24
2018 KITE USER MANUAL
GLOSSARY
FREQUENTLY USED KITEBOARDING
& WIND TERMINOLOGY
A
SPRINT TUBES
Tubes that connect the LE bladder to the strut bladders.
AIRLOCK - a 2 part valve that allows a single point for infla-
tion and deflation of the kite.
SPRINT PINCH CLAMPS
Clips that prevent air transfer between the LE and the
struts.
B
BAR (unit) – A unit of pressure
• 1 bar = 14 PSI
• 1 mbar = 0.015 PSI
PSI – A unit of pressure. Pounds per square inch
• 1 PSI = 68.9mbar
BEAUFORT SCALE
A system for estimating wind strength based on the effects
wind has on the physical environment (e.g. the behavior
of waves, smoke, etc.). Instruments are not used to deter-
mine wind strengths in this point scale (O = calm to 12
= hurricane).
BODY DRAGGING
This is an instructional tactic / step in which the rider flies
the kite while in the water, but without the board. The rider
will launch, then walk to the water, and basically drag in the
water while practicing flying, re-launching and self-rescue
techniques.
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).
BRIDLES
The lines that hang from the wing tips and leading edge 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.
Tow Points – The attachment points for the bridle.
BYPASS™ LEASH SYSTEM
A security leash feature that is recommended for all users.
This system incorporates QR2 which will separate the User
from the Kite if QR1 has been activated.
C
CENTERLINE ADJUSTMENT STRAP (CAS)
Used to depower the kite by changing the relationship between
the front and back line lengths. It is also used to position the
bar closer to the rider.
CONTROL BAR
The steering device the rider uses to steer the kite.
D
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.
DOWNWIND
The direction in which the wind is traveling.
F
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 typi-
cally 20-30 meters in length.
G
GUSTY WIND
Wind is inconsistent and varies considerably from one
wind strength to another.
GYBING
The motion in which the rider changes the direction of the
board he/she is riding. The rider switches from a starboard
tack to a port tack or vice versa.
H
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).
I
INFLATABLE KITE
A kite with inflatable tubes designed to float the kite and to
facilitate water re-launchability.
