There are multiple ways to self land a kiteboarding kite. Different environments call for different techniques. It is important to assess the situation and choose a technique that is safe. We recommend starting off with the “self rescue” technique.
Safest Way to Self Land a Kiteboarding Kite
This technique is also referred to as a self rescue. The safety system is engaged to land the kite with the leading edge facing down. When the kite lands in a position where there is no power in the sail, use the flag line to get to the control bar. At the control bar, secure the flag line around the control bar. The flag line is the line between the safety leash and the control bar. Make sure that the kite is in the same landed position. After securing the flag line, wrap the remaining lines around the control bar to get to the kite. Secure the kite by grabbing the leading edge of the kite.
If Something Goes Wrong
Always make sure that the line never wraps around any body parts. If something goes wrong, quickly assess the situation. If the situation is complicated or there is not an obvious fix, let go of everything. If the kite powers up and there is no easy fix, release everything. This means using the safety release to eject the kite. This is a rare situation, but your safety is more important than rescuing the kite.
How to Self Land in Light Winds
This way is done if you’re underpowered. The best way to practice this technique is in light winds when you are underpowered. As you get better with this technique, you can perform it in more wind. If you’re powered or overpowered, we prefer that you push away your safety release to land. If there is anyone else on the beach that kiteboards, have them assist you with a normal land.
Where To Practice
When you practice how to self land a kiteboarding kite you want an area with a lot of open space. You want to make sure there’s no people or objects downwind of you. The West Side of Skyway is not ideal because of how small the beach is. St Pete Beach is not ideal because there are beachgoers. You want a wide open area with a lot of beach and few people like the East Side of Skyway.
When To Practice
If you’re new to kiteboarding and you’re by yourself, just release the kite by pushing away your safety system. You want to practice this technique when you are under powered. If there is moderate to strong winds, this technique can be dangerous.
Position Kite
Position the kite towards the edge of the wind window at 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock.
Step One
Let go of the bar. Letting go of the bar will cause the kite to fall down. In windier conditions you can let go of the bar and walk straight downwind. You want to get the kite facing straight down.
Step Two
Pull the top center line. Keep pulling the top center line to make sure the leading edge faces straight down. You’re trying to get the leading edge down in a way where when it lands wind blows over the top of the kite like when its sitting on the beach.
If It Doesn’t Go To Plan
If the kite doesn’t land perfect then let go of the lines or bar. Let go of everything and visualize what is going on.
If the kite lands but there is still wind catching one side. Keep pulling the top center line and walk downwind. This will reposition the kite so wind blows over the kite.
If the kite didnt land or stall and is still at the edge of the wind window, bring the kite back up. You can bring the kite back up and try again.
If the kite stalled then push away your safety release.
If you have any questions on how to self land a kiteboarding kite send us a message. If you want to practice this safely with an instructor, schedule a lesson with us.
