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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.
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.
TENSION RING – A ring located on the Override unit that
allows the rider to adjust the release load required to enter
into Override Mode.
FLAGGING RING - The ring to ring connection that acts as
an alternate leash attachment point. By connecting to the
flagging ball and releasing the control system the rider is left
connected to the kite by one line.
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.
NEUTRAL POSITION
This is the position just above the rider’s head in the sky.
If the rider 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 rider 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 posi-
tion. 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 rider. 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 rider, 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 rider steers the kite from their
partner’s hands into the sky.
SELF LAUNCHING
A technique in which the rider launches the kite without as-
sistance, usually by weighting down a wing tip with sand until
he/she is ready to launch.
RE-LAUNCHING
The motion in which the rider steers the kite off of the water
and back into the sky.
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.
WATER STARTING
The motion of the rider in which he/she goes from sitting or
lying in the water to standing on the board.
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.
G L O S S A R Y
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