LEADING EDGE BLADDER REPAIRS
REPAIRING THE LEADING EDGE BLADDER:
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First, lay the kite out with the struts facing up.
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Detach the Velcro closure at each end of the leading edge strut. This
will open up the sleeve of the strut and will allow you access to the
bladder.
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Next, separate the valve plug from the Velcro closure so that the noz-
zle is free from the strut’s sleeve. This will essentially disconnect the
bladder from the sleeve. Keep track of the valve plug for later use.
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For the next step, you will need two flying lines. Starting with one end
of the leading edge, tie one line around the wing tip end of the blad-
der. Cinch the line down well. Follow the same procedure with the
other end of the leading edge bladder.
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Next, gently insert the nozzle down into the strut sleeve.
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Now, access the leading edge bladder through the Velcro access
pocket near the leading edge nozzle.
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Gently pull one side of the bladder out of the sleeve at a time, leav-
ing the flying line through both sides of the sleeve. Having the flying
line through the sleeve will allow you to easily replace the bladder
once it is repaired.
•
Inflate the bladder and plug the valve so that it maintains air.
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Submerge the bladder in water to locate the hole. A bathtub or large
sink full of water is best. You will need to submerge one section of
the bladder at a time in order to locate the hole. Look for air bubbles
to locate the hole.
•
Once you have located the leak, dry the area and mark the hole with
a circle. A permanent marker works best for this.
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Dry and clean the rest of the bladder with a soft towel.
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Again, deflate the bladder.
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Decide whether to use the glue or a patch supplied in your bladder
repair kit.
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If the hole is on a seam, you will need to glue the area.
REPAIRS
LEADING EDGE BLADDERS
CONT’
