't understand the risks involved and also don't have the correct safety reflexes to react when things don't go as planned.

Self-launching should be learned in underpowered situations with a small kite, short lines...then gradually practiced in stronger winds.

Self-landing

Self-landing on the other hand can be a beginner skill that can be learned in the very first lesson if done by activating the chicken loop QR, fully flagging out the kite and following the safety line hand-over-hand until the kite gets recovered as per the video here:

www.kitebud.com.au/kitesurfing-online-courses/kitesurfing-safety-systems/

Unfortunately this super simple and super safe beginner skill is rarely taught during lessons as it's not part of any kitesurfing instructor course that I've ever seen.

The main problem with self-landing is that 99% of kitesurfers who self-land are doing this while still being hooked-in which is extremely dangerous. Without a plan-B in case of a failed self-land kiters get dragged into the power zone, can easily get hurt, injure others downwind, damage gear, etc.


Christian - KiteBud

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GMK-KiteSurf said..
What I find truely amazing is how many Kiters who have 2 or more years kiting experience can't or won't self launch. When they ask me to help them launch or land I ask "Don't you know how to?

I offer to teach them. If they can't be bothered. I won't land there kite. I tell them they shouldn't be Kiting if they can't self launch/land.

When I started to learn to Kite I realised
stuff could go wrong and how important it was to be able to self launch. Especially if you are stuck at one end of the beach and nobody is there to help. So I would practice 100 self launch/landings before I would kite. I did this in 9-30knot winds. Using my Quick release when I had to. I would walk up my lines in strong winds.

Because of this and practicing self rescues I have saved myself a bucket load of grief. If you can't launch your kite in windy conditions, don't go out. You probably don't have the Kite skills for the conditions.

So if you see me at the beach, Don't ask me to help to launch or land your Kite......

Don't be a dick.... be cool.

Land that person's kite. It's safer than self landing, plus there's less wear than a drag launch or land.

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Plummet said..

GMK-KiteSurf said..
What I find truely amazing is how many Kiters who have 2 or more years kiting experience can't or won't self launch. When they ask me to help them launch or land I ask "Don't you know how to?

I offer to teach them. If they can't be bothered. I won't land there kite. I tell them they shouldn't be Kiting if they can't self launch/land.

When I started to learn to Kite I realised
stuff could go wrong and how important it was to be able to self launch. Especially if you are stuck at one end of the beach and nobody is there to help. So I would practice 100 self launch/landings before I would kite. I did this in 9-30knot winds. Using my Quick release when I had to. I would walk up my lines in strong winds.

Because of this and practicing self rescues I have saved myself a bucket load of grief. If you can't launch your kite in windy conditions, don't go out. You probably don't have the Kite skills for the conditions.

So if you see me at the beach, Don't ask me to help to launch or land your Kite......

Don't be a dick.... be cool.

Land that person's kite. It's safer than self landing, plus there's less wear than a drag launch or land.

I've Never had a problem with dragging my Kite. I get no wear and tear. I'm not interested in being Cool. Just safe.

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GMK-KiteSurf said..

So if you see me at the beach, Don't ask me to help to launch or land your Kite......

That is really the wrong attitude!!

Yes you have a point, everyone should be able to self launch and land but its always better to get assistance when possible. Its way worse to have someone mess up a launch or land right next to you when your rigging up than it is to spare a minute to help them launch. I have had a fair few close calls from people doing dodgy self launches right near where I am rigging up.

I would consider myself very proficient at self launch and land but I will still always get a helping hand if there's one available. Less wear and tear, less chance of s##t going wrong and it helps to build camradery in the kiting community!

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GMK-KiteSurf said..
I've Never had a problem with dragging my Kite. I get no wear and tear. I'm not interested in being Cool. Just safe.

I'm sure the kites get more of a beating in the air for a couple of hours, that sliding a meter or two on the beach.

Guess it depends on the state of your launch spot. No broken crack vials or old needs at our places.

Launch and land spots crowded with kiters and others - if it goes wrong the consequences can be bad. Why wouldn't you get a launch or a land if it is available ?
Classic at Trigg on Sunday - kiter landing a few metres upwind of 5 or 6 kiters de rigging. Also a kite in the air. Waved away launch assistance and went for self landing - failed and kite started to head down wind and power up - fortunately someone got a hand on it. Could have been nasty.

Self land and launch is a skill you should have but have some spatial awareness and stay safe and keep others safe.

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GMK-KiteSurf said..
What I find truely amazing is how many Kiters who have 2 or more years kiting experience can't or won't self launch. When they ask me to help them launch or land I ask "Don't you know how to?

I offer to teach them. If they can't be bothered. I won't land there kite. I tell them they shouldn't be Kiting if they can't self launch/land.

When I started to learn to Kite I realised
stuff could go wrong and how important it was to be able to self launch. Especially if you are stuck at one end of the beach and nobody is there to help. So I would practice 100 self launch/landings before I would kite. I did this in 9-30knot winds. Using my Quick release when I had to. I would walk up my lines in strong winds.

Because of this and practicing self rescues I have saved myself a bucket load of grief. If you can't launch your kite in windy conditions, don't go out. You probably don't have the Kite skills for the conditions.

So if you see me at the beach, Don't ask me to help to launch or land your Kite......

Ya f#####g bell end, have you got covid ill give you $200 to watch you self land on my beach in current wind strengths, up to 38knts, ive been kiting 15 yes and wouldn't dream of it, so whenever your up for a bit of cash, pulling your safety isn't self landing

I too have been in 40+ knot conditions on several occasions and had to land. Because of my safety practices I was able to do it.

I only launch and land in safe, uncrowded spots, that way I have No problems. I can't help it if others have had issues. I believe that as a Kiter you need to be prepared and self sufficient. **** happens and you need to deal with it.

If someone is in serious trouble I always help. If there being lazy No.

I'm glad this thread has inspired debate.

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GMK-KiteSurf said..
I too have been in 40+ knot conditions on several occasions and had to land. Because of my safety practices I was able to do it.

I only launch and land in safe, uncrowded spots, that way I have No problems. I can't help it if others have had issues. I believe that as a Kiter you need to be prepared and self sufficient. **** happens and you need to deal with it.

If someone is in serious trouble I always help. If there being lazy No.

I'm glad this thread has inspired debate.

I don't know that there is a debate, i think there is a general consensus that you're a bit of a tool.

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GMK-KiteSurf said..
What I find truely amazing is how many Kiters who have 2 or more years kiting experience can't or won't self launch. When they ask me to help them launch or land I ask "Don't you know how to?

I offer to teach them. If they can't be bothered. I won't land there kite. I tell them they shouldn't be Kiting if they can't self launch/land.

When I started to learn to Kite I realised
stuff could go wrong and how important it was to be able to self launch. Especially if you are stuck at one end of the beach and nobody is there to help. So I would practice 100 self launch/landings before I would kite. I did this in 9-30knot winds. Using my Quick release when I had to. I would walk up my lines in strong winds.

Because of this and practicing self rescues I have saved myself a bucket load of grief. If you can't launch your kite in windy conditions, don't go out. You probably don't have the Kite skills for the conditions.

So if you see me at the beach, Don't ask me to help to launch or land your Kite......

you sound like a real cock head

This is the same reason i never hold doors open for old people, if they can't do it themselves then they have no business entering buildings.

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GMK-KiteSurf said..
I'm glad this thread has inspired debate.

No. It's inspired hatred of dicks like you that think you're too cool for skool. If a kiter asks you to help land a kite - DO IT!!!
ps: I've noticed you're a Cabrinha kiter too. Says a lot actually.

one trick pony brazilian twat.....?

This right up there in the "do the right thing" category...like pickup after your dog.
ALWAYS take the assisted launch and landing if offered/available. Safety first is why we get to enjoy this sport.

Mate. You're being too kind to those who refuse to self land and launch.
If someone askes me, I just cut their lines.
How dare they interrupt my sesh?!
On the plus side, now they have a new skill to learn - fixing lines.

Well it appears obvious the OP has been outed for being a giant,,,,,,,


Now lets move on.......

Here's a photo of the time I was kiting in a hail storm. That smarted,,,, but not as much as the burn on OP.... hehehe.

It's just too Easy getting you all Ranting and Raving

I throw the line in and you all take the bait...

Haha you are a legend.

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GMK-KiteSurf said.
I've Never had a problem with dragging my Kite. I get no wear and tear. I'm not interested in being Cool. Just safe.

Lol! Well i think you are brilliant and very advanced and probably waaaay too advanced for the 'cake shop groupies' .. Or people on this forum or any web
But yes allways help if asked of course or if you see it is required.. Etc

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Thanks for the inspiration i also think ultimately you are correct

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GMK-KiteSurf said..
I too have been in 40+ knot conditions on several occasions and had to land. Because of my safety practices I was able to do it.

I only launch and land in safe, uncrowded spots, that way I have No problems. I can't help it if others have had issues. I believe that as a Kiter you need to be prepared and self sufficient. **** happens and you need to deal with it.

If someone is in serious trouble I always help. If there being lazy No.

I'm glad this thread has inspired debate.

this is great, where is vodka? He one handed self lands unhooked in 50kts

Maybe GMK-Kitesurf is an ex-foil kite flyer. The guys with foil kites love to self launch and land even when there are plenty of people around to help out.

The downside of being comfortable with self landing is you become the 'kite landing bitch' (everyone rushes the beach after the first person has landed). On the plus side it gives you a bunch of people to talk **** to about how much you sent it that session who feel obligated to listen for a few minutes.

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theDoctor said..

GMK-KiteSurf said..
What I find truely amazing is how many Kiters who have 2 or more years kiting experience can't or won't self launch. When they ask me to help them launch or land I ask "Don't you know how to?

I offer to teach them. If they can't be bothered. I won't land there kite. I tell them they shouldn't be Kiting if they can't self launch/land.

When I started to learn to Kite I realised
stuff could go wrong and how important it was to be able to self launch. Especially if you are stuck at one end of the beach and nobody is there to help. So I would practice 100 self launch/landings before I would kite. I did this in 9-30knot winds. Using my Quick release when I had to. I would walk up my lines in strong winds.

Because of this and practicing self rescues I have saved myself a bucket load of grief. If you can't launch your kite in windy conditions, don't go out. You probably don't have the Kite skills for the conditions.

So if you see me at the beach, Don't ask me to help to launch or land your Kite......

you sound like a real cock head

Yes,fine.

I disagree with every word you (GMK-kitesurf) wrote. But the fact you can't spell "their" tells me you are illiterate in Australian and quite probably in kiting. Personally I love to land and launch people. Way more positive than my 50 year's surfing experience where the thought bubble over every surfer's head paddling out was, "Keep the F**** off my wave". Kiting rules.

Catch up my friend. What's the point of being too kool for skool?

Rob WA

I've started winging recently and its great, no-one ever asks me to help them launch or land, with the bonus that you can also park in windsurfer's territory. maybe something to consider?

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weebitbreezy said..
Maybe GMK-Kitesurf is an ex-foil kite flyer. The guys with foil kites love to self launch and land even when there are plenty of people around to help out.

That's because the vast majority of inflatable users don't know how to handle a foil kite, and you don't need some chucklehead grabbing it wrong and destroying the kite or worse.

Had some nice chap try to assist me to launch once, helpfully dragged the 21m into the power zone for a hot launch for me. Thanks mate, I said as I disappeared downwind at warp speed. He might not have heard me though, cos he didn't hear the 3 people shouting at him to stop touching the ****ing thing...

I agree with what sounds like a general consensus. You sound like a cock head. Are you just trolling for attention? You want to exclusively self launch and land, knock yourself out (and hopefully no one else). But why should someone be forced to take the added risk if they don't have to? If there's someone on the beach I'll ask them to land my kite and I'll self launch/land only when there is no one around and this has nothing to do with not being able to. Refusing to launch or land someone's kite is just being a selfish, arrogant, f@ck knuckle.

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littlewing said..

GMK-KiteSurf said..
I too have been in 40+ knot conditions on several occasions and had to land. Because of my safety practices I was able to do it.

I only launch and land in safe, uncrowded spots, that way I have No problems. I can't help it if others have had issues. I believe that as a Kiter you need to be prepared and self sufficient. **** happens and you need to deal with it.

If someone is in serious trouble I always help. If there being lazy No.

I'm glad this thread has inspired debate.

this is great, where is vodka? He one handed self lands unhooked in 50kts

Of course i do what sort of kitesurfer could you possibly be if you cant land your kite in conditions you ride in? Ive landed in gusting 50 conditions plenty of times and unhooking just makes it easier to pull in my 6th line

Also next time im kiteing with you leo you can bet your ass your catching my kite for me

Self launched in 25kts on 13m this arvo and deathlooped after (*following investigation*) a front line disengaged from dragging. Coulda used an assisted launch in hindsight. Also now thinking about upgrading from my 2009 crossbow

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Chaps said..
Self launched in 25kts on 13m this arvo and deathlooped after (*following investigation*) a front line disengaged from dragging. Coulda used an assisted launch in hindsight. Also now thinking about upgrading from my 2009 crossbow

Got some 2011 Crossbows in the shed if you want 'em

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Gress said..
I agree with what sounds like a general consensus. You sound like a cock head. Are you just trolling for attention? You want to exclusively self launch and land, knock yourself out (and hopefully no one else). But why should someone be forced to take the added risk if they don't have to? If there's someone on the beach I'll ask them to land my kite and I'll self launch/land only when there is no one around and this has nothing to do with not being able to. Refusing to launch or land someone's kite is just being a selfish, arrogant, f@ck knuckle.

I feel bad for replying with such a disparaging response, but the thought that someone would blatantly refuse to help someone who asked in good faith for a launch or land upset me.Offering to educate someone about it after the fact is really great, but refusing to help someone who has asked for a hand launching or landing is pretty uncool, regardless of their response to the offer of education.

There was two guys having a beer next to a bucket of kite gear yesterday so I asked for a launch. When I was all the way out it the water and he still hadn't picked up the kite I realised he wasn't a kiter. He started making hand signals so I quickly ran out of the water to let him know that I'm better off self launching.
Watching him from the water land someone else's kite by the trailing edge and place crosswind on the beach was horribly cringeworthy, lucky it was a light wind day