How to Care for Your Kitesurfing Kite

Take good care of your kite.

If you're a kite surfer, your kite is your most important piece of equipment. By taking good care of your kite, you can extend its life. Good kite maintenance will keep you soaring over the water.

Things You'll Need

• A Kite

Instructions

1. Reduce your kite's exposure to the sun. The sun breaks down the molecular structure of your kite canopy material. Pump up your kite only when you're about ready to go out. When your session is done, deflate your kite wherever you're going to roll it up. Don't leave your kite pumped up on the beach for hours on end.

2. Avoid abrasive materials. Sand, rocks and shells can all tear up your kite if they are allowed to get into the seams Carry a large brush or whisk broom with you to brush off your kite. Rinse your bar and lines with water after every ride.

3. Rinse your bar and lines with fresh water if you have been kite surfing in salt water and you plan to store your kite for a month or more. Let the bar and lines dry thoroughly before packing your kite away. Otherwise, you may end up with mold. The mold won't damage the bar and lines, but it will stink and look unsightly.

4. Always pack your kite in its bag. Any sharp edge can easily rip or tear your kite when it is out of its bag. Take care to put your bar and lines in a safe spot so they don't bounce around during transport. Periodically tighten the screws on your foot straps and fins. Nothing is worse than losing a foot strap mid-session.

References

• Catch Some Air: How to Maintain, Care for and protect your kiteboarding gear & equipment