VIC
192 posts
I am new to jumping and am having some success.
Last time I was out I noticed the middle of the leading edge folding down a little in the middle of my jump, giving the kite an awful looking shape.
Two possible reasons come to mind. First I tend to over inflate my kite and on this occasion I may have over compensated and not pumped t up hard enough?
I was a bit over powered with full depower both at the bar and on the pigtails. Perhaps I just didn't have the bar sheeted in enough?
What was I doing wrong (other than choosing the wrong kite size).
WA
1615 posts
Hi KiwiDave
I'm not sure I understand this sentence: ''First I tend to over inflate my kite and on this occasion I may have over compensated and not pumped t up hard enough?''
Inflating your kite hard (8-10 PSI) is definitely a good idea for ensuring good boosting performance, especially if you're on the heavier side.
Being overpowered is also a good idea, provided you can control that power and maintain a very strong edge hold especially while sending the kite.
Folding kites are usually due to:
-underinflating the kite
-you may have a leak in your kite
-your kite may be just ''well used and tired''
I never thought the last one would be possible but it's actually a fact. I've ridden kites so much that after a few hundred sessions, the leading edge material becomes so weak that the kite starts to fold, EVEN when inflated rock solid (10 PSI). This especially happens in strong gusty winds (overpowered), i.e. 9m kite in 25-35 knots. This becomes more of an issue if you're on the heavier side.
Maybe it's time to get a newer kite?
Christian
WA
396 posts
My guess would be under-inflation or a leak somewhere in your kite bladders.
89 posts
I noticed something similar on my big light wind kite the session before last...it would be fine for just cruising along; but when I tried to send the kite (I know big kites don't jump as well but there's something fun about jumping with one...when you get a jump out of 13-14 kts it's a bonus!), the tips would kind of roll in a bit.
What someone suggested was to pump up and then let her sit for a few minutes and then give a top up few extra strokes. Seemed to work ok as the folding tip problem was no more.
There are videos on how to check if bladders are leaking etc.
WA
1094 posts
What kite? Ive found three struts can fold if you load them hard no matter the inflation.
QLD
1694 posts
First gen dices folded oddly when under load! Do you fly A dice? I'm
VIC
192 posts
It is a good condition 12m Airush DNA (4 line, 3 struts, without single point inflation). and yes I am heavy at near 95 kgs.
It was getting up towards 25 knots (it started much lower) and soon after I noticed the folding I let my QR go to avoid a teabagging. Naturally, that was the end of my awesome session.
Based on your responses I think I probably just under inflated it, combined with hot air from pumping that then cooled when I was on the water, and too many pies.
WA
1615 posts
3 struts, 12m kite, 95 KG, 25 knots boosting: normal your kite is folding even if you pump it hard.
In my experience, 5 Strut kites are essential for flawless boosting performance in high wind for heavy guys. If your lines are out of tune and the kite oversheets, this would aggravate the problem as well.
