7.1 Pre-Launch Preparations
Pre-launch Preparations
Before you launch your kite, make sure you have a good clear area around
your launching zone and at least 100m of clear ground space downwind.
You will then need to put on your harness (not supplied) which will allow
you to use the power-up / de-power system on the control bar and which
will also allow you to fly for longer by absorbing the forces of the kite
through your body via your harness and not through your arms. Flexifoil
recommend the use of a good quality seat or waist harness.
Using The Variable Power System
The variable power system allows you to adjust the power of your kite
while on the water. (Riders tend to fly de-powered and then power-up
when they want to boost big air.) With experience, you will find the flying
set up that suits you best.
Hook the Chicken loop on to your harness.
Fine-tuning Your Strike Kite Before Flight
Check all flying lines to ensure there are no tangles before preparing your
kite to fly.
Whilst all your flying lines need to be of equal length to start with, this
does not mean your kite will instantly be tuned to your personal preference
and every wind condition.
The Flexifoil Strike kite comes complete with a front line trim system which
allows you to fine-tune the kite’s power before and during flying. Adjusting
the trim system allows you to vary the difference in the angle of attack
of the kite between the power-up and de-power mode and therefore the
amount of power that you will have on the water.
Note: You can also tune your kite by adjusting the rear line lengths by
connecting to different points of the leader lines on the control bar or by
making small adjustments to all line lengths at the toggles on the kite.
1. Ensure you are launching from the
minimum power area at the edge of the
wind window. Face the kite to the edge
of the window, and fold the wing tip over.
Keep the wingtip inplace by adding sand.
2. Apply tension to the lines by pulling
the control bar towards you and take a few
steps backwards if necessary
3. Turn the kite away from the ground. The
kite will take off and the sand will spill off
from the kite.
7.3 Launching the Kite (Solo)
If you want to launch on your own, you should never attempt to do this in strong winds and you should always launch from the edge of the
wind window.
7.2 Launching the Kite (Assisted)
The safest way to launch your Strike 2 kite is with somebody helping you. Make sure that your helper is fully briefed and understands what you
want him or her to do before attempting to launch your kite.
1. Get you helper to remove the sand from
the kite, and lift it into position. Handle the
kite by the centre of the leading edge.
2. Get your helper to walk the kite to the
edge of the wind window, (which is the
point where the kite does not wand to fly
forwards, but still pulls)
3. When you are ready to launch signal
your helper to let go (Use clear hand
signals!) and steer the kite up the edge of
the wind window.