The Self Landing Technique Every Kitesurfer Should Know

[@adamlazear9127]

I'm a high school teacher by profession. I can tell you with confidence, you are an excellent teacher. I enjoy your videos very much. Keep it up. All are super helpful. I especially liked how you addressed different beach conditions like rocky vs.sandy, big vs.small and how you might handle those differently. It's important as we all kite in different areas. The last part of the video about bringing the lines to the back of the kite to avoid a cluster after seccuring the kite is also super helpful. Didn't know that.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome thanks Adam!

[@ixur721]

Just getting into kitesurfing and after watching close to a dozen of your videos I can honestly say that your videos have helped increase my knowledge and confidence about getting out and practicing your teachings. Know that even years after posting these they're still being watched and helping people who are getting into the sport.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Oh thanks Alex! Really appreciate the comment mate!!

[@mickeymelendez1605]

The best KZbin teacher

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Oh thanks mate! :)

[@darrensmac]

Totally agree, what seems super simple to describe no one else can seem to do it as clear as Flukes !

[@AdeelKhan1]

Best content for kitesurfing on the web!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Cheers Adeel! appreciate for the comment thank you :) ~flukes kitesurfing

[@mieblock4856]

I live in Canada and am learning to kite. This man speaks facts there're rocks everywhere.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

haha for sure :)

[@glennwlove]

Mate, you are a great trainer. Your videos are clear and easy to understand. Thanks for the effort you put into them.

[@grandmasterflash213]

Good video, but why not land the kite on the beach on one wingtip first, before releasing. The kite wont do as much unpredictable stuff and the kite wont slam into the ground. My switchblade is single front line safety, which you can connect to either side - i land the kite at the edge of the window, opposite wingtip to the safety line, eject the chicken loop, and give a little yank on the safety line. The wingtip on the beach skids out and the wingtip in the air gets pulled to the ground as you pull on the safety line. Kite ends up in safe position, pinned down by the wind 👍

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey grandmasterflash yes, for sure, you can rest the wingtip on the sand first. You can also do what you mention from 1-2 kite heights off the ground and it will float down perfectly landing on the LE facing into the wind. That said, to have it rest nicely requires a bit more experience and planning. For instance, as you say, the safely line must be the top center line, if you get it wrong the kite will tumble back anyway. I find if you start a bit higher with the kite, no matter what side its on it floats back and sits (crashes) further downwind. (better for the next step of recovering it). so, while yes, agreed, what you say is preferred, this video really is designed to explain the method everyone should know without much thinking or planning needed. Its a way to get the kite down on the ground with no power. it might not the neatest, its not the method use that often but what it is, is something all kiters can have in the back of their mind. No matter what the conditions, no matter if you rest the wingtip, have the kite at 45, have the kite a 12, the main thing is that you fire the safety, move into the upwind position, move toward the kite hand over hand safely, and secure it. Hope that makes sense why we don't include that planning in this video and thanks for the comment!

[@JeffRaney68]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4DZYYqMmZyKobM

[@jdee4763]

Interesting comment and reply. I’ve learnt from that as well as the video. I also have a switchblade and today when I land I’m going to make sure the safety line is the Top Line (going to mark the plastic bobble with ink so I can see it better lol). I’m only Intermediate but I have got into difficulty when Landing so today will be a test as I think last time sounds like my safety power line was the bottom hence it was fighting me). My instructor also says eject when kite at 45 because that allows the kite to orientate itself during its fall into a safer position. My first attempt I had the kite hovering gentle just above the water when I ejected and I had the worst experience ever trying to get the next steps done. But I’m getting better and these comments and videos help so much. Thank you guys

[@grandmasterflash213]

@@jdee4763 cool, glad to hear you’re gettin the hang of it!! Another little trick you can do is to quickly run downwind as you eject, this effectively sends the kite upwind and depowers it even more. This whole procedure can get dodgy in strong winds though! I did it a few months ago in a 38kt squall, the kite released safely but would not land, it was just flying on 1 line about 10-20ft off the ground. Only thing you can do then is to slowly wind the safety line around the bar like a self rescue and gradually pull the kite to yourself. Always ask someone to grab it if at all possible! Happy riding🤙🏼

[@Alejandro388]

awesome how you towed it around to a safe position, never would have thought of that. Thanks!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Great, glad it was a good tip, thanks Aleksandras

[@wassvasc2747]

great , thanks for the video! i have another way of doing but its good to know other ways!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome :)

[@NickB2513]

Excellent tutorial!! Thank you Luke 🙂🙂🙂

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

No worries! :)

[@jordanrock9785]

Love your content. Watched the entire beginner course on your site and my second trip to the beach which equates to about 2 hours total Kite flying hours, I was surfing up wind on a board! Thanks so much!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Oh epic!! thanks Jordan! Stoked it helped!!

[@valeriashirvani9628]

Great tip! Thank you for posting it!

[@martinbell1769]

You are head and shoulders better than any of the other kitesurfing instructional videos on here. Not sure whether it's the fact that you just know your stuff and talk common sense or that you're just engaging to listen to, but whatever it is just keep doing more of the same.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Cheers mate :) Glad you enjoy the channel, we'll cya in the next one ~Flukeskitesurfing

[@randalbladel2817]

I like your video for the great explanations. I’m hoping my wife is drawn to kiting by your Aussie English. 😊

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hahaha hope it works for you!

[@michaelfreytag8134]

Great, clear instructions as always.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Michael!

[@jdee4763]

Brilliant dude, I learnt a lot from this thankyou

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

For sure!

[@ApriliaRSV4-777]

Thank you VERY MUCH for these helpful videos!!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

No problem Aprilia! Glad you like them :)

[@pabloetchepare7160]

New kite season for me in Argentina, the 4rth maybe, and still reviewing your lovely, amazing, perfectly explaining, best made, impeccable explained, supper helpful videos!!!!!!. Oh man, you just can’t imagine how much you have helped me, and I’ll always thank you for what you have done here!!!!!!. Love you both!!!!. Pablo. :)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Oh great to hear Pablo! Stoked to hear it helped mate

[@joehozzy2616]

Another excellent video. Thank you!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Joe!

[@simonjordan2523]

Keep them coming Luke, another really good video pal.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Cheers Simon!

[@bramvancamp2793]

awesome video - I wish I would've seen this a ling time ago

[@james66872]

Thank you sir. Good looking out. 🤙🏼

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks James!

[@christophercollins3851]

Super good, real world practical information. Nice one!

[@toureiffel4610]

Great video yet again mate. Keep them coming !

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Cheers Lain! Many more to come :)

[@printrun5]

Amazing videos. I just had to subscribe. I do have a question. Everyone says that bring kite to cca 45 deg and then activate safety and flag the kite. My question is why not to bring kite completely down and then activate safety release. In this case kite doesnt hit the ground, less damage to it etc. Just wanna know your opinion 45deg vs ground. Pros vs cons. Thank you!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey, thanks, glad you like the video and good question. The answer is that both would work. And you might choose the different method for the situation. If there are any logs, rocks, etc., then maybe yes, you don't really need to drop the kite from too high and risk damaging it.. However, the reasons you fire the safety from 45 are. 1. During the fall the kite moves back in the window. This places it in a more downwind area (where you want it) if you have the kite near or touching the ground, then you release, it will almost certainly start tumbling backwards down wind..(potentially damaging the kite even more) 2. if you are using a 4 line kite, when you release, if the safety line is the top center line, then the kite will in fact fall leading edge facing down and the kite may rest perfectly in a more secure position. You can see my other video that explains how to land your kite like that. I don't mention it here because the purpose of this video it to get in the habit of just releasing to get the kite on the ground whenever you need to... However, if you release from 45 with the kite positioned on the correct side of the wind window in relation to your center safety line, the kite lands really nicely.3. Some safety systems take a little tension to release. If you release it on the ground, it may not fully release. I don't like that feeling as the will roll back, but still be slightly powered until it finally fully activates. I prefer to have the kite a bit higher, let the safety completely activate and then do as explained in the video :)

[@luiz576]

Exactly! Actually, I use to eject and pull hard the line when It is going close to the sand, in the edge of the window, like 15-20 degrees. It always go flag down in a safe position.

[@spy702007]

Thank you very much for your great videos. Very helpful, simple and clear.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome thanks Spy! Glad you find them helpful :)

[@HasWatson]

this is a great video! simple instructions, an clear

[@chrischarlwood]

Great video, very clear. I might have put a few wraps of the safety line around the bar with a clove hitch on the way by though. One other thing I am reminded of is to always point skegs down with nose of board into wind when leaving a board on the beach.

[@darrensmac]

Another Top Tip Vid !! Thanks

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Darren!

[@christianedvardsson]

Great episode 👌🏼💙 I hope finding some inspiration for my kitevideos 😀

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Nice one Christian! glad youre getting into it!

[@mikewilliams4219]

Thanks for the great videos. Please give us a video on the specifics related to boat launching. Many of the ideas from beach kiting transfer to inland lake kiting but details on launching, landing and packing up are somewhat unique and there is very little info available for us especially to the level of detail that you provide in your videos. Thanks again!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Mike, glad you like the video! I don't have a lot of experience in boat launches, only done it a few times myself so it might be a while before i would be able to make that one sorry!

[@mikkel_hansen_dkk]

super mad riding there!

[@hamsterminator]

Great channel. Some subtitles when the mic is pointing away would be useful though! ;)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Haha, yeah, a few sections like that in this one sorry! But I watched a few times, and nothing important is said within thoes moments :)

[@NogueiraMG]

Thank you for the lesson. I suggest you to edit the sound on post-production. Sometimes is hard to understand because there is much wind noise.

[@Salabunda]

Good vid . What part of Canada? Im on the island

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks! yes we are on the island too

[@peteypops]

With the bar downwind, you have the coloured end of the bar to the right as you face the kite...as you would in a downwind set up.

[@ingeniouswild]

You pull the release while the kite is at 45 degrees, was this for air stability? Just thinking you'd increase the risk of the leading edge smashing into the sand if you're higher up. Or if you release it while it's almost touching the sand, maybe you actually increase the scratching along the sand while it's flagging out..

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Exolon, the main reason I do it is it can help the kite "stick" as it crashes, and can make it a little more settled and will naturally be a little further downwind of you. This is particularly helpful for other self landing techniques too. As well as that, I have found in my personal experience, if I have the kite with wingtip resting, when I eject, the kite can tend to roll back and tangle up in the lines a little more. If I am concerned about damage to the kite after ejecting, I will do it with the kite over the water and allow the kite to crash there, then do the same process, moving up the front line until I can get a hand on it. All of that said, for this self landing technique, the most important thing to remember is it can be used from any point in the window and will still work. :)

[@didierslasher376]

Great! Just great advice again

[@shane152]

Good video mate. I think your stopper need to be higher up your lines, that will allow the kite to flag out properly

[@noobsaibot5285]

Good Vid Bro. Will tell some friends to watch. Much safer than the 'deathloop' landing method

[@deroux]

Great video!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Andie!

[@tmotten]

Man I miss going to these beaches. How often does it blow in Coffs?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Not often enough haha... but in season, maybe 3 days a week

[@kenschulz5138]

Thank you Luke New to this spot

[@Rokvtm]

You do a great job, clear simple helpful

[@pereximepere8439]

Thank u , very good!!!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

For sure! youre welcome!

[@nemiz1292]

On my 3rd time I noticed that my kite's rib was not properly inflated. Tried to keep the kite turned upside down on a wet stretch of sand, covered by it as well and almost lost the kite as the wet sand was quickly washed/blown away while I was running for the pump, lol. In the end did what this guy suggested intuitively, thanks for the video nonetheless.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Nice! Stoked you sorted it intuitively!

[@carlopolli3995]

Brilliant.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Carlo!

[@ITpanda]

So how do you determine which kite and size to get? Also is there a good full set option available (kite, bar, lines, board, harness, etc.)? Where do you recommend shopping from online?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Nathan, we added 2 videos for buying your first setup! Check them out for some answers :) Hope it helps.

[@ITpanda]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Thanx!

[@ITpanda]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Vary informative videos. Thanx!

[@metemercan1147]

Dude, quality video!! First time viewing any of your channel and man you've totally got a subscription from me. The way you break down this process and the level of detail with which you do so really demonstrates how seriously you take your sport and the safety surrounding it. (Speaking as a paramotor pilot who's responsible for teaching folks how to control paraglider canopies who've never even heard the term "leading edge" 😂) Loved the video, love your style, made my day man, peace :)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Mete, awesome! Thanks for letting us know and thanks for the subscribe! :)

[@fred324gigo]

Perfect! Thank you a lot👍👍👍

[@oliverhorsfall4501]

Love your vids👍

[@Byte_me_Softly]

Hi man. Thanks for your videos. I was wondering what beach this was?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Imran, awesome, thanks! This is on the east coast of australia :)

[@MirageXY]

@@FlukesKitesurfing - hey Fluke, Australia is pretty big, saying east coast is akin to saying the pin is in that haystack not the other two... Can you please disclose exactly or is it a secret spot?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@MirageXY hey mate, haha ya there are alot of big sandy beaches along the coastline, we don't disclose specific locations on the channel, but happy to recommend a kite event in Merimbula (lower NSW) check out the event site here www.merimbulasailboardclub.com.au/classic/

[@MirageXY]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Thank you for the link, looks like an interesting event, cheers

[@sir.benzerlot4571]

Does the kite slamming into the sand damage it?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

It is not good for it. but i found it does not really effect it at all. but... an argument could be made that any stress like that is not great and It can damage if it hits something hard like a tree or rocks. There are other ways to land your kite with less impact. you can see toes vids on our channel. that said, this method should be understood and practised to feel comfortable you can do it if and when needed. :)

[@bryant1835]

Thanks for the video! Once you have pulled the quick release and the kite is down, is it any safer to secure the single safety line between you and the bar around the bar and then wrap all the lines along the bar until you get to the kite? (like in a water self rescue)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Bryant, I do not think so. If you follow the video you will never have any issues. once you have your kite flagged like that, it's easy to walk the line to grab it... Even if it is on its back and flying (like 5 line kites do), or you have released your kite over the water, it is still easy to go hand over hand to grab. You can do it like a self rescue, but honestly, I don't see a situation where I would ever do that, nor is it the recommendation of the leading kite instructor training courses. We self rescue in the water like that for a few reasons that are not really present on the land. 1. The kite on the water is always moving. 2. You can't get any leverage in the water to hold adjust or maneuver the kite. 3 you can't see the lines as the drift around. On the land, we can manage all of that far more effectively. I would say this. Try it as I have explained in the video, try and get the kite to "stick" like I did in the video, and then walk to it. I am sure you will find it easy :)

[@bryant1835]

Flukes Kitesurfing Thanks for the input really appreciate it!

[@pickleforknwiggles634]

What about a safety that would pull the plug on the kite ? (Deflate it on the spot?) BOOM! No worries about a dangerous random re-launch or any self rescue anxiety.. (lines getting tangled around body parts etc...} Maybe a co2 cartridge to fill the kite back up for a re-launch if your way out in the ocean?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Interesting idea! The kite can still fly flat though, so might need a little thought :)

[@nicolasboudet9302]

Hello Very nice and useful video👍 I never paid attention to move upwind after landing, neither to go to the rear face of the kite to make the line check (as recommended by many of your colleagues for taking off, and probably more important for self take off) You certainly practiced self landing of foil kite in too strong winds What are your recommendations for them (I own a flysurfer soul 15m2, and been surprised by a sudden 10knots increase with nobody staying on the beach) A video on this subject would be usufull for many as I didn’t found any😎

[@adamdennis2936]

Please do an in-depth video on retreiving your board after separated from your board. Please

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Adam, we have a great body dragging video planned! we will trty and get it done soon

[@jeromeserre]

@@FlukesKitesurfing eager to watch this board recovery vid too! Thanks for your amazingly well though and didactic vides

[@Bushmaster4044]

I triple that request. Board leashes are dangerous.

[@Ride1Up]

where do you live in Aus? I want to visit!

[@GraveRobberXL]

Ur in Canada?!? subbed!

[@adamdennis2936]

In-depth.

[@l3utterfish]

This is trully the best method.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Luis, yeah, this is certainly the fail safe one we can use at any time :)

[@jakke1975]

Why drop the kite from about 45 degrees and not all the way close to the ground? It sounds easier on the kite if it didn't drop down from several meters high.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Jakke, yeah it is easier on the kite of you don't drop it, but without the drop the kite will almost certainly tumble backwards. (still not great for the kite) The drop helps it "crash" or "stick" to the ground for the landing in a more downwind position, plus if do so with the top center line as your safety line the the kite will actually roll during the drop and land perfectly on the beach in a very stable state (this is covered in a seperate self land video). I have seen people rest the wing tip first and then eject and it still works fine but in my experience i find it lands better and is easer if I let it drop first.

[@jakke1975]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Thanks for your well explained answer. I'm still a noob at kiting and getting an answer that makes sense helps a lot! Cheers

[@A-fl1ln]

Vielen Dank 🙏

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

:)

[@Kristina.schermbach]

What happens if the kite will not settle to a safe position, after you pulled the chicken loop? What could you do, it is not flying around like crazy? Btw. i really like your videos! they helped me a lot! :)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey, Most of the time it will, if it is on its back it may be "flying" a little. In that case the key to ensure you are 100% upwind. Moving upwind of the kite should eventually cause it to stabilize.. This way it shouldn't move too much. And then you can do as the video shows, move hand over hand toward the kite following the single safety line. but, even with the kite flapping, the line will only have light/mod pressure on and you can move up that line (of course be safe :)

[@airindiana]

Ha can see you’re doing your best with directional microphones “look at that over there” [camera turns] “mm www wwww” lol. Super vids and amazing instruction but on the production side maybe poss to use a lav mic for beach scenes if not unsafe (wires etc) just might help you out a bit.

[@AugNoe]

Anything that includes flagging out and retrieving the kite via safety line I would consider more of a "self-rescue" than "self-land." This is an actual "self-land": kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooaVlaJrfaZ1ba8. The difference is that a true self land can be done in a small amount of landing area. With the approach described in your video, the kite can drift downwind and into obstacles after flagging out. Your technique is much easier, and definitely should be in any kiter's toolkit, but is only appropriate if you have a lot of room.

[@jackignatev]

There is a better way. Figure out which line is the safety line - left or right. After that move the kite to the side so the safety would be upper. Then keeping kite just 1-2 meters from land - eject the chicken. Thus you kite will land safely and softly in its parking position

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey yeah we cover that in a different video. :) This one is the basics everyone should know without needing to think too much.

[@ЕвгенийИванов-ч4м]

Спасибо большое!

[@damiensimper]

Who thumbs down on vids like this!? Too many a-holes in the world!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

haha cheers mate :)

[@chrysr7773]

So much kite instructional information is based on uncrowded, open, soft and sandy beaches. Pretty good video though.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Chrys, yes, that's true, and it's because that's exactly what people learning should look for to practice. Once someone is competent, they will be able to apply theses skills safely in crowded, tight and hard situations :) That said, many of our videos are filmed on kite beach in Cabarete, possibly one of the busiest kite beaches in the world so you can do it :) thanks.

[@hexofficial69]

You did it the wrong side; do it the other side will make the kite land in the „parkposition“

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

We cover that in a different video this video is to explain how to do it with no planing. Thanks

[@ilGiocoMillenario]

show us with 30knots

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Roby, the process is identical in 30knots. In fact, that is generally that is when I do this method. (30knots and above)

[@michpasquier1652]

when you walk to the kite you should walk upwind the lines. ..don't you think ?

[@igordrozinacfi5200]

Your explanation is very good but your camera is too much on you and too little on what you are actually explaining - action - movement..even when you pull a line , the camera doesn't show that, show only your upper body and hands doing something... It is just too close to you. We are not def to read your lips... So for me as a beginner video shows almost nothing but I know your every face hair😊

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

haha nice

[@luccafrieri]

This is a horrible idea. Just pull the top front line.

[@JeffRaney68]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4DZYYqMmZyKobMsi=Puyk3eEQFvBBjo3X

[@ScottTandoi]

I don't know how you manly men do it down under, but a proper teacher should instruct this technique on the first day.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Scott, they sure should mate... That's why I am so surprised by how many people are not confident doing this... And the reason I made the video.

[@ScottTandoi]

Flukes Kitesurfing awesome, epic video!!

[@BryonWilliams88]

Total kook

[@paulmarco1717]

Please don't talk so much and show more the Kite and the Lines.Don't Walk onto the lignes .It's dangerous.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hi Marcel, sorry you didn't like the video. Our instructional videos are exploratory in nature as it would be if you where in real lesson. I did not walk through the lines. ;) Thanks .