My lesson of the week

[Wolfie]

I found out first hand that you never let someone launch you, unless you know them. I've been told before, but nothing helps you learn like first hand exsperiance. I was at Skyway South yesterday and had just got done pumping up my 8m sonic. A nice guy approached me and we started to talk. He wasn't sure if he should launch his 12m ion. He was new to the sport, but seemed to know what he was talking about. We talked and I told him it might be better to go to the North side since it is normally lighter. I was just about to attach my chicken loop to my anchor and self launch, when I decided to ask him to "throw me up." I have since decided that this was entirely fault since I did phrase it that way and I did not know this guy. But as I walked into position this guy proceeded to literally throw my kite in the air. I would have loved to have a picture of my face when I saw the kite leave his hands and flip quickly downwind. Thank god it was my 8m and the wind was only 19-24knts, since if I had rigged my 11m I would have had a horrible kitemare and injuries no doubt. As it was, I was dragged but regained control (with an eye on my quick release). After it was all done I said "hey, you’ve never launched anyone before?" to which he replied "Only launched myself before." Long story short I don't even know if he kites at all or just talked the talk. The lesson is that you must know the person launching you even if they do talk the talk!