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Control System User Manual
Control System User Manual
TUNING
TUNING THE KITE
Proper tuning of your kite is essential for best performance. A properly tuned kite increases
its efficiency, speed, and allows the kite to de-power correctly. The following guidelines will
help you to properly tune the kite to suit your style of riding.
• All models have a desired sweet spot that is achieved by the correct tension of the
steering (back) and de-power (front) lines. Fine-tuning of the kite may be done by making
small adjustments to the Centerline Adjustment Strap (CAS.).
• Please note that, due to the full range of depower available in the system, the CAS is used
to position the bar within the depower range. If you find yourself riding with your arms fully
extended and bent over at the waist, you can pull the red ball and the bar will move closer
to you.
• The kite is very sensitive to over sheeting. Too much back line tension can cause the kite
to fly slowly or even backwards in light wind. Over sheeting will also minimize the amount
of shutdown available in the depower range.
• Do not ‘over sheet’ the kite. The first objective is to set the kite’s maximum power while
allowing it to fly efficiently across the sky. More power and quicker turning is achieved by
tensioning the steering (back) lines. This is called ‘sheeting in the kite’. There is however,
a point of diminishing returns. Too much back line tension will cause the kite to fly slowly
across the sky and not allow it to fly to the edge of the power window.
• With the kite directly overhead, hook into the harness loop and fully sheet in (power up)
the kite. If the kite is over-sheeted, the kite will sit back in the window.
• De-power the kite by pulling on the CAS until the desired effect is achieved. The more you
pull on the CAS the less power the kite will have. Keep in mind that you will still be able
to de-power the kite through the Depower Loop, so do not de-power too much with the
CAS. To increase power, pull down on the black power adjustment ball.
VIEW OF KITE FROM RIDERS PERSPECTIVE –
KITE IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION DIRECTLY ABOVE THE RIDER.
Over sheeted wingtip >>
(too much back line tension)
Correct Trim >>
CAUTION: Beware of lofting. Leaving the kite overhead for long periods of time
increases the risk of this phenomenon. If you feel yourself being lifted, sheet out
immediately and be ready to pull your QRS.
GLOSSARY
FREQUENTLY USED
KITEBOARDING & WIND
TERMINOLOGY
A
AIR DISTRIBUTION TUBES
Tubes that connect the LE bladder to the strut bladders.
AIRLOCK - a 2 part valve that allows a single point for
inflation and deflation of the kite.
AIR CLIPS
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 determine 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
typically 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.
K
KITEBOARDING
The term used to describe the sport of power kiting on
water or snow.
KITESURFING
