Gear maintenance

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.

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.

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.