After a long day kiting on the water, the last thing you want to think about doing is washing or drying out your kites. But, looking after your kites in the right way can drastically increase their lifespan.
By following these 4 simple steps, you can expect to not only have kites you can trust but also have the best-looking kites on the beach.
Photo: Mitchell Doyle Markgraaff
Tip 1: Don’t leave your kite on the beach!
It can be tempting to leave your kite on the beach while you are having a quick break, but it’s important not to do this too often. UV exposure really is the end-all for kites. UV can cause the glue that holds the kites together to melt. Furthermore, leaving your kite on the beach with the nose into the wind causes the kite to flap and, over time, this will degrade the trailing edge of your kite. Therefore, you should always pack your kite away when you come in from a session.
Tip 2: Regular checks for pinholes
A kite should be treated just like you would your car. They need regular checkups and maintenance every few months. It’s a good idea to take your kites out, pump them up and check for any small tears and rips, specifically in the center of the canopy. Small tears can often go unnoticed for months, but the longer you leave them, the bigger they can get. Most major tears occur from what was once a minor tear.
Photo: Mitchell Doyle Markgraaff
Tip 3: Sand is your kite’s worst enemy
Sandy kites are pretty much guaranteed when you kitesurf. Unfortunately, sand is one of the biggest enemies for our kites. Sand works its way into the canopy, weakening the kite, and leading to tears in the future. The best step you can take to prevent this is to brush off all the sand after your kite sessions. If you have a wet sandy kite, it’s best to wash off all the sand and then leave the kite to dry, out of direct sunlight.
Tip 4: Store your kites dry
There are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to storing your kite.
Dont’: Store your kite in a damp environment. Make sure your garage or room has good ventilation, otherwise damp and mold could degrade the material of your kites.
Do: Make sure to always dry your kites out before storing them. If they are left for long periods in a damp environment they can become moldy.
Do: Check your kite line connection points. If they show signs of wear, then it’s recommended that you replace them.
Maintaining your kites can seem like a lot of extra effort, but it’s 100% worth it if you want your equipment to last a long time!
Photo: Samuel Cardenas
See more:
Introducing the Helios Collection
The future is bright!
Enjoy the Summer sunshine feeling every day, with the new Airush Helios Yellow collection. Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, generates muscle energy, and of course, boosts better.
It seems a simple concept, jumping, yet it requires a little bit more skill than what meets the eye.
It is often the reason a lot of you decided to try kiteboarding in the first place. Perhaps you saw some riders jumping at the local kite spot and thought to yourself “I want to try that. THAT looks fun.”.
You were right. It looks impressive and it is, quite simply, a lot of fun. Whether you are only jumping 1ft high or you are competing for a place on the WOO podium, you are having a good time.
In this video, Alex Pastor walks you through the important details you need to remember and practice to improve your jumping capabilities.
Explore kites:
