Kitesurfing unassisted self launching your kite tutorial

[@TheEnglish1969]

Probably the best "self launching" Instructional video I've seen yet - well done and thanks.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Great to hear thanks Ethan, Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nekminutee]

Very well said. This is exactly how I self launch. One thing I would add though is that it's always safer to have the kite on the water side of the wind window to self launch, in case anything does go wrong you'll be dragged towards the water, not toward potential hazards on the land side of the wind window.

[@tomyhyz]

I don't understand this. Could you explain ?

[@umutuz]

@@tomyhyz so you should make it exactly how Flukes does in the video. You want to have your kite in between yourself and the water. do: water###kite###you don't: water###you###kite

[@vblecha1]

Thank you so much for this video. Today I came to the beach, perfect wind and nobody around. I was not very confident to self launch, had no equipment for self launching. Then I watched your video on my phone and just did it as you show. I had an amazing session. Now, I am confident how to do it next time if I have to. Thank you so much.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Great stuff! Thanks for letting us know and glad it got you on the water :)

[@yanib47]

Hi Luke, I tried for the first time with a 11M F one Bandit @18 mph wind and It went perfect .I have watched many self launch videos but yours is the best .Great work.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Binay! awesome!! Thanks for letting me know and I am really glad to hear it worked well for you too. Have fun out there!

[@cindywheeler6264]

By far the best description I've seen of how to position the kite to the wind. Thank you.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome! Glad it helped :)

[@tonythetiger256]

Hi Luke, I normally don't have to rely on self launch but was forced to ask a crazy looking guy to help me out,the only thing the guy did right was wait for me to get myself hooked in,he never allowed me to walk to the side and threw the kite up right in the middle of the power zone,lucky instincts kicked in and I stayed calm had waited for the pull. Long story short,after looking at countless videos on here yours was the absolute best. Thanks alot from sunny Barbados.

[@roberttrzyna8380]

I do self launch my kite and this technique is very well explained, you're the man!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome!

[@hooplernono7033]

Thank you! Great tips!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Glad it was helpful! Checkout our other "downwind" self launch drag method too. That's the one i most use these days. Thanks

[@carsonaitchison3593]

beautiful beach too!

[@michalroesler]

That's exactly what I was looking 4. Thanks Luke.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Perfect! also check out the downwind line setup self launch. That's the one I use when I have enough space these days.

[@JamesLamb]

I appreciate this. Most of the videos out there are teaching the anchor attachment, which I guess is safer, but in real life I've only seen used twice. I usually just pull a line to shift the kite to catch the wind, but backing up is probably safer and keeps the lines more ready for steering. For me, self landing has always been more of a challenge, and also more necessary because as a beginner, I drift down the beach where no one is there to help land. Sometimes I walk back with the kite in the air; sometimes I wrap my lines and carry, but stronger wind, and depending on how tired I am, sometimes it's easier to just deflate the kite and call it a day.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

hey James, yes i use the anchor when the ground is rough like rocks ets. We have a video for that too. but if its sandy, or there is nowhere to anchor, then I do the drag method. We also actually have another video for how to do this with lines starting downwind which is actually what i do most of the time. :)

[@henrychin7824]

Thanks for the video! Is there any reason you couldn't also set up the lines downwind? I'm more used to doing that and I think it is a slightly safer approach than rigging them upwind? Also when you walk the bar to the side, you are less likely to get a line over the top of your kite, I think? Thanks again!

[@andrzejolejnik991]

Thanks Luke. (!) All Your videos are awesome and very, very helpful.

[@hussainshiyam4953]

Ur the man... thanks buddy..I need more controlling tips

[@ianbartlam5338]

great video

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks mate!

[@joehozzy2616]

Your videos are really well explained, and filmed. Thank you so much!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks, glad you like them and thanks for letting us know. :)

[@nate3274]

Awesome video!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Cheers thanks mate! let us know if there's anything in particular you'd like to see in the future. thanks again, & we'll cya in the next one ~Flukes Kitesurfing

[@chrisstevens3776]

Easy to understand tutorial. I tried for the first time yesterday in a pretty low wind day. Took my time and end up launching with no problems. It's super helpful for a new spot I kite at which does not have a lot of people at and it's not possible to drift launch. Thanks!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Great stuff Chris! Thanks for letting us know it worked for you :)

[@elquiero852]

Another awesome video that I really needed!! Thanks as usual mate

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Glad to hear it mate!

[@KcwPortreath]

Good explanation, thanks!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Ken!

[@dhedges1340]

Thank you so much. Always used to be worried nobody would be there to help me launch and land. Haven't tried the launching technique yet but that landing advice is amazing. Landed a 12 and 15 easily by myself today. I couldn't have done it without your help!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome great to hear! thanks for the comment & let us know if you think of any video topics you'd like covered in the future :) cya in the next one ~Flukes Kitesurfing

[@davidmanion5369]

Hi Luke, Firstly my comment about the bridle getting caught over the wing tip and sending the kite into a death loop is missing. and thanks for your reply! Catchup: If this happens on your saftey line ejecting the kite /chicken loop will do very little to stop the loop.😳 Hang on! After many hrs of research including watching others get into trouble (experienced kiters) i think i have worked it out. Not all brands have the issue! It happens when the steering line on the wing tip that is going to rise up twists with the corresponding bridle line on the sand. As tension comes on both lines the steering line flicks the bridle over the wing tip and bang you in for a ride! Even if you set your lines out perfect the twisting can still happen as the kite and lines move around. To help prevent it? Keep the steering line tight and away from the bridle line and keep your eye on the lines. If it happens and starts looping? I have pulled the steering line in hard and quick and the bridle flicks off the wing tip. Be ready though the kite is in the power zone at this stage and will fire up real quick!

[@alexg7278]

Thank you for the video! I was making a mistake of going upwind instead of straight back. Going to try your way.

[@fabienh3943]

Excellent!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Fabien

[@andydunn5673]

Great little film Thanks for sharing Back to kitting after 4 year absence Just running through a few bits and pieces Don’t worry Big Bro is coming out on the water my 1st two times

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Welcome back! :)

[@simonjordan2523]

Great vid Luke

[@maxman3107]

Great tutorial on self launch, one thing you forgot to mention is that you pulled on the bottom line to open the kite up right before launch.

[@dilfeable]

Now that's what I call a beach 🏖️ We usually have only a few meters to the nearest trees, which makes self landing/launching quite exciting.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Haha for sure.

[@brianbailey7128]

very informative!

[@orensharon1611]

Nice video, where's the beach?

[@guilhermebandeira1120]

At this moment 6:39 most times i self launch the bridle of the kite gets wrapped around the wingtip causing the kite to go into the ‘death loop’ all i can do is pull the safety and try again but it keeps happening... what to do?

[@renegade1283]

G'day Luke. Great videos. What beach is this? Cheers, Richard

[@aldemirgraselli3253]

Hi there can you please send me the make of the equipment that you used please 🙏

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey mate, we use Ocean Rodeo Gear :)

[@troycann1731]

Hey mate iv been watching your vids and was wondering why there Isnt a better way to de power the kite for self landing....surely a self release on the leading edge is required...I'm just learning about kitesurfing but it looks dangerous for self landing....if the leading edge line is released wouldn't it disable the kite instantly?

[@nicolasboudet9302]

Hi Luke I am searching for a self launching method which will avoid the drag phase, as on my spots there are plenty of oyster shells and small stones and no chance to have something to hook the chicken loop .In addition beaches are quite narrow and you cannot afford to let kite drag on the side without risk. It is better to adjust precisely your launching position with fix kite position (wind direction dependant...) Did you experienced the following technique: 1 connect the kite, check the lines and position them on the appropriate line from kite to the proper side of the wind window 2 flip the kite upper side down, leading edge front to the wind and maintain it firmly with the down front line 3 walk back to the bar, releasing the front line hand by hand during your walk back, maintaining at distance the kite position with the down front line tension 4 when at the front line Y let slowly the kite move in vertical position (launching position) 5 carry on to move back to the bar still holding the front lines, up to the chicken loop. Don’t grab the bar... 6 hold the chicken loop , and hook you ...or hook the safety leach first if you prefer (as the kite must be stable at launching position , it is not unsafe to hook you first, and it is possibly not easy to hook your safety leach with only one hand) 7 adjust launching position, grab the bar and launch without any drag. 😎

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey mate, whenever i am in a location with rocks, logs, shells, or anything that might damage the gear when dragging (that goes for the lines too) I use this Anchor method kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnS1fmqkpsRje7c If you can find a place to set this up, and then also setup the lines cross wind, very little movement is needed and i find this to be the best option. (in my current location this is how i launch and land every day) While what you describe may work... there is a lot of opportunity for the kite to become unstable. It could easily fly up off its back and roll over. That might cause more damage, and also run the risk of you having to let go. and without the kite secured in any way, that could be a big issue. Thats why its not really recommended. Hope that helps. :)

[@nicolasboudet9302]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Ok, fair enough! 😇 I was just wondering if a simple method may avoid this kind of device and its day to day installation (signed: a lazy kiter😜)😎

[@hannahlucks3593]

Hiya mate by name is Hannah and I love cancel them but I’m going only one is it not stupid too windy okay then what that how long she said the power off power on and off

[@aggigdynia]

so many good tips! I'm gonna try

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Great to hear aga! Have fun out there.

[@gringofpv6196]

🤙🏼

[@lovetofly32]

I wish I could do this in the water because around our lakes we have rocks and debris. Where there is grass there are trees. I could've went yesterday but I had it to tie it off to a boulder but it was a bit too windy to tie it to myself as I didn't want to end up in the cottonwood trees down wind. I couldn't get me and the kite to the water so I just packed it up.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey James, yeah with any rocks etc I always try and build an anchor and self launch/land using the anchor method.. Less likely to move and damage the kite/myself that way. :)

[@freddydad1]

another less complicated way, when you rig your kite, rig the lines directly down wind, kite as vid sitting directly into wind with sand on it, then you walk calmly downwind as you haven't moved the position of the kite, hook in and always Depower the kite, walk 90 degrees in relation to kite, double check you have Depowered the kite, then you can carefully walk backwards or even gently pull on the line with the tension on it, the kite will come up and sit on wingtip, at this point you can adjust how much power you want to adjust, be careful as sometimes depending on wind the kite may fall on its back, usually it may do this in light wing conditions, its very important you depower before self launching....

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Kevin, yeah agreed, I like the downwind method too. We have a video for that one as well. Great to know and understand both if needed. :)

[@umutbirey101]

why not lay the lines downwind at the beginning ?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Umut, Yes you can. This video demonstrates downind setup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4GYiX-PiNZ-h7c In my opinion, its great to know both upwind and downwind :)

[@nekminutee]

Screw that! Setting up upwind makes it easier to lay your lines up not having to fight the wind blowing your lines into you making knots :p

[@RustyParadox]

I'm kinda surprised that I'm not finding any videos on the old fold the tip and load it with sand technique. It probably isn't the safest option, but can be done in more cramped conditions where there isn't so much clear sandy space for that sliding technique.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Rusty! I remember seeing that a lot a few years back... I think mainly that these days you don't ride with your kite that soft. For me, there is no way i'd be able to fold a tip and have the kite stable for launch with it around 8psi, so that might be a lot of the reason. Along with trying to make it more secure... In cramped sections i'd try and anchor or if i'm really keen just make sure i'm in the exact spot that doesn't allow it to slide. :)

[@RustyParadox]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Yeah, on of the issues is definitely higher kite pressure these days as well as the shape of the kite. It also varies with the leading edge thickness, but you might be surprised with being able to bend the very tip, where it gets thinner. I did eventually find a video of someone demonstrating it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6vRmKZrZ5ecj9E&lc=z22fjls4cvjxtxdxx04t1aokgatmjavvreek2up1u0mxbk0h00410 the final technique, if anyone is curious about what method I'm meaning. It is a really good technique if your kite suits it (definitely the more C shaped the better).

[@JabCrossHook27]

Folding the wing tip worked yrs back when most kites were the C-type (North Vegas), but you can't do that with non-C (sori, name name type escapes me, .e.g., North Evo or Rebel) - something about that wing-tip end geometry won't fold and hold sand like the C's.

[@alexb.603]

Lines upwind ? best chance to have your lines on the canopee. Hooking in? no. keep the chicken in hand (with safety line attached).Its not about walking upwind but pulling the center lines (which you can do better with the chicken in your hand), , when the kites starts to flip, walk downwind (chicken in hand), let it stay on the window edge where you can check your lines. Hook in. and start Way less 'right away' risky stuff

[@barrynbreen]

Your a small bti downwind there so isnt it possible that you wont get the kite to catch the wind fully, if more upwind it wont go into a loop or tumble or anything. what you recon?>

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Barry, the true story of your positioning is told by how the kite launches. In this video, my position was pretty good, as the kite stood up and launched without issue. That said, i was to far downwind while launching, the kite still should not tumble back, it will typically slide back on the ground, until it rests in the spot with enough pressure to launch. (simply put, being to far downwind of your kite wont allow you to stand the kite up using your line until it moves downwind or you move upwind) if you are to far upwind, yes, the kite is less likely to move... however you are more likely to go for a big slide when it launches with more power, so be prepared for that :) We also have a video for the perfect position to launch your kite, and the self launch downwind line setup that you might like

[@KjetilBalstad]

Where is this?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Australia :)

[@KjetilBalstad]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Damn, that's the other side of the world for me... Well, that would put me somewhere in the ocean outside New Zealand, and I'm not that good of a kiter... But looks like I'll have to jump a plane at some point...

[@NogueiraMG]

Thank you for the lesson, although I prefer never try the self launching. I suggest you to edit the sound on post-production. Sometimes is hard to understand because there is much wind noise.

[@pandastick33]

Hey Luke, just watched this and your self-landing "non textbook" method. I really like them and looking forward to testing them out. Do you think there's any caveat when using a 5 line kite?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Peter, Great, glad you found it helpful :) Personally, I have not tried that with a 5 line kite (bar) however, it could work, providing the kite still sits comfortably on the wingtip with very little pressure. With 5 lines, they are designed to flag from the 5th line, so not trying it myself, I don't want to speculate too much mate. You could try it in light winds and see how it feels. just be safe!

[@currogil9170]

spot??

[@pickleforknwiggles634]

Another reason for a deflation valve. I have the specs.

[@oceanromeo]

👍🏼

[@rob3521able]

Check out also KiteDrill on KZbin :-)

[@davidmanion5369]

Hi Luke, I have self launched with great results quite a few times however twice now some how a line has caught the wing tip similar to this video sending the kite into a loop. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5S7eY2toNygsNE Any thoughts on whats wrong?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey David, ok, well firstly its obviously really dangerous to have your kite loop while you are standing on the land so I would suggest using extreme caution until you have fixed any issues and or have a safe system for launching. This video may give you another method to help kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnS1fmqkpsRje7c to answer your question, If it's the bridle getting caught over the wing tip, I would suggest 2 things. 1: remember to drag your kite forward a little to ensure all your lines are well under the kite, so that lines and bridels can not wrap over the top. 2: Use a downwind line set up as described in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6iyiGiOqa-hlaM This will automatically have your lines behind the kite. Some other things you may want to look for, ensuring your bridle is properly setup (no twists etc), and of course your lines are all set up correctly. My upwind line setup video might also help. Most of all, try to remove any user error by creating a system that you do every time, always the same, that works. And that means double checking and triple checking your gear, and setup every time. (This may include updating/repairing your gear if it is not functioning perfectly) Stay safe out there mate!

[@salsyou]

Dude. Thats the biggest beach ive ever seen.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

haha its a river mouth so its a big area on low tide :)

[@nmeotti]

I disagree on the procedure as it is unsafe. much better to set lines downwind and pivot yourself at 90 degrees with the wind and then launch the kite. Kite should be sanded to avoid accidental launch. Advantages are: 1. safer check of clear lines; 2. have all the time to attach yourself the bar.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Nicola, yes, you can do this method with an upwind or downwind line setup. And yes, you can load some sand to stop the kite accidentally launching however the method in the video is not unsafe. Let me explain why I do it that way. For anyone reading, you would apply a couple of handfuls of loose sand on the canopy shown at 4:30 to help hold the kite while you get to your bar. This is good practice. For me, I load sand in wind above 20 knots (typically on my 8m) anything lower, the kite isnt going to move with the wind tip forcing the kite down like that. Regarding the line setup, here is why I run them upwind. 1. When you are in a tight area, you can run the lines across the window slightly upwind to have them almost in position to launch. This is great if you don't have a lot of room to move, or there are some snags like sticks on the ground that you don't want to drag your lines through. Running your lines downwind can require you to drag your lines, and that may be more hazardous. 2. Setting up your lines downwind requires you to set up your bar upside down. This means when you pick it up and turn it over, you have a 50/50 chance of getting it wrong. its not a massive deal, it would simply have one twist in the lines that can easily be spun out under normal circumstances...however this isn't a normal circumstance. as explained in the video, we dont have time to check our lines before launch, we have literally seconds to sight the lines as a last moment check right before the kite launches into the sky and for me, I don't want to be unspinning my bar while the kite is self launching. For me, running your bar upwind makes it far clearer with less room for error and potentially more time to sight the lines right before launch. All of that said, what is most important is to have a system that works for you. Thanks

[@daversj]

Both ways have merit depending on the conditions at the launch. If you have nice clean sand i don’t mind dragging my kite to launch it. On tighter launch areas or a shell beach i will do more of whats in the video. Both methods work. I usually hook in to the kite before i expose the tip to the wind. Then i walk backward from the kite while watching it, before i launch. If something were to go wrong, just flag it. I prefer to string my kites with the bar upwind as well. Set it up exactly as i fly it, less chance of mistakes. Your instructional videos are some of the best. 👍

[@vicbauwens]

IMHO you are making this needlessly complicated and fail to adres the main safety precaution to be taken; KEEP YOUR CENTER OF GRAVITY AS LOW AS POSSIBLE. In case the kite launches quite aggressively you will still be able to control your kite without being catapulted.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks for the comment. We do have 2 other videos of this method which might be more similar to what you are used to, however, that said, i don't find anchoring yourself is an important step, for me, its more about doing the launch so that there is no power when the kite launches in my opinion. Thanks!

[@drewby4563]

Look you people stop watching you tube & go to the beach & watch them do it in front of you then get your own kit & trust me you will learn a whole lot faster then a tutor can explain ...

[@chrisduc1]

It is not a safe thing to roll the lines up wind

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

chrisduc1 you can checkout or vids for downwind line setup if that suits you better :)

[@chrisduc1]

Flukes Kitesurfing Anyway it is a unsecure and dangerous way everybody should roll the lines downwind regarding safety ! I did not see even one guy here in Sal doing this dangerous stuff ! Thank god !!

[@covidhoax7646]

The kite flies by itself. You don’t need to launch it. Just let it fly.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

lol...

[@covidhoax7646]

@@FlukesKitesurfing I learned how to fly kites first. Then how to wakeboard and to snowboard... Then I just flew the kite while on the water board. :)