Hiya,
Leading edge bladder corner has half ping pong ball sized bulge with small hole in centre. Have patched hole (its holding air at the moment)but rubber is stretched and thin around bulge. Anyone had a successful repair with same problem or is it time for a new bladder.
ta

Its the leading edge (front) corner on a s/s 06 fuel. Same bladder wraps around wingtip to trailing edge, so a knot wouldn't work. (thanks anyway) I was thinking maybe some sort of flexible duct tape.

Thanks Steve,
Stretched it over my knee and put a number of small patches on over the bubble and its holding air (for the moment). Will see how it goes.
A large patch would have been the go; will have to get some and make myself up a decent repair kit. Any other suggestions what to include?
Thanks again pearl

whats the largest hole you can fix in a bladder? and where can I find some of that tear aid tape in oz?

I have fixed holes up to approx 24" long, with by bag sealer/baking paper plastic welding method.

With a stick on patch approx 4-5cm across.

Have not seen the tear aid tape, if it is good and stick and youare careful to not leave air escape tracks when you apply it, then you should be able to do 6" to 12" long rips or blowouts.

With the price of new LE bladders and the price of good used C kites, you have to think about repairing some bladders on older C kites now.

A bag sealer purchased amongst a few kiting friends is a very useful tool and if you save one LE bladder with it you will have paid for the sealer.

www.signet.net.au/catalogue/product_index.cfm?mscID=3&firstLevelMenuOption=4&micID=41&secondLevelMenuOption=11&prlID=59&thirdLevelMenuOption=1

The 300mm sealer second from the top is what I use.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve McCormack

Pearl,
I have more success with welding than glueing. You can use the bag sealers mentioned above, although I have hand good results with both a 'foodsaver' bag sealer and the wifes brand new clothes iron, pencil & baking paper.
At the time I did not have any old bladders but the guys at kitepower were kind enough to give me a free 'dead' bladder with an order for other stuff (thanks Steve).
Check out the link below for a good 'how to' on bladder repair.
http://kitesurfingschool.org/bladderrepair.htm
Good luck!