Kite Line Setup procedure for boat launching

by David Dorn

Sunday, June 03, 2012

 

Setting up the kite lines in preparation for boat launching requires careful attention to detail. When launching from a boat, space is restricted, so the kite’s lines should be attached before the gear is put onboard the boat. This makes it easier to manage the gear once on the boat. Generally the kites will be deflated during transport, and then re-inflated prior to launch.

 

The following in a description for one method for attaching kite lines prior to boat launching:

NOTE THIS METHOD DIFFERS FROM OTHER METHODS:

  • (Do not confuse this method for other uses.)
    Step one lay out the kite and lines on a large enough area onshore.
  • Inflate the kite and check it holds air.
  • Check the bridles too.
  • walk out the lines, and attach them to the correct positions on the kite.
  • After you are certain that the lines and attachments are correct, then gather the four (or 5) control lines together at the center of the kite near the Inflate valve.
  • place all the lines through the Velcro closure on the inflate valve.
  • (this helps keep the lines on the correct side of the kite.),
  • next step:
  • Deflate the kite’s leading edge,  and place the kite LE into the wind, and the intrados side facing up. (the struts will be facing up).
  • Drape the lines over the LE and keep the bar upwind of the kite.
  • Roll the kite from the tips toward the center strut.
  • next carefully wrap the lines onto the kite-bar, being very careful to be precise (so that they will unwrap cleanly later),
  • secure the lines onto the end of the bar, but leave a gap to the kite.
  • Do not wrap all the way to the bridles.
  • make sure that you use the bungy loops on the bar ends to secure the lines onto the bar.

 

  • Next Step, take the kite leash and wrap it around the kite and bar to make one compact package, (sausage roll).

 

 

 

BUCKET LAUNCHING METHOD

 

One variation on this method is to use a bucket for each kite. this system helps manage the kite’s lines and makes for a cleaner launch.

lay out and pre-check the kite and line attachment first.

group all lines together and put through the Velcro of the inflate valve.

Deflate the kite and sausage roll in from the tips to the center,

put the bar upwind.

, now take a Bucket and place it next to the kites LE,

 

grab the lines together and place them into the bucket.

  • Pull the bar towards you with the lines, and wind the lines into the bucket, so that the lines are grouped together, the lines do not have to be neat, let the lines pile on top of each other,
  • and keep winding the lines into the bucket until the bar is next to the bucket. Place the bar on top of the bucket,
  • and secure it with a bungee cord.
  • use the kite leash to war around the kite to keep it from unrolling.’
  • Carefully carry the bucket and bar, with the kite to the boat, and place them together securely on the floor of the boat.

TIP: Do not let the bucket tip over or the lines will fall out.

 

 

Bucket launching procedure.

  • When the boat arrives at the desired launching location.
  • the kite can be inflated, then the rider gets into the water with the leash attached to the bar. then swims away from the boat.
  • the lines should slowly come out of the bucket and not be tangled.
  • You do not want all of the line to come out at once, go slow and help the lines unravel if they are getting stuck.
  • once the lines are completely outside of the boat, then you can check the lines, by holding up the kite and the bar.
  • Note the boat should be crosswind or slightly upwind, so that there is no power in it, while you check the lines.
  • Once you are happy that the lines are not twisted, then the kite can be set down on the water, (LE down) and allowed to drift into position for the rider to water-launch it.
  • The boat should back away so it is clear and upwind of the kite while it launches.

 

Warning: We do not recommend Air-launching the kite from the boat because this puts the boat inside the riders safety buffer, ad the rider could hit the boat with his kite, lines or body. Remember to never drive the boat inside the kite’s wind window.

 

 

 

Thanks,

David