Yeah - friend gave me an old c-kite to use the fabric and parts and started me down this road to ruin......

It was the issues around water relaunch that had me spend the money to upgrade to 5th line. Learning to relaunch an old 4 line C kite can be a huge struggle. Even once you get it down it's a PITA.

Quote: Originally posted by m00ms

hi and apologies if this question is in wrong section! little while ago while looking around on ebay i found a cheap LEI in the form of a flexifoil storm 9m which i think is a 2004,it was complete with lines and bar and was so cheap i thought why not. i know its an old kite but curious to try it and have watched videos on youtube on launching LEIs. is it possible to self launch them on grass and if flown in low wind first times can i just middle of window launch it? thanks

Hey mooms,

There is a fifth line method to solo launching where you allow the kite to tip over onto its back and then walk around to the edge and carefully un-peel the kite off the ground. It take some practice. It also means fitting a 5th.
A better method especially if you're impatient like me is to simply rock it from side to side until one of the wingtips stands up. The kite must be directly downwind of you and you start with crossed lines, but get ready to be pulled! This is how I launched all my kites back in the day, except of course when it was really windy.

No real point launching in low winds tho. As counterintuitive as it sounds, you need good wind to fly safely (within the kites range). The lines need to be tight for responsive steering and quickly deployed safety systems.

Here is a crappy video from the dark ages on rocking a C kite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBHnUacMnpQ&feature=yout...

Hey Red Sky,

I hope you got the package with your bag in it - thanks again for letting me borrow. I almost gave you a shout yesterday because me and mooms went to Wales for the day , but I figured it was a bit of a trek for you. We are going to Les Hemmes soon and I'll be sure to let you know when. You need to get back on the beach mate.