bow kites

adamrod · Post by **adamrod** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:41 am

ha ha, okay boys. I think I get the source of the misunderstanding...I thought the original poster was talking about a hot launch on LAND. (i.e. what foil kiters do). I think we can all agree that a hot launch on Land is not a good idea, 5th line, bow or whatever.

On the water, it's a different story . . . pretty much every relaunch is then a "hot launch" . . .i never thought it was a big deal . . .just like what Gabe said.

cheers!

windhorny · Post by **windhorny** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 11:03 am

If only innocuous jumped in here, this post would be complete!

Let's see how low the edumucation bar can be lowered.

KillaHz · Post by **KillaHz** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:12 pm

Wait a minute ARod...

I'm not talking about in the water. When I launch my kite in the water, it always drifts to the edge of the window before I get it up.

I'm talking about on land. I set the kite up normal, walk my bar dead up wind pull a stearing line until the kite flips around and fills with wind. At this point the kite is straight downwind of me. I then finness the stearing line until the kite rolls over and launches real hot straight up, push the bar away...good to go.

Not for everyone but something I learned on snow that translates well to land launches for me. Of course, having a big enough beach is allways important. I do prefer this method to sanding a wingtip with the bow kites though.

windhorny · Post by **windhorny** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:28 pm

I just attach my chicken loop to the fence and go set up the kite like I am launching someone else and run back to the bar. I never had a problem withthe kite launching on me but have had the kite fall forward on lighter days. I adjust the stopper ball down, more for less wind. Always works. But neither method should be reccomended to a beginner no matterwhat kite they have. It's just one of those things, down the road when you have a buddy to try it with, is good to learn.

kief · Post by **kief** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 1:48 pm

ahh yes the "ghost launch"maybe the best way to self-launch a bow
need steady wind though,with PLEANTY of downwind space the
hot launch is ok,now that most bows have line deflectors on strut tips
last season i hotted and a line wrapped a strut,kite screamed across
window,made a nice 20ft. trench in the sand.
basically to awnser the original question,i my opinion,bows rule!

adamrod · Post by **adamrod** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 5:04 pm

hmm, i guess when I self launch, i do the same thing Gabe does, but I do it more at the edge of the window....to each his own I guess . . .

KillaHz · Post by **KillaHz** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 5:33 pm

Hello Arod,

if you do it at the edge of the window in the method I have described, the kite will slide downwind and you wind up with a hot launch any way. Best to start with the kite downwind to avoid the dreaded roll. The kite needs tension to be controllable.

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:08 pm

I've seen KillaHZ's method performed to perfection. It's a cool little trick but definately not for everyone! I've never tried it. What would the self landing technique be? In my experience, self landing a bow is a lot more difficult than self launching it.

I agree the "ghost launch" is a strong contender for the best self launch method with a bow. But as Yuri mentioned this method usually fails in light wind or bad lulls. I find it works just fine in strong and even gusty wind.

and to answer the original question, the verdict is still out.
I want to fly a new C kite

turtle · Post by **turtle** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:21 pm

hey grumpy does your granny wear a helmet and impact vest? I heard some of the people that use bow kites wear cups for protection.

grumpy · Post by **grumpy** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:28 pm

No, just vagasil.

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