How much to inflate my kite?

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> 10 years ago

General Gear Reviews Newbies The Hookup Foiling Lost & Found WA NSW QLD SA VIC TAS

perthskydiver

10 posts

perthskydiver

WA, 10 posts

24 Apr 2005 8:37pm

Hi all,

I'm a newbie to this sport. Had a couple lessons, done a fair bit of body dragging & have just been able to start getting up on my board. Even though i'm still going through the hard knocks i'm really loving it, just a pity its coming to the end of the season!

I've noticed my kite isn't probably as rigid as other kites i've seen out there. Do I need to pump up the main leading edge more? Can you know from squeezing it whether its got enough air inside it? Or do you need a gauge on your pump?

kiterdan

680 posts

kiterdan

WA, 680 posts

24 Apr 2005 8:49pm

The leading edges and struts should be pumped up till they are firm. Not sure about anyone else but I keep pumping until the pump starts to resist any further inflation. Also, giving it a bit of a tap/flick with the finger noting whether there is a 'hollow' sound can be a good indication. If you get your hands on a pump with a gauge, then take a look at the manual that comes with kite (should tell you how much to inflate it).
If you don't have enough pressure then the kite wont be as stable (will cause the kite to jellyfish). If the bladders do have enough pressure and the kite still jellyfishes, it may be the kite...or where youre kiting.
If youre still not sure just ask someone.
Have fun

perthskydiver

10 posts

perthskydiver

WA, 10 posts

24 Apr 2005 10:00pm

ok thanks for that.

but what does "you kite will jellyfish" mean? is that when the leading edge loses its arc due to it not being pumped up enough?

Octane

72 posts

Octane

WA, 72 posts

25 Apr 2005 5:37am

If your not using a gauge its hard to explain what the bladders should feel like. I suggest you go up to someone next time your down there and feel other peoples kite bladders.

If you are using a gauge the manual should tell you what psi to inflate it to, I inflate my Fuel to 7-8psi.

Good luck'n have fun.

kiteboy dave

QLD

6525 posts

kiteboy dave

QLD, 6525 posts

26 Apr 2005 4:10pm

I'm guessing you're starting on an older kite, they aren't meant to be rock hard (ie giving that hollow ping when flicked) like newer kites. They aren't made for the higher pressure and won't really go as firm even if you pump the hell out of them - all you will do is end up blowing a bladder or even the canopy.

If you're using a 2nd hand kite i'd stick with the old 'baywatch firm' rule...

A bit of flop might make it slightly harder to get off the water, or a bit more 'flappy' in the sky (that's the technical term, aka jellyfishing) but at least your kite won't go pop when you smack it down fully powered up. Which you *will* do a few times getting up on the board.

perthskydiver

10 posts

perthskydiver

WA, 10 posts

26 Apr 2005 9:24pm

i'm using a new 12m Caution Spitfire 2. Was going great on sunday arvo, made some real progress that session. I pumped it up harder this time & seems good now. Is it worthwhile getting a gauge?

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