Kiteboarding Magazine

luke
2009-10-30 13:33:55 | 2909 views | 3 Comments

Rinse, Rinse and Rinse Some More

Salt and sand can be the most abrasive substances on earth. Over time, they can destroy anything, including your kite, lines, bar, board, harness, etc.

Pre-session: Before launching, remove all the sand on your bar and lines, which may have accumulated during rigging. Pay special attention to high-friction areas like your bar’s center power line, pulleys, quick releases and line connection points. Always keep your pump clean. A dirty pump will put debris straight into your bladders. A few strong pumps before inflation is usually enough to clean the hose’s nozzle of sand.

Post-session: If your kite is wet, let it dry before packing. You want to store it as clean as possible. I suggest giving your kite, bar, harness and board a freshwater bath after every session. Dry thoroughly before storing, as wet gear can mildew or rust. Doing so will have you riding more and repairing less.

Cool Shade, the Ultimate Anti-Ager

Did you know the sun’s UV rays and heat exponentially impact your kiteboarding gear’s life? Storing a kite in a hot car for a day can age seals and seams by a year. Even with materials built into kites and boards to prevent UV damage, UV rays cause material breakdown. Keep your kiteboarding gear young by storing it in cool shade when you’re not riding.

Proper Management Avoids Costly Damage

Topping the “why kites need repair” list: basic handling mistakes. While grounded, you can avoid damage by:

Paying attention: Inspect your launch area before unpacking. Sharp shells, twigs, rocks, thorns and trash cause more holes, tears and breaks than anything else. If you’re in a cluttered area, clear things before rigging. Also, look out for things lines can hang up on. Snagging a reef and cutting a line kills the day.

Being gentle: If you drag and throw kiteboarding gear around, you’re going to pay. Here are a few tips to prevent damage:

— Refrain from using rocks (unless you have them in a protective bag) and kiteboards with sharp fins to hold down your kite.
— When flipping your kite over, avoid dragging wingtips across the ground. If needed, just pinch the leading edge in to prevent dragging.
— When carrying kites in light winds, they need help avoiding the ground. Simply running will help keep everything airborne.

Words: Elea Faucheron, catchsomeair.us
Photos: Richard Hallman