Gear maintenance
Look after your gear and it will look after you.
Before every session
Inspect your lines while laying them out
Check your kite fabric, particularly near the leading edge.
After every session
Rinse your gear in freshwater after a session, particularly the bar, lines and harness.
Dry the gear out before storing it.
When packing your kite on coarse sand - pull the kite wingtips together so the kite is folded in half, then roll up the kite with both wingtips together. This prevents sand getting inside the kite, that can work its way into seams and cause wear and tear.
Every 10-15 sessions
Pulleys: Apply silicone spray every ten to fifteen sessions. Check them for wear and tear and replace any that are seized or worn.
Bridle attachments: Check for wear and tear
Board: check all screws mounting fins, board handle (if fitted) and foot straps and tighten them if necessary. For additional security, screws will bind better if you use medium-strength Locktite.
If screws on your board keep working loose, use some medium strength Locktite to secure them.
A couple of times each season
Pump shaft: Apply silicon spray, then wipe off the shaft and body -
Bag zips: Apply silicon spray or zip lube when stiff
Washing your kite in freshwater can remove a lot of accumulated salt and grime and lighten it up a bit.
Kite repairs
Kites: Small fabric tears and cuts can be fixed with stick on patches. You might get some supplied with a new kite or you can buy them from kitesurfing shops.
When applying a patch to your kite, first swab the area to patch with alcohol (such as methylated spirits) to clean it. Trim off corners of the patch so they are rounded. Carefully peel of the backing then firmly push on the patch. Apply one a patch on both the inside and the outside of the fabric.
Kite lines
Lines that become furry over time can be treated with beeswax. Lines with abrasions or nicks should be replaced. A line breaking while on the water is not much fun.
Be careful to keep sand out of your larks-head knots when attaching your lines to the kite. Any sand in the knot will abrade inside the leader loops and reduce their service life.