Hi AJ,
You are describing an 8.5m Wipika Freeair. They came out in early 2000. My first kite
As with all Wipi's of the day, they are based on projected size and so it is more closely compared to a low/mid aspect 11m of modern day.
The 8.5 was a great kite as both a 2 and 4 line. As a 2 line its wind range was around 12-20 knots and as a 4 line it was good for between 13-25 and up to as much as 28knots in experienced hands.
Users guides? They never came with one but I think I still have the original video that came with my first Freeair (couldn't part with it now as it is part of history.
To convert it to 4 line is easy. First remove ALL bridling from the kite and dont lose it. You never know when you may need it in the future. Remove also the pigtails from the wingtips and also the rear line attach point pigtails where the bridle used to go.
Use the longer (5 knot) pigtails and attach them to the front "V" attach points sewn on the outside of the wingtips on the white dacron area. Use the rear (3 knot) pigtails to attach to the rear "V" attach points just behind the front ones.
If you havent already, completely deflate the leading edge of the kite and then carefully and VERY TIGHTLY, roll the wingtip up so that the velcro on the inside can stick to the velcro on the outside of the wingtip. This will clear the unused section of wingtip out of the way and if done correctly and neatly, it should now offer you a squared off wingtip with the pigtails now extending from below the bottom of the "V" attach points.
Get a 4 line bar setup and with equal length lines connect the centre lines on the bar to the front pigtails and the outside to the back and thats it. Ride and enjoy!
If you only have a 2 line bar, you can purchase a 4 line conversion kit in which you will need to customize some centre leader lines and stuff, which isn't hard. Otherwise, and even better, buy a later model 4 line bar that has functioning safety systems ready to go. Less headache and more fun.
Hope this was helpful to you.
Good winds,
Darren Marshall
Australian Kiteboarding School
