Hi guys, just looking for some guidance.

Recently got into kiteboarding and its great, was learning on a Switchy 10m, but recently got a second hand 2008 LF Havoc 12m, which helps as its got a bit more power in it. It was second hand, but only had a handful of uses and was sitting in a garage taking up space. So i took if off their hands. The kite is in excellent condition, but the depower rope was stuck (with dried salt) in the depower cleat which took a bit of time to get loose.

while the depower rope looks fine, doesnt look frayed at all, i was out on saturday, and noticed that when i tried to use it the rope would just slip through the cleat.

my question is, is there a way to get more grip on the rope, or do i need to get a new depower rope? or cleat? the cleat also looks in good condition, although i havent seen a new one so i am just running off the look of general wear and tear. as i said, it doesnt look frayed at all, so if i could do something to extend its life, that would me great.

Thanks for your help guys, hope i can return the favour sometime.

Try this:
1/. make sure rope is not in cleat
2/. put c-loop in kitchen sink, pour boiling water from kettle over cleat to desolve the salt crystals
3/. use a fine filer or small metal brush to brush along the cleat to get rid of remaining salt residules

If that is still not holding rope, you can replace the c-loop with the built in cleat. We sell them for $60 or $80 with a new depower rope. 2008 you cant just replace the cleat, 2010 on you can.

Take care of your gear, wash it every weekend and you will find it will last a lot longer.

Hey yeah. Same problem same kite. I gave the cleat a scrub in warm water and the rope grips again.