Launching and landing “Flexifoils”

In a lightish wind you can you two sticks angled towards you at about 45 degrees and spaced about 4 to 6 feet apart. Set the kite up behind the sticks, go to your straps then gently pull the kite up the sticks (make sure they're smooth eg: dowel from a DIY shop and about 3 or 4 feet long. As the kite goes up the sticks it should launch. If you're too fast it will simply flop onto the ground and you're back to square one. The kite has to both inflate AND get into its characteristic arc shape. If the wind is not too heavy I can launch my Super 10 from the ground - set it up with one end pulled towards you ie: into the wind. Set the lines up so you can pick them up OK.  Gently shake it to get some air inside so its becomes semi-inflated. Run back to the handles and pull the line attached to the end of the kite which is furthest away. Pull this line until the kite is straight. Now hopefully by this time a bit more air is inside. If you pull gently but with a long positive pull in each direction the kite will "shimmy" up the beach and will eventually take off.  This DOES work but be gentle, the kite will slowly lift off and then as the lines tighten it will bend into the arc and you're away. In a strong wind do this - Get the two sticks and push them into the ground angled towards you and about 4-6 feet apart. This time however put the kite IN FRONT of the sticks so they support it in the high wind. Go back to your straps and gently pull. As you begin to tighten the lines they will start to pull the kite away from the sticks. It should launch immediately as it fills with air and the lines tighten.
 
 
 

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