Flusurfer Speed 3 - 5.2. LAUNCHING AT THE EDGE OF THE WIND WINDOW

20 21
of the kite. Hook into the sand-free SAFETY-LEASH and the Depowerloop and slowly tension
the downwind flying-line by steering the bar. Slowly move downwind as the kite starts to in-
flate. At some point the kite will start to stand upright on its wingtip, now slowly steer it up-
wards along the edge of the window into the zenith.
Don’t panic! If the kite has enough time to preinflate you will be able to control it better.
In order to launch the kite, you only have to give it a strong impulse, thus removing the sand
from the kite, and then slowly steer it up in the air.
A helper might be supportive in terms of safety in particular (e.g. if the lines are not sorted
properly or if you want to land the kite again for another reason). Though Flysurfer recom-
mends launching the kite by weighing it with sand and not with a helper holding the kite.
5.2.1. Launching with a Helper
Position yourself in a way that the kite can be launched at the edge of the wind window.
Have an instructed helper gradually hold the kite at the marked spot on the bottom Sail
into the wind by grabbing the kite in the middle, until the kite stands up straight at the edge
of the wind window.
If the upper tip “overflys“ the helper in forward di-
rection the kite is too close to the power
zone.
Move downwind until it reaches the edge of the
wind window. If the kite collapses, it is outside the
wind window. In case the helper lets go off the kite
now, the kite would tumble into the power zone
and develop high forces. Move upwind in order to
launch it at the edge of the wind window. If the ki-
ter gives the international sign (thumb up), the hel-
per releases the kite. Thus the kite can be laun-
ched.
5.2.2. Edge of the Wind Window without assistance
In this case the trimmer should be pulled slightly. Position yourself as with the Power zone
start. Hook in and pull in both steering leader lines to stop the kite from taking off prema-
turely. Once the kite is inflated sufficiently walk to one side until the kite is almost at the
edge of the wind window and starts to fold in the upwind wingtip. Now release both Back
Lines, Depower immediately and the kite will take off. Keep the kite low above the ground
and steer it towards the edge of the wind window.
5.3. FIRST LAUNCH IN THE WATER
To launch the kite in the water you should be an experienced Flysurfer and the lines and
kite should have been thoroughly wrapped up with pulled safety-line. You should first try
these steps in shallow waters and in light winds. Take the kite out of the bag and open it ca-
refully. While unwrapping, face the leading edge towards the wind to help inflation. Keep
the bar between your legs or hooked in the harness, so the bar can’t drift into the lines.
All current Flysurfer kites only require approximately 20% pre-inflation. Lay the kite on the
water with the bridling and the trailing edge facing you. Carefully unwind the flying lines, as
the kite drifts away from you. First attach, if possible, the SAFETY-LEASH and then launch
the kite as usual by Depowering.. You can now body-drag back towards your board unless
you have kept it stored on your back in the kite bag.