I am sure BigR will share his technique.
Here is the one I have been using for awhile.
http://www.flyozone.com/video/self_launch.wmv

It's pretty easy, assuming you have enough room and the surface isn't glass or oyster shells.
Our fine sandy beaches are perfect for this, imo.

I rarely see anyone do this, but it's easy, especially with 12 and 9m kites. Big kites can get tougher.
Al-kite-ah did his first the other day (on a big kite)