Last year in December we gave tips on how to self-launch- many members of the community learned something new. The common follow up question though was how can I self-land?

Whilst self-launching is not for beginners, self-landing is taught during any IKO course during -at least once- the first day of the lesson by activating the chicken loop quick release. This is done to ensure any kiter will be able to land his kite safely in any circumstances. If you do not have anyone nearby to help, you will have to know and resort to these two skills. We also do not recommend trying to self-launch or land for the first time in winds stronger than 20 knots as it becomes too dangerous.

When thinking to self-land make sure you find a place with lots of open space and no sharp obstructions on the floor. Once you have found your spot, make sure your front lines are completely untangled. You will want to bring your kite low and to the edge of the wind window. Once your kite is low to the ground, check your kite leash is connected to you and to the safety line, then activate the chicken loop quick release and let it go (the kite leash is still connected to you) and wait for the kite to stabilize. Once it is the case, grab the safety line and climb it up to the kite, hand over hand, thumbs up. On your way do not touch the bar until you reach the kite and can secure it on the ground. During the whole process be sure your lines stay downwind to you and so, if anything happens you can let go the lines and everything will move downwind to you.

When was the last time you have had to self-land? Did you use this technique or another?