I see this done a few different ways and wonder over a period of time if it matters.
Air released, kite laid flat leading edge/struts upwards, kite is DRY and on SOFT SAND (or relocate to a grassy park with no wind)
1. Tip to tip (folded in half), dry towel brush off any sand and rolled then folded LE middle, TE middle, middle folded.
2. Each tip rolled into the middle, dry towel brush off any sand, then folded LE middle, TE middle, middle folded.
Currently I alternate these two ways incase I create a memory crease in a kite?
Or maybe the kite will last just as long crumpled up dry, clean, without air and shoved into a bag.

Years ago before one pump kites it was possible to get a leading edge bladder twist if you weren't super careful how you folded your kite.

I don't think it's such an issue these days since the strut connections keep the bladder from twisting inside the sleeve.

But old habits die hard.

I try not to pack up on sand if possible. It minimises the risk of getting sand in the valve. Sand can find it way to the wing tip and gradually wear a hole in the bladder.

Personnally, I deflate the kite and let it sit for a few minutes to empty naturally, then I stretch it out making sure that the leading edge is flattened out. I then fold about 40cm at a time, not roll, each wing tip to the centre strut. Fold one side on top of the other. Then fold the trailing edge up to the leading edge 3 times. It fits neatly into the bag.

suface2air said...

i actually do the same as you kiter33n except i do it in the water making sure water dosnt go in the open valve . reason for this is no sand on it and salt water dosnt creat mould . i dont pack in bag till dry . sorry i forgot i block off air getting out of the struts when i get home just stand it up against some thing and the water drains off then i pack down and put in bag which is rare as i live next to water so it is generly sitting in shed with struts pumped up ready to go .

^^ Sounds like a good system.

Others should be careful with storing a kite wet, particularly in a bag, for more than a few days even if wet from salt water. The colour in some kites can bleed out and run if stored wet for too long. I've seen it happen.