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Launching and landing your kite

By now you probably have either decided you have to try this extreme surfing sensation called kitesurfing. Yet, you may lack some of the fundamentals of getting out there and just doing it. One of the most popular ways to learn how to get started is by taking lessons from a certified kitesurfing instructor. Taking half day of hands on training with a qualified instructor ultimately could save your life!

One of the fundamentals necessary to get yourself moving is learning how your kite actually gets up in the air, whether it be from on the beach or in the water. You will need to know how to get it back up in flight should your kite crash or get away from you. Since most kites are either rigid in construction or inflatable, depending on which one you have will depend greatly on how you get it airborne.

Launching from the beach

In your attempts to take air early on it is good to have an experienced kitesurfer by your side. They will be your eyes and ears should something go wrong or perhaps they can deter onlookers from getting too close to your kite or lines. The first objective is to get the kite up in the air, gradually begin to inflate the kite and slowly pull it upwards and get on your board, your assistance will hand over the reigns to you once you are upright on your board. Once your kite gets up in the air, expect the unexpected, so it is necessary to have someone next to you who knows what to expect should a gust of wind send you sailing 30 feet into the mid-air.

Launching from the water

There is no doubt about it. Your kite will eventually get away from you. You may be forced to use the quick release bar to avoid an accident and save your neck! Upon getting your kite back and reattached to the bar, you will need to get it airborne again. You may think this is difficult to do if you are in the 30 feet away from the shore and your help is on the other side of the beach. With the design of the inflatable kite it is easier than ever to get the kite back up and running. Just be ready to swing back into action once it’s aloft. Make sure that you have a safe area to launch from.

You must first get the kite on its side so it can catch air underneath it, by pulling the lines you can tell whether or not there is enough wind to lift it up. Pull the line toward the open area or “flight window” and slowly adjust the top line for take off.
Make sure before doing this the lines are not twisted or crossed. You should practice this exercise as often as possible.

Landing a kite

When you are inbound to head towards shore, drop the kite within a safe distance by using the quick release should you get to close. Make sure you use the proper hand signals to let people know you are inbound. Once you get your kite in the water you can drag the lines inbound. Usually other kitesurfers will help you out. It’s etiquette to help each other out both inbound and out.



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