GLOSSARY
FREQUENTLY USED KITEBOARDING & WIND TERMINOLOGY
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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 re-launchability.
FOUR-LINE INFLATABLE KITE - a water-re-launchable kite with four flying
lines and inflatable tubes.
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.
BLADDER - the inner inflatable tube found within the leading edge and
the struts of the kite. (Imagine a bike-it has both a tire on the outside
and an inner tube which holds air).
RECON SECURITY LEASH & RE-LAUNCH SYSTEM - Cabrinha's patented
system that is fully integrated into the 2004 & 2005 kites. Both a
unique security leash and a re-launch system, the Recon allows the
rider to immediately turn off the power of the kite by activating the
Recon quick release. It also assists in quicker re-launching
QRS-QUICK RELEASE SAFETY - connection points on the control systems
that the pilot may release in an emergency. QRS Harness Leash (Patent)
that is attached to the rider and kite, designed to disconnect you in an
emergency.
BYPASS™ LEASH SYSTEM - an optional security leash feature that is
recommended for first time users and kiteboarding schools, and for
riders who kiteboard without being hooked into the harness loop. This
leash system leaves your hands free for board handling and comfort.
CONTROL BAR - the steering device the pilot uses to steer the kite.
BRIDLES - the lines that hang from the wing tips of the kite. The flying
lines will be attached from the control bar to these bridle lines in order
to connect control bar to kite.
LEADER LINES - The lines that attach directly to the control bar. You will
attach these lines to the flying lines in order to connect them to your bar.
RE-LAUNCH ASSISTANCE BALL GRIPS - The plastic ball found on each of
the two steering leader lines. The ball assists you in getting a better
grip on your leader line when re-launching your kite.
FLYING LINES - a term used to describe all four of the lines included with
your kite package. These lines connect the bridle lines on the kite to the
leader lines on the control bar and are typically 20-30 meters in length.
STEERING LINES - the two outside flying lines that attach to the trailing
edge bridles on the kite-one to the left wing tip and the other to the right
wing tip.
DE-POWER LINES - the two center flying lines that attach to the leading
edge bridles on the kite-one to the left wing tip, the other to the right
wing tip. These lines assist in de-powering 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 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.
NEUTRAL POSITION - This is the position just above the pilot's head in
the sky. If the pilot levels out the bar, the kite will gravitate to the
neutral position. However, it is difficult and dangerous to keep the kite
in this position. Although in this position the kite may feel steady and
may feel like it has the least amount of power or pull, it is also the
position in which on land the pilot is most susceptible to lofting. On the
water, the neutral position can be utilized to rest while you reel in your
board, but on land, we strongly suggest you do not utilize the neutral
position. After launching, it is best to make your way to the water
without delay. Do NOT linger on land with the kite in neutral position. It
is VERY dangerous.
NEUTRAL ZONE - This is the area that includes the neutral position and
the area to the left and right of the pilot. It encompasses the most
upwind or windward positions in which to fly the kite. When flown here,
the kite has less power or pull than when it is in the power zone.
However, use caution when the kite is in this zone, especially when on
land, and especially in gusty wind conditions.
POWER ZONE - This is the area in front and to the sides of the pilot, but
excluding the neutral position and zones. It is the area in which the kite
has the most power and pull. When flown in this area, the kite can be
powerful and dangerous, so avoid flying your kite in this zone when
learning. Use extreme caution when flying the kite in this zone.
LAUNCHING - the motion in which the pilot steers the kite from their
partner's hands into the sky.
