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2018 KITE USER MANUAL
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NEUTRAL ZONE
MEDIUM POWER ZONE
MAX POWER ZONE
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
POWER ZONES
It is important to understand kiteboarding’s basic
zones of power before you launch a kite. Kite-
boarding accidents can happen over land when
kiteboarders put their kites in what is called neu-
tral position. People think that the kite is stable
in neutral position. However, wind fl uctuates-it
gusts and lulls-and in neutral position, some-
thing known as lofting can occur when wind
fl uctuates. When a kite luffs (or receives less
wind in its foil), the kite will move slightly away
from the pilot. When a gust hits, the kite receives
a surge of power, and often that surge of power
is too much for a kiteboarder standing with the
kite high overhead. As a result, the kiteboarder
may be lofted (lifted) into the air. Lofting can be
serious, but you may reduce the chances of loft-
ing by understanding the power zones, and by
avoiding putting your kite in the neutral position
while on land.
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 diffi cult 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 posi-
tion– this could be potentially hazardous.
Lofting
– Lofting occurs when the kite is above
the riders head in the neutral position. Instability
in the wind can cause sudden vertical force and
lift a rider off of their feet.
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 up-
wind or windward positions in which to fl y the
kite. When fl own here, the kite has less power
or pull than when it is in the power zone. How-
ever, 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 fl own
in this area, the kite can be powerful and harder
to control, so avoid fl ying your kite in this zone
when learning. Use extreme caution when fl ying
the kite in this zone.
KITE POSITIONS, ZONE & POWER
10
11
12
1
2
9
NEUTRAL ZONE
MEDIUM POWER ZONE
MAX POWER ZONE
3
LEFT SIDE
RI
GH
T
SI
DE
