The following tutorial demonstrates the recommended technique to launch a land based Traction kite on handles. Never underestimate the power of the wind and respect the elements to the full. For your first launch, a wind speed of 4 - 7 mph / 6 - 11 kph / Force 2 (see wind speeds) is ideal.

Correct Handle Grip

Hold the handle firmly by the foam-cushioned section at the top. The bottom of the handles should be further towards the kite than the top. The top flying line leaders should come out from between your index and second fingers. Your thumbs should be on or near the top of the handle. This is the ‘neutral’ position for normal flight.

Correct Launch Technique

Under normal circumstances you should be able to solo launch.

Pick up the handles. Take one handle in each hand (see Correct Handle Grip above) and ensure brake lines are slack. Make a last minute check that your lines are connected correctly, left to left and right to right, top to top etc., and untwisted. The wind should be on your back with you and the kite in the of centre of the Wind Window. The kite should be on its back.

Pull back gently and steadily with both handles. The front / leading edge of the kite will lift up and the kite begin to inflate with wind pressure. Remember to keep the bottom of the handles further towards the kite than the top, you'll notice that the bottom lines don't become taught.

Pull sharply to fully inflate the kite and it will start to lift off. You may need to take a few steps back to get it moving depending on the wind conditions.

The kite will fly straight up the wind window, through the power zone, to come to a rest with minimum power in the ‘park’ position or zenith at the top centre of the window, right above your head.

Make sure you are ready to deal with the pull as the kite hits the power zone, leaning back with your shoulders and moving forwards a little on the ground!

Please Note

In strong winds it’s inadvisable to launch in the centre of the window as the kite will hit the strongest power zone of the window immediately after launch and can be very dangerous for you and other people.

In these conditions you need to set the kite up close to the edge of the wind window in relation to where you stand at the window centre. Lay the kite on its back but this time lengthways downwind so that the wind blows across the kite from tip to tip with the leading edge vents facing towards the edge of the window. You may need to weigh down the upwind tip with sand etc. leaving the downwind tip free.