Bow kite self lanch in the snow?

[bordy]

Any tips for self launching a Bow kite in the snow?

Thanks!!

[lesvierra]

I'm experimenting with what I saw from Marty and Jacob. I put an ice screw in ice or a little snow deadman anchor to hold my bar and put the leading edge down down wind with the under canopy facing upwind. Then I grab the bar from my anchor clip in and reverse launch.

I'd like to try jacobs trick. put the kite down like you normally do on the beach with the leading edge down facing the wind. He then walks to the side and upwind pulling on the line attached to the far side of the kite. Not sure what is suppose to happen after that, but it puts the kite in a launch position.

Just a comment till the experts can comment.

[Kenny]

First you want to go to REI and buy 3 things: 1. an ice-screw for days when you are going to ride on a frozen lake 2. a snow stake for everywhere else (if the snow is too shallow for a snow stake, use a mallet and a piece of rebar). 3. Two caribiners that are connected with a short piece of webbing to make it easy to hook into your stake.

This method works with a Waroo, not sure about other bows. Connect the caribiner to your chicken loop. Setup the kite directly downwind from you with the leading edge down and facing into the wind (totally depowered). Connect all your lines. Walk back up to the bar. Tug on one of the back lines to pull the kite around so that it catches the wind. Do a relaunch like you would do on the water - Alternately tug each back line when the kite finally flips allow the bar to sheet out so that you don't get dragged. It is a hot launch, so you don't want anyone/thing downwind of you.

[bordy]

Thanks guys!

Kenny,

Are you placing the kite leading edge down with the top of the kite facing upwards like on the beach (like Les says jake is?) If so I know you have the bar anchored but is it possible to just weight the kite with snow and bypass the Anchor Then when spinning the kite into the "launch position" The snow would just spin off the rear?

Is this unsafe? anchor free? At skyline I saw lots of guys just using snow to keep their ILE Kites down in the launching area. Is this Uncool??

What size ice screw are you guys using on ice?, and is it possible to just use a "dead man anchor" like a Sand bag or my snowboard as a snow anchor and then just connect a binding strap through the Chicken loop?

Les,

You are placing your Kite wing tips up leading edge into the wind flat on the ground and then tensioning your lines intill the kite is in the "Launch position correct? What keeps your kite from catching wind and flying inverted?

Also last question is. Should I worry about abrasion or wear and possible poping from the snow surface, or is there to little friction to really worry??

Thank you Guys!

[lesvierra]

Use my advice at your own risk since I am still learning, usually the hard way. Use any ice screw if your on frozen water ice below snow. A stake is good, but try a this anchor below as it eliminates sharp edges that can pucture kites and it works great in just about any snow or depth.

Easy concept but hard to describe in words. Imagine crashing your kite down on water or snow while kiting, leading edge down. This is how I set my kite up while the chicken loop is anchored. There can be a pretty good pull depending on the wind, so use what every you think will do the job. The kite tends to want to stay down and put, in my limited experience. Walk back to your bar, unclip the chicken loop from caribiner and anchor, be ready for a pull, clip in to your harness and reverse launch to fly. After your done flying you can control crash your kite down and clip your chicken loop back into your anchor and go deflate your kite.

This is what I have used for my yarga too. But after watching Jake, it seems there are better quicker ways.



from mtntools.com

I'm alittle lost with Kennys description. It seems like he/you are describing what jakes does only he is clipped in instead of using an anchor.

[Kenny]

Sorry if I confused you guys.

Bordy,

yes, the leading edge is down like you have seen Jake do it on the beach.

yes, you can use snow to keep the kite down, but if it is light and fluffy, it is worthless. A sandbag is a good alternative for powder days.

You can forgo an anchor or snow stake, but it is handy when landing the kite. You can fly the kite to the edge of the window, attach the chicken loop to the biner and then pull in one of the back lines so that the kite comes to rest leading edge down. Then you can walk your way up one of the lines and weigh the kite down with snow or with a sandbag. You could use a sandbag or a snowboard as an anchor, but I would only do it in light wind. If you ever go out when the wind is over 20 mph, you really have to be careful, just like the water. It is better to get someone to assist you with your launch and landing.

yes, there is more abrasion on your kite on the snow and it will shorten the life somewhat. If the surface is really icy and sharp, it can do some damage - fortunately that is rare around here.

I usually attach my kite bag to the snow stake or anchor to warn others of it's position and to keep my bag from blowing away.

I may not have done the best job describing the process. If you are still confused, just watch carefully and ask questions the next time you are at Skyline.

Kenny

[bordy]

Thank you both great info. I understand. Hope to see each of you on snow soon!!