![Kiteboarding. How to! Part 1]() | Kiteboarding. How to! Part 1
This "How to Kiteboard" Section comes in 3 parts and tagged on the end is a
Frequently asked Questions Section.
Firstly, get Lessons. People are still getting injured and killed by partaking in this extreme sport. You must take lessons in order to learn the basic safety.
NEWS FLASH: Lessons. Please ensure that you contact us directly 1 week before your lessons via email call us 24 hours before your lesson is due to take place to check last minute weather patterns. If you do not physically speak with the instructor or our staff, your lesson will not be going ahead. All lessons are weather permitting. Call instructors direct Sarges mobile 07951 169871. Limited places are still available on the courses.
KiteboardingUK.com is a Waveney District Council approved Kiteboarding centre with IKO/BKSA Level 2 Kiteboarding Instructors. It's based at Lowestoft, the most Easterly point of England. And has a council approved Kite Zone for training a so called Scrub beach made good called Kessingland. A Scrub beach of huge proportion totally isolated from tourists and sunbathers (Very handy in the summer months as most beaches are very busy with sunbathers). It also has a low tide shallow shelf/pool ideal for teaching. It's all Kiteboarding and power kiting and KiteboardingUK has its training centre here and holds its club days there most Sundays (Weather permitting "The Club" changes location according to wind directions). Please call in advance if you're popping down to spectate or to kiteboard with us. The KiteboardingUK is extremely friendly and everybody helps everybody. We also have our own set or rules. Please read the rules and abide by them they are very important to keeping our kiteboarding zones safe and accident free since 2000
Training is available with KiteboardingUK everyday throughout spring and summer. Our Kiteboarding school opens from April 3rd every year when we start our first 1, 2 and 3 day courses, therefore you can take a one day, two day or three day IKO/BKSA course with us, from this start date.
KiteboardingUK.com Beginners Guide.
This beginners guide will cover the following.
Introduction.
RULES and SAFETY tips for Beginners, KUK Top 10.
Glossary of Words and Terms.
WHERE and WHEN should I Kiteboard?
Understanding the WIND WINDOW and KITE FLYING basics.
Understanding the POWER ZONES and NEUTRAL ZONES.
Setting up your kite.
Flying your Kite.
Kiteboarding is a sport of the future for sure, but where is it all going to end, we don't know. In our beginners guide we will discuss the basics. The equipment available for Kiteboarding is changing monthly making the sport easier to learn, safer and with technical advance in materials and designs much more affordable. SAFETY is probably the most important aspect of Kiteboarding right now, and needs to be adhered to strictly. Kiteboarding brings together different people from different sports with different ideas. We need to stick to certain rules to ensure the well being of Kiteboarders and the general public. When you decided to take up Kiteboarding, you probably felt a need for new excitement in your life. But remember the family that's sitting on the beach happily sunbathing, mother, father and child, dog etc are happy with their lives and they don't need your radical intervention messing things up.
When you Kiteboard not only are you responsible for your own safety but also others around you.
We suggest you attend one of the many IKO BKSA Kiteboarding Kitesurfing training schools around the UK. These offer excellent Kite Training and will save you time and money in. You'll be able to try kiteboarding Kitesurfing Power Kite equipment before buying it and see if the sport is one that you want to develop in. Kiteboarding is an expensive sport and you will need advice to get the right equipment for your individual needs. As far as Safety goes it's much better to learn from somebody else's mistakes.
Click Kite Lessons in the menu bar on the left to find out more about courses and training available through KUK.
Before Kiteboarding you really need to be a good kite flyer you should be able to position the kite in any part of the wind window. Know how your kite responds to different conditions, learning to fly your Kite to a good standard is one of the most important aspects of Kiteboarding. It can take many days, weeks to become confident and happy with your Kite. So practice flying on land as often as possible. Respect your Kite they are not indestructible and if you abuse or mistreat them you will damage them. Repairs can take time to fix and can be expensive.
RULES and SAFETY tips for Beginners Top 10.
(1) Fly your Kites in large open areas away from the general public and obstructions avoiding Power lines, buildings, trees, and airports. On the East coast we have Groynes. They are especially dangerous to Kiteboarders. Anybody seen Kiteboarding near them are simply showing off. It requires an expert level to know your kite and the conditions that well etc. These individuals that continue to Kite within these areas are simple stupid. The chance of being pull across a Groyne in high crosswind conditions is very high.
(2) Use the Safety equipment available, buoyancy vest, and helmet. Familiarise yourself with the kites safety leash (the safety leash will depower the kite very quickly and bring it down) and quick release system (If once you've depowered the kite and your still being dragged you can detached the kite with this).
(3) When using your kite for the first time take it out in light winds, winds in the low-end scale of your kites working conditions. Fly your kite on its own for a few days before attempting to go in the water. Get a feel for its power and maneuverability. It's also a good idea to fly a much smaller kite initially just to see exactly where the wind produces more pull. Work out where the power zone, where your neutral zone is. You will be surprised how much information you can gain about the present wind conditions by flying a small kite.
(3) Never Kiteboard alone. Always have a friend with you who can help you launch your kite and keep an eye on you in case you drift out to sea or get caught in rips or injure yourself.
(4) ALWAYS Kiteboard in cross-shore winds to the beach. And keep reasonably close to shore, if you mess up you can paddle back to shore. If the kite goes down and you can't relaunch it you and your kite will be taken out to sea in the direction of the wind. If you are simply flying your Kite on the beach in a wind direction that blows out to sea and your Kite goes down you will only be able to retrieve that kite if it goes in the water by dragging it back you will almost certainly damage that kite.
(5) If in trouble simply let go of the bar but beware that nobody is close to you as the bar being pulled out of your hands by a kite will act like a right hook from Mike Tyson to anybody who is in striking distance.
(6) Always think about where you are going, where the kite is going to take you if you encounter problems. If other people are close to simply, you don't go there. Take care to avoid Windsurfers, Jet Skiers and Surfers, the Public. When learning to Kiteboard you should keep clear of other people.
(7) NEVER Kiteboard in high winds, difficult sea conditions or OFFSHORE WINDS. Which you know exceed your experience and the wind limitations of your equipment. Know specifically the wind ranges of your equipment. A large Kite is designed for Kiteboarding in light winds. If you take a large Kite out in high winds you will be in trouble big trouble and the chances are that if you don't hurt yourself seriously you will damage your Kite beyond repair. Many Kiteboarders own one Kite. Don't be tempted to the use your Kite in conditions above its specified wind range.Watch the weather conditions they can change very quickly.
(8) NEVER Kiteboard in Lightning storms or Gusty winds. Gusty winds will pick you off the ground unexpectly then your kite will pull low through the power zone you will be picked up and thrown about like a rag doll.
(9) NEVER ride until you're exhausted and your arms are weak always save enough energy to get you back to shore, you may have a kite string break, you never know your luck (as bad as it may be). Enjoy yourself take note of all the safety precautions involved with flying big kites respect other people around you give them the space and the clearance from you that they need. Once you have more experience of flying these kites you will begin to enjoy the sport a lot more and Safety will come naturally to you. NEVER ever underestimate the power of these kites.
(10) NEVER hook in your harness when flying your kite on the beach, unless you are at expert level. Unexpected gusts and loss of control of the direction of the Kite will result in you being airborne you will be dragged in the direction of the wind and most probably will be unable to unlatch from your harness. You will be in your own world of hurt. Being hooked into to your harness without being able to unhook, unable to overcome the power of the Kite is probably the most dangerous aspect of Kiteboarding right now and this problem has taken peoples lives. There are numerous safety devices around and these can be bought as an accessory. Yes, we know when you connect to your board you put the kite in the neutral position and hook in your harness for a few seconds and put your board leash round your ankle and make your way to the water.
Care must be taken when doing this. Da Kine have produced a board leash, which allows you to simply clip your board leash to your ankle saving precious time fumbling around with 2 hands. Badly twisted ankles take about 2 months to heel, fractured ankles take about 3 months to heel other injuries well we wont go there. That's your summer gone don't sacrifice time in the water be careful follow the guidelines listen to people's advice. Some individuals think they know better. They will come unstuck. Nobody wants to Kiteboard with someone who is reckless and shows no respect for friends or fellow Kiteboarders.
PLEASE TAKE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN KITEBOARDING ALWAYS PLAN FOR THE WORST SCENERIO BECAUSE WHEN YOUR LEARNING IT USUALLY HAPPENS. TAKE OUR ADVICE LEARN BY SOMEBODY ELSE'S MISTAKE. TAKE NOTICE OF THE ADVICE AND INFORMATION THAT'S AVAILABLE READ THE USER GUIDES, MANUALS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU.
Glossary of Words and Terms.
Kite bridle- The many lines attached to your kite that help maintain it's foil shape while flying. The base of the bridle where all the lines converge is where you attach your kite line.
Lark's Head Knot- The loop system used to attach the kite line to the bridle knot and the control bar.
Leader Line- The extra heavy duty line on your control bar that attaches to your kite line.
Trailing edge- As the kite is flying, the rear edge (or back) of the kite.
Leading edge- The front edge of the kite.
Ram Air Kite- The Air Traction kites featured is an example of a 100% Water relaunchable version. Air fills the front vents and creates an air foil and is locked in with the one way valve system. The foil acts like a wing and creates lift.
Wind window- The "edge" of the wind, where there is easiest to launch your kite. 90 degrees left or right as you face dead down wind.
"Close to the wind"- it's easy to go down wind (broad reach) , and 90 degrees across the wind (beam reach), but you have to get back to where you started sometime. How closely to straight upwind you can go with your board is called Pointing or Close reaching.
Stupidity- Giving your kite to a complete novice and watching him get the kite pulled out of his hands the kite rolls across the beach into a tree, but not before taking out 2 old age pensioners walking their dogs who just happen to be on the local council committee who then tell their fellow councilors that kites and kiteboarders are dangerous.
TRAINER KITE - a kite that may be used on land to simulate the motions used in kiteboarding. It is an excellent instructional and learning tool. Despite its small size, this kite still has power, so be alert.
INFLATABLE KITE - a kite with inflatable tubes designed to float the kite and to facilitate water relaunchability.
TWO-LINE INFLATABLE KITE - a water relaunchable kite with two flying lines and inflatable tubes. This kite usually has a bridle system.
FOUR-LINE INFLATABLE KITE - a water-relaunchable kite with four flying lines and inflatable tubes. This kite does not usually have a bridle system.
STRUTS - the outer fabric tubes found on your kite. They house the inner inflatable bladders, which are filled with air to give structure to the kite.
FANGS - Metal teeth that engage /disengage the depower loop on the Powerlock.
BLADDER - the inner inflatable tube found within the leading edge and the struts of the kite.
LAUNCHING - the motion in which the pilot steers the kite from their partner's hands into the sky.
SELF LAUNCHING - a technique in which the pilot launches the kite without assistance, usually by weighting down a wing tip with sand until he/she is ready to launch.
RE-LAUNCHING - the motion in which the pilot steers the kite off of the water and back into the sky.
BODY DRAGGING - this is an instructional tac-tic/ step in which the pilot flies the kite from the water, but without the board. The pilot will launch the walk to the water, and basically drag in the water, practicing flying, relaunching and self-rescue techniques.
BALL STOPPER - Small plastic ball That stops the QRS harness leash from sliding too far up your lines.
WATER STARTING - the motion of the pilot in which he/she goes from sitting or lying in the water to standing on the board.
GYBING - the motion in which the pilot changes the direction of the board he/she is riding.
The pilot switches from a starboard tack to a port tack or vice versa.
PLANING - the point in time in which the pilot gets the board skimming on the water.
LANDING - the motion in which the pilot steers the kite into their partner's hands on shore.
QRS-QUICK RELEASE SAFETY- connection points on the control systems that release in emergencies. QRS -harness leash that is attached to the rider and kite, designed to disconnect you in emergencies.
CONTROL BAR - the steering device the pilot uses to steer the kite.
HARNESS - a piece of equipment used to temporarily attach the rider to the control bar harness line. This enables the rider to save energy by utilizing their body weight and all of their muscles to hang on to the kite. Most common are the waist harness (attaches around the torso) and the seat harness (attaches to the waist and around the legs)
KITEBOARDING - the term in used to describe the sport of power kiting on water.
KITESURFING - another term used to describe the sport of power kiting on water, but in waves.
OVERPOWERED - a situation in which the pilot has a kite too powerful for his/her ability level, weight, strength, and/or wind conditions.
UNDERPOWERED - a situation in which the pilot has a kite not powerful enough for his/her, weight, strength, and/or wind conditions.
REACH - a direction of travel relative to the wind direction. Generally 90-160 degrees off the wind.
LULL - a term used to describe wind when it lessens in strength, for any amount of time. A term also used to describe the complete de-powering of a kite.
LUFF - a term used to describe what happens to the kite in a lull.
WIND TERMINOLOGY
ONSHORE - wind is blowing directly or to a great extent directly from the water toward the land. Utilize caution when operating your kite near water in this wind direction.
SIDESHORE - wind is blowing from the left or from the right, in a perpendicular direction to the shore. Ideal wind direction for kiteboard-ing.
OFFSHORE - wind is blowing from the shore, directly or to a great extent out to the water. Do not operate your kite near water in this wind direction.
SIDE OFFSHORE - wind is blowing from either the left or the right and from the shore out to the water. This is a combination of offshore and sideshore wind. Do not operate your kite near water in this wind direction.
SIDE ONSHORE - wind is blowing from either the left or the right and from the water toward the land. This is a combination of onshore and sideshore wind. Utilize caution when operating your kite near water in this wind direction.
GUSTY WIND - wind is inconsistent and varies considerably from one strength to another.
DOWNWIND - the direction in which the wind is traveling.
UPWIND - the direction from which the wind is blowing.
LEEWARD - the downwind side of the kite-boarder.
WINDWARD - the upwind side of the kiteboarder.
KNOTS - a measure of speed based on nautical miles.
1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour.
1 knot = 1.15 miles per hour.
1 knot = 1.85 kilometers per hour.
MPH - Miles Per Hour. A measure of speed
1 mph = 1.6 kilometers per hour.
BEAUFORT SCALE - a system for estimating wind strength based on the effects wind has on the physical environment (eg. the behavior of waves, smoke, etc.). Instruments are not used to determine wind strengths in this point scale (O = calm to 12 = hurricane).
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![Kiteboarding. How to! Part 2]() | Kiteboarding. How to! Part 2
Understanding the POWER ZONES and NEUTRAL ZONES.
Are you controlling your kite or is your kite controlling you? Take a look at a novice kiteboarder and you will probably see the later. Why does this happen? He or She probably has little experience flying large powerful Kites. Simply put you have to know your limits don't take big Kites out in Strong winds, its best to start Kiteboarding in light winds say 10 mph gentle summer breezes are perfect. The knowledge you gain from flying your kite in light winds will teach you much more about your Kite than taking it out on windy gusty days. You don't need windsurfing wind to fly these Kites. Kiteboarding is a light wind sport, many people simply don't believe this and they continue launching Kites in winds which are far to aggressive they simply get body dragged down the beach. They kite goes down awkwardly they general end up damaging their pride and their Kites. It's essential that you fully understand the terms Neutral Zone and Power Zones. Take a look at the diagram above; it's a front view. Imagine standing on the beach looking at the horizon, plot out this picture in the sky in front of you and you will know where you kite will pull the strongest.
Put up a small ram air kite or a stunt kite you will soon feel where the strong pull in the sky is. Its common sense basically but it is sadly missing from most people.
We all flew Kites as a kid; it's easy I hear you say!
One big difference with these Kites. POWER and lots of it. Many people want to Kiteboard with a wake board, well imagine the power of that boat. If you're in trouble you simply let go and boat dethrottles.
Imagine a boat that didn't dethrottle when you got yourself into difficultly, imagine being connected to that boat imagine not being able to disconnect. Imagine being pulled downwards towards the water by that same boat. This situation could happen to you with your Kite. They are very powerful one of the worst-case scenarios is where you have control of your Kite and suddenly you trip catch a rail or slip your kite will generally fall lower probably passing through the power zone. So the Kite suddenly becomes more powerful. You have already lost control and now the Kite controls you. If you're hooked into your harness you're in big trouble. As a beginner you need to really think about when you want to be hooked in. You definitely should not hook in to your harness on the beach. Gusts have been known to catch people out badly. As a beginner you should not even be flying your Kite in these conditions. If you can't walk backwards easily with your Kite in the Neutral position then you need to get a smaller Kite or simply try again another day when wind conditions become more suitable. We are not trying to scare you but you do need to be made aware of just how powerful these kites are.
On the positive side its this sheer power that is part of the attraction of the sport it really is like having your own power boat pulling you along controlled by yours truly. A power, which comes from something a graceful as a kite flying in the sky. Sounds almost romantic, does it not?
To get to know the power zone we suggest flying small kites. Flying small kites can generally give you a lot of feedback about the present conditions.
Launching and Landing your Kite in the NEUTRAL ZONE.
Pick a site to launch your kite make sure there is nobody around and that it is clear for at least 200 metres in front of you. Check which way the wind is blowing and set your kite down on the ground in position 90 degrees to the wind direction.
On Lighter wind days you can start to bring your kite more downwind. This is something you will learn to judge with experience.
Launching with assistance. To launch the kite with assistance make sure your assistant is standing in front of the leading edge of the kite. The trick is to make the wind do all the work for you.
NEVER push/shove/jump the kite into the sky to launch. These kites will launch them selves very efficiently you simply have to support them.
Hold the kite in the vertical position one tip of the leading edge facing the ground the other the sky. A common mistake is where the wind catches the front top tip of the kite and pushes down onto the front tip. Your assistant should turn his body slightly to allow the wind to scoop up the falling tip and it will open fully, allowing the wind to begin to lift the kite.
Its possible to hold a very large kite off the ground completely with the wind filling fully the inside of the kite.
Its best to have a chat with your assistant before trying to launch the kite. Explain what is required of him or her.
It's difficult to shout to your assistant from 30 metres away.
Good kiteboarders will launch kites using hand signals and head nods.
It takes a few launches to get everything right. Simply remember there is only one way to do this and that's the right way don't ass about wasting time on your on theory of launching go by the book and you will get it right.
To launch unassisted you must lay your kite out in the neutral zone 90 degrees to wind direction either to the left or right side of yourself. Fold the front edge of your kite into the kite and lay sand on it. You can weight the rest of the kite with sand but just enough to keep the kite on the ground. The idea is that you lift one tip of the kite the furthest away tip of the ground.
The tip will slowly fill with wind and will begin to rise just like a cobra rising from the ground as it lifts and fills it pushes off the sand weighting the rest of the kite and eventually with the odd tug and pull on the top tip kite line line the kite will spring open fully a fill completely with wind and take off unassisted.
It works well but requires a few attempts to get it right to start with. The key to it is weight the kite with sand correctly and the angle that you set the kite on the ground relative to wind direction. The kite must fill with wind gracefully and slowly in a controlled manner. The angle of the kite very important. If when launching it's obvious that it's not going so well. Simply lay the kite down and go back to your kite and weight it again change the angle that the kite sits on the ground. Fold the front edge more or less and try again its better to do this than have the kite mislaunch, rolling around with twisted lines and then its gets really embarrassing believe me.
Landing the Kite in the Neutral Zone.
To land your kite first check that your landing area is clear. Put your kite in the 12:00 overhead neutral position and then bring the kite down into the neutral position 90 degrees to the wind direction. Your left or right depending on the landing site. Steer the kite down till its about 2 ft off the ground then slowly let the bottom tip of the kite touch the ground walk towards the kite and the kite will land. If you find it difficult to land the kite or if you think it mite relaunch easily from this position fly the kite further into neutral so that the kite will have no choice but to fall out of the sky as you completely fly it out of the wind window.
Once your kite is down get to it quickly and remove the kite lines from the bridle etc.
Now your kite is relatively harmless and impossible to relaunch.
NEVER leave a kite parked on the ground with kite lines connected. It only takes somebody to trip on your lines flicking the kite round into the wind, or a dog to get tangled in the lines, weighting the kite nicely and hey presto! the first flying dog at your local beach. Hey! We shouldn't jest in can happen for real.
NEVER CONNECT KITE LINES WHEN PARKING YOUR KITE ON THE BEACH.
Setting up your kite.
When you first decide to go Kiteboarding. Check the wind direction and strength. Then you need to decide which size kite is most suitable for the current wind speed. Its pays to actually walk to the spot where your going to launch as wind speeds change rapidly as you get closer to the beach from the car park the winds may seam quite tame but on the beach at the water edge different story.
Never Kiteboard in off shore winds or any wind direction which is likely to blow you out to sea in the event that you fail to relaunch your kite.
Lay your kite on he ground with its full length in the direction of the wind, lay it down with its underside facing up, then start to inflate the smaller arms of the kite. Starting with the furthest downwind working your way up the kite. Last of all inflate the largest leading edge of the kite. When you inflate this will notice the kite rise and start to get caught by the wind. Simply pick the kite up. Hold it in the middle turn your back to the wind and rest the kite on your knees and continue inflating the leading edge of the kite keeping your back against the wind and the kite in front of yourself
Remember that you need to inflate the kite to a firm feel but do not over inflate the kite, as you will risk bursting a bladder when the kite kites hits the sea or ground.
Once the kite is fully inflated lay it on its front and point it so its back is fully into the wind if you need to weigh it down with sand do so.
Next lay out your kite lines, some people lay out their kite lines first. We like to set up the kite first then you can watch your kite on the ground it can give you hints as to if the wind is gusting, is it changing direction? We feel it gives you an idea of those small subtle condition changes that may be happening as you set your other kit up.
Connecting a 4-line kite, is a complex but you don't have to be a mastermind. Simply lay your lines out separately this is generally tricky as they wrap themselves around each other so you will probably make a few trip up and down to your control bar.
The depower system which is in the middle of your bar needs to be connected to the front two lines of the Kite. So the first time you set up your kite you will probably loop the leader lines through a ring which is connecting directly to the depower system be it a strap system or pulley system. Remembering which lines go where you need to have a system. For e.g. if you came from a 2 liner kite originally you will probably stick with the colour coding system of Red line on left. Blue line on right. So generally its red line on the left and blue on the right. That's your back lines just like your 2 line kite you had all those years ago. So how do you remember the front Lines well its up to you. Maybe your front lines are black and orange like some Slingshot's so the Blacks second letter is "L" s put this line on the left Oranges second letter is "R" so put this on the right. Once all four lines are connected they must not cross but run parallel to each other. Make sure you connect each front line to the same knot on the kite and leader lines and the same knots must be used on the back lines. Later on when you fine tune your kite you will connect to different Knots and you will notice it makes a big difference.
NOTE: that if you use a Ram Air Water Relaunchable Kite like say Air traction you will find yourself connecting 3 lines and the middle line of the cross bar will connect to the depowering system which will be connected to the back bridle lines of the kite not the front like a L.E.I. Kite. Confused? Don't be!
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![Kiteboarding. How to! Part 3]() | Kiteboarding. How to! Part 3
When you first decide to go Kiteboarding. Check the wind direction and strength. Then you need to decide which size kite is most suitable for the current wind speed. Its pays to actually walk to the spot where your going to launch as wind speeds change rapidly as you get closer to the beach from the car park the winds may seam quite tame but on the beach at the water edge different story. Once you approach your launch site start to think about. Where the kite will be launched? Where will you stand in comparison to your kite? Where will you be dragged too? Should the wind prove to be stronger than you thought. What obstacles are in your way should you be dragged. Where will you gain access to the water? Where will you place your Kiteboard? These are all questions you will need to ask yourself.
P.S. Wind meters are pretty damn handy, lots of people can guess wind speeds but they cannot accurately guess gust speeds.
Setting up your Kite.
Never Kiteboard in off-shore winds or any wind direction which is likely to blow you out to sea in the event that you fail to relaunch your kite. Never Kiteboard alone.
Lay your kite on he ground with its full length in the direction of the wind, lay it down with its underside facing up, then start to inflate the smaller struts of the kite. If it's quite windy lay sand on the kite to stop it from lifting and catching the wind. Starting with the furthest downwind working your way up the kite. Last of all inflate the largest leading edge of the kite. When you inflate this will notice the kite rise and start to get caught by the wind. Simply pick the kite up. Hold it in the middle turn your back to the wind and rest the kite on your knees and continue inflating the leading edge of the kite keeping your back against the wind and the kite in front of yourself.
Remember that you need to inflate the kite to a firm feel but do not over inflate the kite, as you will risk bursting a bladder when the kite kites hits the sea or ground.
Once the kite is fully inflated lay it on its front and point it so its back is fully into the wind if you need to weigh it down with sand do so.
Next lay out your kite lines, some people lay out their kite lines first. We like to set up the kite first then you can watch your kite on the ground it can give you hints as to if the wind is gusting, is it changing direction? We feel it gives you an idea of those small subtle condition changes that may be happening as you set your other kit up.
Once your lines are laid out connect them to your Kite.
Step by step you can follow these instructions.
1. Lay out your control lines. Unroll your control lines from the bar. Walk down the control lines and remove any twists. (Red = left/black=right)
2. Carry the kite to the end of the flying lines furthest from your control bar. Make sure the leading edge is facing into the wind.
4. Secure the kite by holding it or weigh it down with sand or sand bags.
5. Check the bridle and free it of any twists and knots.
6. Attach the RED larks head on your STEERING LINE over the RED knot on the BRIDLE.
7. Attach the BLACK larks head on your STEERING LINE over the BLACK knot on the BRIDLE.
8. Make sure that the bridle knots are secure by pulling on each of them to double check.
9. Check each PULLEY to make sure each one is turned upward (each pulley will face downward once the kite is flying).
10.Also, check each PULLEY to make sure the bridle lines are not trapped between the strut and the back part of the pulley and the kite material.
Your kite is now ready to fly. Now make sure you are familiar and happy with the wind conditions before getting on the water. Kite tuning tips are available later in our advice section
There are many ways of setting and connecting your kite lines
Upwind or downwind setting up are two of the best options.
Setting up, DOWNWIND of your kite.
1. With your lines laid out carry the kite to the end of the flying lines furthest from your control bar. Make sure the leading edge is facing into the wind. Or perhaps you can place your kite on the ground first and unwrap your kite lines from the control bar as you walk away from it.
2.Make sure to secure the kite with sand.
3. You will notice four connection bridles on your kite (2 on each wingtip). There are three knots on the rear bridle and one knot on the front bridle. Utilize the middle knot on the rear bridle. The other knots are there for tuning purposes.
Then.
1) Lay the bar 30 meters downwind of the kite so that the tips are facing the control bar. When setting the bar up downwind of the kite, you must turn the bar upside down before walking the lines out. This means that the red-sheathed lines are on the right, while the black-sheathed lines are on the left.
2) Walk out the steering lines and attach them to the back bridles (trailing edge). (Remember, red-to-red; Black-to-Black)
3) Walk out the white depower lines and attach them to the front bridles (leading edge). Make sure that the depower lines do not cross the steering lines.
Your kite is now ready to fly. Make sure you are familiar and happy with the wind conditions before getting the water.
Setting up, UPWIND of your kite.
You can set the kite up this way if you are planning on a self-launch.
1. Lay the bar 30 meters upwind of the kite so that the kite tips are facing away from the bar. The control bar should be correct side up.
2. Walk out the steering lines and place them parallel to each other on the ground about 4 ft. apart, near the kite. (Remember, red sheathed lines on the left and black sheathed lines on the right)
3. Walk out the depower lines and place them in between the back lines, parallel to each other so that all four lines are lined up as follows, left to right: Red sheathed red line, red sheathed white line, black sheathed white line, black sheathed black line.
4. Place steering lines far apart, so the kite will lie between them.
5. Place kite on top of the depower lines so the wing tips of the kite are pointing downwind and near the ends of your steering lines.
6. Secure the kite.
7. Attach the steering lines to the back connection points from out-side next to the kite.
8. Attach the depower lines to the front connection points from the inside of the kite.(Remember, red-to-red, black-to-black). Your kite is now ready to fly. Make sure you are familiar and happy with the conditions before getting into the water.
Kite tuning a 4 line kite.
Proper tuning is essential for best performance. A properly tuned kite increases its efficiency, speed, and allows the kite to depower correctly. The following guide-lines will help you to properly tune the kite to suit your style of riding.
1. All models have their desired sweet spot that is achieved by the correct tension of the steering (back) and depower (front) lines. Fine-tuning of the kite is done by making small adjustments to the centerline adjustment strap (C.A.S.).
2. Do not 'over sheet' the kite. The first objective is to set the kite's maximum power while allowing it to fly efficiently across the sky. More power and quicker turning is achieved by tensioning the steering (back) lines (sheeting in the kite). There is however, a point of diminishing returns. Too much back line tension will cause the kite to fly slowly across the sky and not allow it to fly to the edge of the power window.
3. With the kite directly overhead, hook into the fixed harness loop and observe the angle of the wingtips in relation to the other inflated battens. A common tuning is achieved when the wingtips are parallel to the inflated battens and the steering (back) lines are taught. If the wingtips are flared outward at the leading edge the kite will be over sheeted.
4. Unsheet and depower the kite by pulling on the C.A.S. until the desired effect is achieved. The more you pull on the C.A.S. the less power the kite will have. Keep in mind that you will still be able to depower the kite through the PowerDrive or PowerLock loop, so do not depower too much with the C.A.S. To increase power, lift up with the plastic loop on the C.A.S.
Launching your kite with your partners assistance.
1) Once you have thoroughly checked your lines, your gear, and your launching and landing sites, you are ready to launch your kite.
2) First, attach the QRS harness leash.
3) Organize a clearly defined release signal that you both understand.
4) Have your partner stand with the kite at 100 degrees off of the wind.
5) Your partner should hold the kite in the middle of the leading edge, with the leading edge vertical and pointing into the wind.
6) Your partner should stand behind the kite and not to the side or in front of the kite.
7) Also, your partner should NOT touch the bridle or flying lines.
8) With the control bar in your hands, take a few steps back to take the slack out of the flying lines.
9) Signal your partner to let go of your kite. It is important that your partner lets you steer the kite out of his or her hands.
10) Your partner should NOT throw the kite into the air. Instruct him/her against doing this BEFORE you launch. When the kite is thrown into the air, it hinders the ability of the kite to launch properly. The kite may either launch too abruptly and powerfully or it may not launch at all. It is a very dangerous way to launch.
11) Once your partner lets go of the kite, have him/her move upwind of you and out of your way.
12) With both arms extended, SLOWLY steer the kite up into the neutral position. Do this by slowly pulling toward you on the side of the bar attached to high side of kite. DO NOT make any abrupt motions. The slower you steer the kite into the neutral position, the safer and the more in control you will be.
13) Your arms will remain extended above your head, with the bar even, while the kite is in the neutral position.
14) Walk slowly to the water's edge, keeping in constant check with the kite. You should know what it is doing at all times.
15) DO NOT HOOK INTO THE HARNESS LINE WHEN LAUNCHING! If you do, you will not be able to safely and quickly utilize your QRS harness leash system if necessary.
16) If anything goes wrong with the launch, you should be ready to let go of the bar and utilize the QRS harness leash. o WARNING: the more wind there is during your launch, the faster everything will happen. That's why it is important that you launch the kite slowly and safely.
Self launching (unassisted)
1) First set your kite face down, with the leading edge into the wind, at 100 to 110 degrees off of the wind.
2) Secure the kite with sand or with sandbags.
3) Next, wind your lines out from the kite to the place from where you will launch the kite.
4) Check to make sure your lines are connected properly.
5) Once you have thoroughly checked your lines, your gear, and your launching and landing sites, you are ready to set your kite up for self-launch. Turn the kite on its side, with the leading edge facing into the wind.
6) Fold the bottom wing tip (the one closest to the ground) over onto the kite. Make the fold at the first strut..
7) Weigh this wing tip down heavily with sand or sand bags.
8) Make sure that the flying lines and bridle (if applicable) are free and will not catch on the struts when you self-launch.
9) Quickly walk back to your bar.
10) Attach the QRS harness leash to your harness bar.
11) With the control bar in both hands and at chest height, take a few steps back to take the slack out of the flying lines.
12) This will release the sand or sand bags from the wing tip of the kite.
13) Next, SLOWLY steer the kite into the sky by pulling toward you on the side of the bar attached to high side of kite. DO NOT make any abrupt motions. The slower you steer the kite into the neutral position, the safer and the better.
14) As you take a few steps backward and steer the kite up into the sky, the kite will fill with wind and continue to rise.
15) Continue to steer the kite into the neutral position-SLOWLY.
16) Your arms will remain extended above your head, with the bar
even, while the kite is in the neutral position.
17) With your back to the wind, walk slowly to the water's edge, keeping in constant check with the kite. You should know what it is doing at all times.
18) DO NOT HOOK INTO THE HARNESS LINE WHEN LAUNCHING! If you do, you will not be able to safely and quickly utilize your QRS harness leash system if necessary.
19) If anything goes wrong with the launch, you should be ready to let go of the bar and utilize the QRS harness leash system.
20) WARNING: the more wind there is during your launch, the faster everything will happen. That's why it is important that you launch the kite slowly and safely.
21) WARNING: DO NOT set your kite up for self launch and then wind out your lines. Make sure your lines are laid out and are correct before you set your kite in self-launch position. The kite may launch accidentally while you are winding out your lines.
Landing your kite with a partners help
1) You should always determine adequate landing spots before you launch your kite.
2) Having done that, make sure that when you are heading toward shore, that your landing location is still safe uncrowded and unobstructed.
3) Never land your kite over, on top of, or near others, especially if they are down-wind of you. You should have an area clear of people, pets, power lines, trees, and other obstructions.
4) Make sure your partner has been instructed on how to land your kite prop-erly.
5) As you approach shore, keep your kite low near the water, at the edge of the power window.
6) Drop down (or step) off your board and body drag the final distance to shore. Do not approach the shoreline with speed.
7) Slowly steer your kite into the wind and to your partner.
8) Your partner should be on the windward side of your kite as he/she approaches it.
9) Once the kite is nearly touching the ground, your partner should grab the kite at the middle of the leading edge strut. He she should grab the kite in the same location on the kite as when it was launched.
10) Your partner should NOT grab the kite bridle or flying lines.
11) Your partner should AVOID grabbing the kite by either wing tip. Grabbing the kite by the wing tip will often cause it to flip or spin; the kite will also be hard to manage.
12) Once your partner has the kite's leading edge, he/she should walk the kite away from the water's edge.
13) Your partner may either continue to hold the kite or he/she may secure the kite by turning it over, with the struts down and the leading edge pointed into the wind, and securing it with sand or a smooth
14) Once on land, with your kite secured, you may wind up your lines.
Water RELAUNCHING
1) When your kite goes down on the water, know that the kite may re-launch on its own, often when you do not expect it to, so be prepared.
2) If your kite goes down on its face, with the leading edge and struts facing the water, you must steer the kite onto its side.
3) Do this by pulling toward yourself on one side of the bar and pushing on the other. Basically, you will be pulling on the bottom line of the kite and creating slack in the top line.
4) Be patient. Your kite will respond to your instructions, but sometimes you must be patient, especially in light wind.
5) Your kite will slowly work its way to one side-to the edge of the window of wind.
6) Once it is at the edge of the window, pull on the top line by pulling on the opposite side of the bar. This will steer the kite up. Slowly steer your kite into neutral position and level out your bar.
7) Sometimes when you crash your kite, it will land on its side. When this happens, be prepared for a wind gust to re-launch your kite. It often does not take much to re-launch the kite, so be prepared. It may launch before you are ready.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Proper inflation of the struts, especially the leading edge, is imperative for water re-launchability of your kite. Make sure your kite struts are properly inflated before entering the water.
CHECK YOUR LINE LENGTHS BEFORE GOING ON THE WATER
1. Loop a piece of line (any rope or cord) around a tree or fence post
2. Tie the line in a knot, leaving 2 ends of equal length.
3. Tie a knot at the base of each line end.
4. Set your control bars about 30 meters away
5. lay out the leader lines toward the post. Make sure there are no
obstructions in between your bar and the post.
6. Unwind and lay out the color-coded STEERING LINES between the CONTROL BAR and the post.
7. Attach the steering lines to the knots on the post. (IMAGE)
8. Standing directly in line with the post, increase pressure on the control bar by pulling straight back towards your self. Do this a few times to tighten the knots you have just made. Pull back hard on the contol bar several times.
9. Your control bar should be inline with your shoulders and straight, not at an angle.
10. If your control bar is even, your control system is now ready to attach to your kite.
LINE LENGTH CORRECTIONS.
Adjustments are made by moving the knot on the end of the leader line on the leader opposite the wrist leash leader.
DO NOT CHANGE THE LEADER LINE WITH THE WRIST LEASH. This line has a set length that enables the system to work properly.
o If the LEADER LINE is too long, loosen the knot and move it toward the bar.
o If the LEADER LINE is too short, loosen the knot and move it away from the bar.
o Re-tighten the knot and check your line length again. Adjust again if necessary until the control bar is balanced.
o DO NOT put knots in your STEERING LINES. Knots in the STEERING LINES compromise the
life of the line.
o It is highly unlikely that your centerlines are uneven. If they are, you may make the adjustment
by adjusting the knots on the center line adjustment strap leader lines. You will attach the longer of the two flying lines to the knot closest to your bar and the shorter line to the knot closest to the kite. Once you've made the proper adjustment, check the bar again.
Flying your Kite.
So the choice is yours stick to the simple principal and you cant go wrong. Take the advice of more experienced kiteboarders; it'll save you time and money in developing your Kiteboarding skills. You can purchase all your Kiteboarding equipment through our shop
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