Let’s face it, kitesurfing is an expensive hobby, so you want to make sure your kit lasts as long as possible. The best way is to maintain and store it properly. We’ve gathered top tips for kit maintenance from our instructors to help you get the most out of your equipment — plus advice for making small repairs when something goes slightly wrong. For anything more major, we offer an equipment repair service.
Kite — Before & During Your Session
Before
– When setting up, avoid dragging the kite over rocks as these will scuff the material
– Inspect your lines and canopy (especially near the leading edge) before every session
– Only self launch if you are a proficient kiter — getting this wrong can severely damage the kite (or you!)
– If not flying the kite, carry it towards the water in a “U” or smiley face shape, with the struts facing upwards
– Check your bridles before each session
– Before pumping up your kite, check the bladders are not twisted
– Don’t push the pump too far into the valve, and check there is no sand in the valve
During
– Pick the right kite size — going out too overpowered makes you more likely to damage the kite
– Try to avoid crashing your kite, but if you can’t help it, release the bar and crash in deep water
– If you take more than a 10-minute break, pack up your kite. Leaving it flapping in the wind or lying in the sun will damage it
– Spend the last 10 minutes of your session cruising along gently to give the kite time to dry out
Kite — After, Storage & Repairs
After
– Only self land if you are proficient — slamming your kite into the beach or dragging it over rocks will tear through the canopy
– Pack up your kite as soon as possible, especially in strong winds. A flappy kite is an unhappy kite
– If possible, pack up away from sand, on something soft like grass
– Lightly brush off any sand
– If kiting somewhere particularly hot with very salty water (i.e. not the UK), wash your kite with fresh water after each session to avoid the salt damaging it
– Pack your kite away fully dry — if you can’t dry it straight away, unpack and dry it as soon as possible. Kites left wet will get mouldy
Storage
– Store your kite dry, with no sand on it
– Don’t store your kite somewhere hot for long periods, as the glue on the seams gets damaged
– Store it with the bladders deflated and valves open so they do not stretch
– If possible, store your kite in its kite bag, the safest place for it
Repairs
– If your kite requires a major repair, or if the damage is near the leading edge, take it to a kite shop to be professionally fixed
– Small rips and scuffs (no bigger than 1cm) can be fixed with a patch, often included with your kite. Round off the corners of the patch and always stick it on the inside of the kite
– Before applying the patch, clean the area around the hole
– Small pin holes in a bladder can also be fixed with a patch
Bar & Lines
Before
– Unwrap your lines carefully, taking special care to avoid getting sand in the larks head knots as this will wear away at the rope material
– If you set up on the sand, dunk your bar in the sea to get rid of the sand
After
– Fold your lines neatly around the bar — this makes setting up quicker next time and increases their life
– After every session, wash your bar and lines with fresh water
– Wash metal parts with fresh water, as these are the points most damaged by salt
Storage
– Store your bar and lines neatly, in a cool, dry place
Board
Before
– Every 10–15 sessions, check the screws on the handle and fins
– If your screws regularly come loose, try using medium strength Loctite
After
– After each session, brush the sand off your board
– Wash excess salt off your footstraps
Storage
– Store your board in a cool, dry place
Harness
After
– When taking off your harness, loosen the straps so they don’t stay in the same place
– Wash your harness and leash in fresh water after every session
– Check thoroughly and remove any sand or salt from your safety release
Storage
– Store your harness in a cool, dry place
