Assisted Launching and Landing |
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Assisted Launching and LandingAssisted Kite Launch from the Kite EndWhen launching from the kite from the kite position, you are an assistant. The person with the bar is the pilot and ultimately they are in charge, because they are in a higher risk position. If you can't see a video below then you are not registered, we have lots of hidden videos for registered users!!! Assisted Landing from the Kite EndWhen landing the kite for a kite pilot, you are an assistant. The person with the bar is the pilot and ultimately, they are in charge because they are in a higher risk position. As the pilot brings their kite down towards the ground, you should stay upwind of the expected landing position of the kite. When the kite gets near enough to grab, grab it from the leading edge. Force the kite in to the “U position” as you walk toward the pilot; at the same time, they should be walking toward you. When the tension is out of the lines, wait for the pilot to take the kite, or wait for them to direct to put the kite in the holding position. Indicate to them that you have completed your task at the kite is once again under their control. Assisted Launching from the Bar EndOnce your kite is set up properly, your harness is on, the board is by the water, and you have double-checked everything, ask someone to help you launch your kite (usually a thumbs up signal from a distance will alert a kiter that you need a launch). Someone who is an experienced kiter is the best, but almost anyone will do if you are willing to take the extra risk of “instructing a non-kiter on how to launch your kite.” Another video below, for registered users only!! Landing From the Bar End As you are riding, spot the place you would like to land your kite. Ride to shore and place the kiteboard on the beach above the tide line. Get the attention of a kiter on the beach by making eye contact, or vocalizing. Tap your head (land my kite signal) with the flat of your palm to indicate you need an assisted landing. Identify the 9 or 3 o’clock position that you will be landing your kite in, and move into a position so that the assistant that is landing your kite will be upwind and aligned with where you would like to bring the kite down. If you aren’t aligned with the assistant, don’t bring the kite down. Re-align yourself, by body dragging or walking into a new position until you can align the kite with where the assistant is standing. Once you are aligned, slowly bring the kite down, and keep it hovering just a couple feet off the ground. When the kite assistant grabs the leading edge of your kite securely, immediately walk directly towards them, to take the tension off of the kite lines. Wind up your lines as you walk toward them, but make sure to keep slack on the lines as you do so. Retrieve the kite from the assistant and thank them. Instructing a Non-Kiter to AssistYou should not do this... but we know lots of you will do it anyway.
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