Self landing


Caution

WARNING: Self landing a kite is an advanced skill, and is best learned under instruction

Page at a glance

Self landing is a good skill to have, but its better to get another kiter to land your kite if possible, particularly at crowded locations. Level: Advanced.
Notes: 
  • Self landing techniques vary according to kite make and design.  Seek advice on your particular kite before attempting to self land.
  • It is always better to get an assisted landing when you can.  It is safer and is much less likely to result in kite damage and accidents.
  • When self landing, particularly in gusty conditions, the kite can move across the wind window and power up unexpectedly.  Only self land where there are no obstructions or people close by.  Avoid self landing in gusty wind conditions.

Self landing technique

1. Bring your kite down to 45 degrees, as for an assisted landing

2. Fly it down to the beach, let go of the bar and immediately grab the front lines
  • From now on, you MUST avoid grabbing the rear lines (bar ends) completely as pulling on them will power up the kite and cause havoc!
  • For some kite/bar types (e.g. IDS) you can deploy your safety to fully depower the kite now.
3. As the kite settles down towards its leading edge
  • Take two steps forward - this reduces the tension in the front lines
  • Pull on the front line attached to the closest leading edge - this will pull the leading edge around so that points into the wind
  • The kite may now settle on the beach, but is not yet secure
  • If the kite does not settle and continues to fly, unhook from the chicken loop then pull in and follow the front lines until you get to the leading edge
4. Detach safety line from harness
  • Once you have got to the kite detach safety line from your harness to fully disconnect from the kite
5. Rotate the kite on the beach further so that the leading edge points directly to the wind
  • Put some sand on the wing either side of the centre strut to fully secure it
Avoid self landing wherever possible and particularly in strong (25+ knots) and gusty winds.  Seek an assisted landing from a fellow kiter whenever possible.


Video - self launching and landing

Landing using most kites (highly recommended): Landing kites safely

Using the 2009 Cabrinha IDS system

See also



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