THE SAND ANCHOR DISCLAIMER & USER INSTRUCTIONS 


The user(s) assume(s) all responsibility for how, where, what conditions, and for what purpose they choose to use this piece of equipment.  The sand anchor is a convenience item only and should be used by experienced Kiters only and is not a replacement for good judgement and common sense 


DISCLAIMER :  USE THE ANCHOR AND INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AT YOUR OWN RISK.  THE AUTHOR AND CONTRIBUTORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS OR ACCIDENT TO YOU OR TO OTHER THIRD PARTIES INCLUDING LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF SALE, EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH RESULTING FROM YOU OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES USING THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN.


USE THIS ANCHOR AT YOUR OWN RISK AND ONLY AFTER FULLY UNDERSTANDING THE INSTRUCTIONS


 AVOID  using the anchor in low wind conditions (below 10 knots) and gusty conditions as this can result in the kite behaving unpredictably which could lead to equipment damage and possible personal injury or death. 


INSTRUCTIONS FOR LAUNCHING YOUR KITE


1. Choose a spot on the beach near or in the water with no trees or obstacles or people.


2. Screw the anchor all the way into the sand with the handle below the sand surface. Always test the anchor’s hold by pulling on the leash with all your force and it should not move. If it does, screw the anchor in deeper or find a  spot with better holding.


3. Attach your Chicken loop onto the Carabiner and lay your bar as you would rigging your kite  downwind e.g. Bar upside down or red to the right.

     
4. MAKE SURE THE BAR  IS ALL THE WAY TOWARDS THE KITE, AWAY FROM THE CHICKEN LOOP. Set any stopper (if you have one on your bar ) all the way towards the kite.  (Trim strap in full power setting on most kites, you will have to test this in the water, see USEFUL TIPS below 1st * )


5. Walk the lines out to the edge of the wind window (Left or right side depending on location).

   
6. Attach the lines to your kite. Once you are ready to launch, turn the kite upside down holding it by the leading edge ( Lift the Kite clear of the sand and shells to avoid unnecessary wear and tear ) and walk upwind of the anchor. NEVER lift the kite downwind of the anchor as it WILL take off.

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7. Once upwind of the anchor walk the kite to tension the lines and see that there are no twists or mistakes with your lines. If there is, place the kite face down and secure it and rectify the problem.     
If the lines are correct with tension then walk the kite slowly downwind until the canopy stabilizes. ( no flapping in the canopy as it fills with air). At this point your kite lines will be about 90 Degrees to the wind direction

     
8. Once you are satisfied with the kite’s position, let go of the kite, then walk to the anchor, attach your safety leash and then the chicken loop to your harness. ONLY THEN you remove the carabiner from the chicken loop. DO NOT TOUCH THE BAR OR LINES UNTIL ALL THE ABOVE HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.


9. You then launch the kite by pulling on the top line as you would normally do with an assistant.


INSTRUCTIONS FOR LANDING YOUR KITE:


1. Once you had your fun on the water position yourself upwind of the anchor. 


2. Attach the anchor carabineer to the chicken loop. 


3.Now lower the kite slowly to the edge of the window , your landing spot.
Use the top line only with the bar furthest away from the chicken loop.


4. Once the kite touches the sand or water let go of the top line and  let the kite stabilize. DO NOT TOUCH THE BAR OR ANY OF THE LINES AGAIN UNTIL THE KITE HAS BEEN SECURED. 


5.  Now unhook your chicken loop from the harness and let the kite take up the slack in the Anchor leash, do this gently. Once attached to the anchor unclip your safety leash from the kite.


6.Walk to the kite and grab it by the leading edge and walk it towards the anchor to release the tension in the lines

see USEFUL TIPS below    3rd *


7. Place the kite face down and secure it.



USE THIS ANCHOR AT YOUR OWN RISK AND ONLY AFTER FULLY UNDERSTANDING THE INSTRUCTIONS.

 

USEFUL TIPS:


  • An easy way to find out if your Kite is suitable for Self launch and Land

On a steady wind day (12 to 15 Knots) while standing in flat shallow water, lower your kite to the edge of the wind window ( left or right , it does not matter )  

Use the top line to pilot the kite down slowly, once the kite lands on the water let go of your bar and do not touch it at all , If the kite happily sit at the edge of the wind window without falling over nor drifting into the power zone your kite is suitable for use with the Anchor (adjust your trim strap if needed, full power is normally the best on most kites) 

                                          

  • Attach a second leash and carabiner to the anchor shaft and two kites can be launched at the same time (One to the left and the other to the right of the window). 
  • After landing your kite on the Anchor and walking towards the kite , place your hand on the top front line ( do not grab, hold , push or pull the line, just  glide your hand over the line ) as you walk towards the kite.This will give you the ability stop your Kite from being dragged to the back of the wind window if it falls face down in case of a wind lull 
  •  Write your name and phone number on the float, in case you forget your Anchor on the beach                      Also  “KITE ANCHOR - DO NOT REMOVE” (Use a paint or permanent marker or a soldering iron to engrave you details on the Float  )
  • The Anchor should be fresh water washed after each use.
  • Always inspect your  anchor leash and make sure all the knots are secure and the carabiner is in good working order, if not replace or repair.
  • If you can, land the kite in the water as there is no wear from the sand and shells.


  • If no sand is available to set the Anchor , unscrew the Leash from the Anchor, then use the leash on your Tow bar or wheel spoke on your vehicle or any solid post or tree etc.
  • Always play it Safe to kite another day and respect other Beachgoers and Fellow Kiters