I did my first launch back in -76 I think. So far I haven`t crashed once during launching (knock on wood), but once I had a close call... I think my Dandy was 10 meters above ground after 4 seconds, 70` from horisontal [X(] I had read if full rudder input didn`t help, then add "wrong" rudder... I did; the Dandy did 3/4 of a snap-roll and climbed as intended! Don`t know if I would dare to do it again.

By the way; the most common problem I have seen when newbies try to launch is they use their left hand. I tell people to always use their right hand (if not left-handed!) because it is more important to give a firm controlled toss than having the hand on the elevator! A firm toss! Do not just let go of the glider.

Two years ago I did cut one of my 30 meter (100ft) rubbers in half, and used 80 meters of ultralight line. This lightweight bungee setup did give at least same height as the "full length" bungee when I launch smaller and light sailplanes in windy conditions. Because the weight of rubber and line on smaller gliders is an issue...

Ouch, it is -4`C outside, no thermals [:'(] But the slopes are still working!