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9.3 relaunCH In THe pOWer ZOne
By pulling in the Leader lines the kites can be launched backwards. Pull in both Leader
lines towards you until the kite lifts up backwards a few meters. Then let go of one Leader
line, while keeping the other lightly pulled. Now the kite begins to turn. When the kite turns
upwards, let go of the second Leader line. Then grab the Bar, to be able to steer the kite
again. Especially in low winds, it is important to pull the Back Lines very far. To do this, grab
the uppermost ball in the Back lines (also known as Leader Lines): See photo.
Tip:
If the board is already strapped to your feet
and you bring it in front of you, you can avoid the
body drag and keep going with the start. In ad-
dition, you can also build up the necessary coun-
ter-pressure for launching in weak winds, if you
have the board in front of you. In strong winds, you
should steer the board immediately downwind, in
order to immediately give in to the pull of the kite.
In very weak winds, you can pull on the steering
leader lines, to give the kite a launching impulse. It
helps in weak winds if the Trimmer is fully opened.
The Back Lines are then further pulled in.
CauTIOn
: Relaunching in the powerzone can be very damaging to the material in strong
winds, because high pressure can develop on the lines and the kite. To prevent body drag
in strong winds and from a power-zone start you can fully Depower your kite. The best me-
thod is to additionally fully pull the Trimmer (pull red strap).
9.4. relaunCH aT THe eDGe OF THe WInD WInDOW
By pulling the leader lines you can directly turn your kite and start. In stronger winds you
will be able to direct your kite out of the power zone with only a slight pull of the forward li-
nes, and with additional pull, turn and start. If the impulse with the Steering Line is not
enough, pull the other Steering Line a bit, so that the kite moves to the opposite direction.
Now when you pull the other Steering Line, the kite has more room in which to accelerate
and is easier to start.
9.5. KITe DOesn’T launCH anYMOre, YOu sTarT DrIFTInG aWaY
If you are unable to re-launch the kite from the water and you start drifting away, it might
be necessary to disconnect yourself from the kite before you drift too far and are unable to
swim back to the shore. Once back you can always get a boat and salvage the kite.
The main thing is that you are safe.
If you judge the situation correctly and early enough whilst still close to the shore you might
be able to rescue yourself and the kite. In this case wrap up the kite as you would do on
land, but be careful not to get caught in the lines. First, fully pull the Safety and keep the li-
nes under tension, then start to wind them onto the bar. Once at the kite, open the air out-
let velcros and wind the entire kite around the bar. Try not to throw the bar into the lines.
If the wind is blowing only slightly on-shore, direct the kite to the edge of the wind window
by pulling on the shore-side leader-line and see whether it has enough power to get you
back. If you only have to swim a short distance back to the shore, it is enough to pull the
kite with pulled Leader Lines against the wind.
actively pulling back the kite windward is the biggest mistake you could make. By doing
this, you’re pumping water into the kite and making it virtually impossible to restart.
9.6. BeInG resCueD WITH FlYsurFer KITes
Experienced Flysurfer riders can try to rescue others, who have gotten themselves into
trouble, can’t relaunch their kite (e.g. snapped line …) and drift out to sea. This is always a
little tricky and should only be attempted in safe conditions and with experienced riders.
The rescuer should also have a line-cutter to free himself from tangled lines.
It is important, that the to-be-rescued rider’s kite hasn’t taken on too much water, as this
makes a rescue almost impossible (anchor). The rider about to be rescued should detach
him/herself from the kite. The rescuing rider cautiously approaches from upwind of the
non-relaunching kite. Whilst moving past, the rescuing rider will attempt to grab the win-
gend closer to the shore and drag it behind him. If successful he/she can sail back to the
shore, dragging the kite behind him/her. Here it is very important that the rescuing rider
be extremely cautious not to get tangled in any of the lines.
Summary of Contents for Speed 3
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