Cobra launches are easier than it looks. But on a strong wind soaring site there are many more smart launch techniques. One is to just pull the center-A lines from having the wing lying on the ground as a "rose". Another is the "Ostrich" technique which were taught to me by your fellow countryman, Roland de Vries over 10 years ago where you pull "ears" on the wing as it leaves the ground. That´s a cool one and functional too.
Hi Greg, firstly thanks for so many great videos. I've seen lots of videos on strong wind launches but I've never seen anyone inflate with big ears - could it be done or do I need more hands?
I've heard about a reverse cobra launch technique used when the wind is strong, where the glider is set with the leading edge facing the ground. Any tips for this ?
Glider upside down, hands up the glider is safe, brake both sides a little to check all the lines, when it's good use the brake on one side to turn the wing untill the wing tip is vertical, keep it vertical by pulling and releasing the brake, when you are ready, fly away. Cobra will be easyer in strong wind but that is only half the story, because even in wind stronger than the gliders trimspeed you can inflate symetrically by moving towards the wing no problem, but if there is a lift component you will never be able to stay on the ground simply because you will start to fly, in cobra position the wing will not lift you up, only possibly drag you horizontally which is safer than flying when you are not ready, also you can brace to being pulled sideways but you cannot brace from being lifted. When the wind is cross you should always cobra upwind/uphill, so you have to be able to do both sides.
