6.3- Basic rules for launching
YOUR KITE MUST ALWAYS BE LAUNCHED FROM THE EDGE OF THE WIND WINDOW,
NEVER FROM THE
CENTER DOWN WIND.
The power would be far too great for you to control. You would endanger your own life and those of others around
you. This still holds true in light winds.
Get into the habit of connecting the leash to your harness before even picking up the control bar.
YOUR CHICKEN LOOP (DE-POWER LOOP) ON YOUR CONTROL BAR MUST ALWAYS BE HOOKED INTO THE
HARNESS BUCKLE.
This will allow you to reduce the power during launching by de-powering fully (pushing the bar away from you).
6.2– Pre-flight checks
Before launching your kite, check all the equipment one last time.
The following is a check-list of the main points:
• general condition of the kite
• pressure in the struts
• flying lines with the right length, not crossed and free of
knots
• lines connected to the correct sides of the kite
• harness loop centered on the control bar
• kite leash in good condition
• quick releases in good condition
Points to remember:
• Always make sure you are fully equipped
before launching: harness, personal
floatation device, helmet, etc…
• Always wear some kind of foot protection
when launching, as you risk injuring your
feet if you slide a few yards while the kite
gains altitude.
Note : most riders have the wrong instinct to hang on desperately to the bar if they get into difficulties. You should not
hesitate to dump the bar and retain the kite via the leash.
Warning:
You have to be used to the quick release before a critical situation. Most riders have the bad habit to
try their quick release for the first time in dangerous conditions and they are not aware about its use.
leash quick release: Pull the red bowl
Use it only in dramatic situation, the kite can be dangerous for other people.
Reload the harness line quick release
Reload the chicken loop quick release
