*Constantly Kiting’s Beginner Series - LESSON 4: Launching and Landing

Make sure that the person landing and helping you launch knows what he or she is doing. Letting go of the kite or not knowing how to catch it can be dangerous for the person flying the kite, as well as any bystanders.

Remember the following when landing and launching the kite:

• All landing and launching takes place 90 degrees to the wind, on the back of your neck.
• Once the person launching you has lifted the kite up off the ground, your kite should be at the 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock position, with your body position facing the kite.
• After setting up correctly all four of your lines should be running perfectly to the kite from the bar with no knots or tangles. Should there be any indication of knots or tangles in the pre-launch, ask your launcher to put the kite so you can correct the lines.

*This Beginner Series was brought to you by Wesley Fourie of Constantly Kiting. Please note that online instruction is never meant as a replacement for kitesurfing lessons. Wesley Fourie and Gust Magazine recommend safe kitesurfing practices, whereby all beginners should go for lessons before attempting to kitesurf on their own. A helping hand from a buddy is never a good replacement for professional instruction. For kitesurfing lessons, contact Wesley either via his website or by email: info@constantlykiting.com