Kiteboarding Techniques for Self Launching, Using a Hot Launch
HOT LAUNCH Hot launching is a self launch technique that is most useful when launching from a wind shadowed area that does offer clean wind once the kite is in the air.
An example is an area with low trees, shrubs, or hills, that block the surface wind, but are not high enough to interfere with the kite once it is above them.
Hot launches are only recommended for highly experienced riders in location and wind conditions they are familiar with, and on kites with high levels of depower.
1) Lay the kite flat on its back, with the trailing edge into the wind and perpendicular to the wind direction (across the wind).
Secure the trailing edge with ample weight at the center point as well as at least half way out to the wingtips on each side.
2) Position the control bar directly upwind of the kite, ensure all flying lines and bridle lines are running clear to the kite, without being under the canopy at any points or wrapped around the kites wingtips.
3) Leaving the control bar in the full depower position, pull back hard on the centerlines to pull the leading edge of the kite forward and upwards.
The kite should be pointed straight up as it sheds the weight from the trailing edge and launches.
If in a wind shadow, move backwards (up wind) as fast as necessary during the launch to help propel the kite high enough into the air to reach the wind.
Tips for staying safe when hot launching a kiteboarding kite 1) Do not attempt this self launch if you are not confident in the wind conditions at the location, or in the performance of your kite and its depower capabilities when flying through the power zone of the wind (directly downwind of you).
2) Do not attempt this launch without a large obstacle free downwind area 3) It is safest to perform this launch without the harness loop on the control bar attached to the kite harness, simply hold the harness loop in both hands when pulling the kite into the air.
If the kite is pulling too hard as it launched and reaches the wind, let go immediately.
4) Ensure the kite leash is attached to a single line point on the control bar, so that if you do need to let go during the launch, the kite will fully disable onto the leash line.
5) If performing this launch with the harness loop hooked in, which does allow the control bar to be used to steer the kite as it launches, keep one hand on the harness loop quick release and ready to activate it if the kite pulls too hard during the launch, or anything else unexpected happens.
An example is an area with low trees, shrubs, or hills, that block the surface wind, but are not high enough to interfere with the kite once it is above them.
Hot launches are only recommended for highly experienced riders in location and wind conditions they are familiar with, and on kites with high levels of depower.
1) Lay the kite flat on its back, with the trailing edge into the wind and perpendicular to the wind direction (across the wind).
Secure the trailing edge with ample weight at the center point as well as at least half way out to the wingtips on each side.
2) Position the control bar directly upwind of the kite, ensure all flying lines and bridle lines are running clear to the kite, without being under the canopy at any points or wrapped around the kites wingtips.
3) Leaving the control bar in the full depower position, pull back hard on the centerlines to pull the leading edge of the kite forward and upwards.
The kite should be pointed straight up as it sheds the weight from the trailing edge and launches.
If in a wind shadow, move backwards (up wind) as fast as necessary during the launch to help propel the kite high enough into the air to reach the wind.
Tips for staying safe when hot launching a kiteboarding kite 1) Do not attempt this self launch if you are not confident in the wind conditions at the location, or in the performance of your kite and its depower capabilities when flying through the power zone of the wind (directly downwind of you).
2) Do not attempt this launch without a large obstacle free downwind area 3) It is safest to perform this launch without the harness loop on the control bar attached to the kite harness, simply hold the harness loop in both hands when pulling the kite into the air.
If the kite is pulling too hard as it launched and reaches the wind, let go immediately.
4) Ensure the kite leash is attached to a single line point on the control bar, so that if you do need to let go during the launch, the kite will fully disable onto the leash line.
5) If performing this launch with the harness loop hooked in, which does allow the control bar to be used to steer the kite as it launches, keep one hand on the harness loop quick release and ready to activate it if the kite pulls too hard during the launch, or anything else unexpected happens.
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