I'm not sure if other people have the same issues but at my local when kiters ask me for a launch many seem to walk backward perpendicular to the wind. Suddenly the kite catches the wind and I (the person helping them to launch) am buffeted and thrown around by the wind. Many of these people are experienced kiters.

The proper technique is to start up wind or downwind and walk in a semi circle so that your lines are taught and you know when the kite is ready to launch when it stops flapping.

Am I just getting old and grumpy or do too many people not understand how to properly launch a kite?