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REPAIRING
38
Repairing kite bladders:
To repair your bladder you will need a set of flying lines and a patch repair kit (supplied
with kite). Avoid repairing your kite on the beach or in windy areas. Find a clean spot out of
the wind.
Lay the kite out flat with all bladders facing up and deflated.
Tie a “pull” line to the extremity of the bladder to be replaced or fixed. You’ll use this
line to pull the bladder back in. If you’re repairing a strut bladder, the line should be tied to
the base of the valve. If you’re repairing a leading edge bladder, a line should be tied to
each end of the bladder. The “pull” line should be longer that the bladder. Do not pull the
bladder out by the “pull” line - its only use is to guide the bladder back in.
Push the air valve entirely in and for the leading edge bladder, open the zipper flap
near the middle of the leading edge and pull the bladder out, first one side, then the other.
For the struts, pull the bladder out from the back of its casing. When the bladder has been
removed from the kite, the “pull” line should pass through the tube and extend from each
end.
Inflate the bladder and wipe soapy water on it with a sponge. Holes are indicated by
air bubbles. Small leaks can be hard to find. Dry and clean the bladder with a towel, circle
the leak with a marker and then deflate the bladder. Using the sandpaper enclosed in the
repair kit, sand down the surrounding of the hole, peel the backing off the repair patch and
apply it on top of the repair area. Wait two hours before usage.
Close the valve and fold the bladder like an accordion, with the air valve lined up to
the opening on the strut and insert it back. Guide the bladder in by slightly pulling in the
rope. Once completely inserted, make sure that the air valve is properly exposed through
the valve opening. Install the zipper back.
Inflate the bladder until it is half full with air. Check to make sure that the bladder
was inserted correctly and that there are no folds in the bladder material. If you detect a
crimp in the bladder or the air valve appears misaligned, stop and re-insert the bladder.
Failure to correct the problem at this point can cause severe damage to the bladder when
it is fully inflated. Roll the excess bladder material into the tip of the rib and reconnect the
Velcro strap under the securing loop.
Repairing the kite fabric:
To repair your kite fabric you have to use
kite repair tape. You can find those tapes in
kitesurf shops.
Before repairing the tear your kite must be rinsed and dry.
Lay your kite out on a clean and flat surface.
Cut out two sized of adhesive tape large enough to cover the entire tear.
Stick one piece over the tear and rub it down in order to eliminate any air bubbles.
Stick the other piece on the other side of the material in the same way.
For majors tears ( > 10 cm) consult your dealer for a kite repair loft.
ENGLISH
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Packing up your kite
Deflate all the bladders.
Clamp the two front lines connectors to the deflation valve on the leading edge using the
scratch to prevent from any line tangling.
To deflate the little struts with non return valve press on the valve. Starting from one wing-
tip roll up your kite all the way to the middle of the leading edge, then do the same from
the other wingtip. Close up the deflation valve to ensure no dirt gets inside the inner tube.
Kite care
Rinse your kite from time to time, but do not store it in a humid place. We recom-
mend that you rinse it and let it dry out while inflated. If you must rinse it while deflat-
ed, make sure the valves are shut.
Do not store your kite for long periods of time inflated, difference in temperature and
air pressure might damage the inner tubes.
Do not store your kite under the sun for long periods of time, this may damage the
inner tubes or fabric.
If you are not using the kite do not let it sit on the beach, it will work as a flag and this
will increase the wear and tear on the fabric. When taking a break be sure to cover
each panel with sand so they don’t flap around.
Regularly rinse off your bar and lines, let them soak in a tub.
Regularly check the wear on the connectors, kite, leader lines and lines side. At the
first sign of wear, replace them. Particularly pay attention to the rubbing points espe-
cially on the larks head knots. Watch for knots on your lines, this weakens them.
KITE CARE
39
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
My kite flies too far over head:
Your front lines (black sleeving) are too short.
Loosen up the power line and reengage in the cleat or shorten the back lines.
Make sure your spot doesn’t loose wind due to high cliffs or buildings.
My kite doesn’t fly over head:
Your front lines (black sleeving) are too long.
Pull down the power and reengage in the cleat. If not enough extend the back line.
My kite turns better to one side:
Your back or front flying lines are not the same length.
Pull hard on the shorter line by given quick and strong pulls until it extends to the correct
length.
For the back lines you can also use the adjustment knots on the leader lines.
