I had another kite injury. The most recent in a line of them. I started kitesurfing 6 months ago and figured that there was no way I could justify buying a new kite if I'm going to crash it heaps while learning. So far:
- panel ripped out of the kite during a downloop
- my bar got caught when I was relaunching and I crashed the kite on another kiter, their head went straight through the canopy
- crashed kite and the kite rolled around/inverted and bridle line went straight through the leading edge
- my chicken loop safety unintentionally engaged and the resulting shock to the bar broke the depower cord and safety line
- did the same thing again to another kite (same model/year, diff size)
- leading edge burst open midair, revealing still inflated bladder (no previous damage or wear visible)

All kite have been 2nd hand. The first was because I didn't check the kite for any wear (or a design flaw). The second was a bit careless. The last 3 have no idea about.

Do other people having a similar history of kite damage?
I figured at some point I would be "good enough" to start using a new kite. Is anything actually going to change?

I bought my first kite in feb this year, a new rebel 10m. No damage at all so far. And I have had more than my fair share of stacko's for sure.

Worst has been a couple of self rescues when I couldn't relaunch the kite and finishing up with an almighty birds nest of lines, bar and seaweed. Have managed to untangle both times though.

I reckon buy yourself a new one!

New Kite...New Kite.........New Kite.........Otherwise you have the midas touch......

Kitepower Australia said...

Have to agree sounds like a worn out kite. I totally disagree with the advice I see promoted on here, often by people selling used gear
Buy new if you can afford it, always. If funds are tight the first place I would look would be my local shop, they will offer backup or some sort of warranty. Second place would be seabreeze classifieds but buy the latest model possible that clearly states no repairs and little use. Many people get into this sport and then lose interest, its their kites you want to buy if you are on a budget.

This...
Otherwise head to KP for a good deal, they will look after you.
Steve gets all my South Coast riding buddies business.

7tim said...

I had another kite injury. The most recent in a line of them. I started kitesurfing 6 months ago and figured that there was no way I could justify buying a new kite if I'm going to crash it heaps while learning. So far:
- panel ripped out of the kite during a downloop
- my bar got caught when I was relaunching and I crashed the kite on another kiter, their head went straight through the canopy
- crashed kite and the kite rolled around/inverted and bridle line went straight through the leading edge
- my chicken loop safety unintentionally engaged and the resulting shock to the bar broke the depower cord and safety line
- did the same thing again to another kite (same model/year, diff size)
- leading edge burst open midair, revealing still inflated bladder (no previous damage or wear visible)

All kite have been 2nd hand. The first was because I didn't check the kite for any wear (or a design flaw). The second was a bit careless. The last 3 have no idea about.

Do other people having a similar history of kite damage?
I figured at some point I would be "good enough" to start using a new kite. Is anything actually going to change?

have you had lessons??

Kitepower Australia said...

Have to agree sounds like a worn out kite. I totally disagree with the advice I see promoted on here, often by people selling used gear
Buy new if you can afford it, always. If funds are tight the first place I would look would be my local shop, they will offer backup or some sort of warranty. Second place would be seabreeze classifieds but buy the latest model possible that clearly states no repairs and little use. Many people get into this sport and then lose interest, its their kites you want to buy if you are on a budget.

Thanks. Sounds like solid advice.

I bought my first kite new, now 18 months old the only thing that went wrong with it was a centimetre of stitching started coming undone but I got it repaired for like $10.

Slingshot Rally.

Otherwise it has been flawless

Good on you 7tim for persisting after all that grief. You will get better at flying the kites and crash them less and less often.

You will eventually get to a stage where you don't get the kite wet after a session. Take a great deal of care on launching and landing. After 10 years I still pay a great deal of attention to my launches. I prefer to self launch than let someone I don't know launch my kite.

Summers on the way. This is the best time of year to check for worn pieces of kit. If it looks frayed or shows any sign of wear, replace it. Kite lines, pig tails, pulleys, trim straps or cleats, safety leashes all need constant checking. Don't forget to check the footstrap inserts as well and if loose add a bit of "Locktight" glue and screw them down tight.

Look for any small holes in the canopy and fix them before they open up a gaping tear.

Since you asked, the canopy damage was on a 2009 Switchblade that had been used only on 3 week trip to Vietnam when I got it. The others were 2008 Flexifoil Atom's 7,9,12m. The siwtchblade has by far had the most use (150+ hours) and still flies great.
I can't judge the brand on the kites I've owned because they have well and truly been superceded, and I've enjoyed every new kite I've had the opportunity to use - all Cabrinha or Ozone lol.

duude sucks, torn my kite in half 3 times now in the last 2 months, not sure why sometimes not even hard crashes. I also check for pinholes but cant normally see any. My kite has to be the most repaired core you have ever seen tore it in half both sides of the centre strut last time, looking to buy a tougher kite maybe i got a dud or maybe i cant fly :) anyone know how ss are for toughness? seen a cabrinha vid on seebreeze with the guys crashing a switchblade leading edge into the sand as hard as they could and they couldnt break it?? I let a wing tip touch the ocean and the kite tears, im supprised i havent had a full diagonal tear across the whole stupid kite

Kitepower Australia said...

Have to agree sounds like a worn out kite. I totally disagree with the advice I see promoted on here, often by people selling used gear
Buy new if you can afford it, always. If funds are tight the first place I would look would be my local shop, they will offer backup or some sort of warranty. Second place would be seabreeze classifieds but buy the latest model possible that clearly states no repairs and little use. Many people get into this sport and then lose interest, its their kites you want to buy if you are on a budget.

Hi Kitepower dude. Can you detail what warranty you offer on second hand kit?
This would be a first as far as I know.
Good on you for standing behind the second hand gear you have with a warranty. Hope it's similar to new gear.