Flying to the sea
Chios Kitesurfing School
Rigging Tips
STEP 1. There are two ways of laying out your lines - upwind and downwind of the kite. Wainman Hawaii highly recommends rigging DOWNWIND of the kite (figure 1). There will be certain situations that you can only lay out your lines upwind of the kite. When rigging DOWNWIND, make sure that your bar is flipped upside down and green rear line is on left and orange rear line is on right (figure 1). Separate all four lines by combing the lines towards the kite with the green line on your left and orange line on your right. Double check that no lines are crossed over each other. STEP 2. Once you have pumped up your kite (see tips section on pg. 20), separated all four lines and double checked that no lines are crossed over each other, you can attach the lines to the pigtails on the kite. The lines are color coded to ensure that you attach the correct lines to the corresponding pigtail on the kite. i) Attaching Rear Steering Lines: Attach color coded steering line to pigtail using larks head knot (see figure 2). The LEFT steering line and pigtail is ORANGE. The RIGHT steering line and pigtail is GREEN. Depending on the wind conditions and rider experience level, always start by using the MIDDLE knot (see figure 3) and move it up or down to get more or less power. There are (3) knots on the pigtail that you can attach the back line to. They are: Strong Wind (labeled) - The knot (furthest from the) kite will lengthen the back lines providing more depower capabilities. This setting is recommended when you are over powered and need to spill extra power from the kite. Center Knot (not labeled) - This knot provides power in the kite that is in between Strong Wind and Light Wind. Light Wind (labeled) - The knot (closest to the kite) will shorten the back lines and provide the most power in your kite. NOTE: When adjusting the position of the rear line pigtail (SLOW/FAST) at the webbing on the kite tips, the rear to center line length ratio will also change. Please make sure your kite is trimmed correctly to ensure that the kite does not oversheet or backstall (see figure 3). ii) Attaching Front Center Lines: Attach color coded (GREY) and labeled (CENTER) line to pigtail that is labeled CENTER (attached to pulley) using larks head knot (see figure 4) . There are two knots on the pigtail. Make sure you use the same knot on each side and that the pulley is free of sand and moving freely on bridle line. You can use 2 different knots in situations where you center lines are not of equal length. This is only a temporary solution and if your front lines are not equal, they must be adjusted. STEP 3. Once you have attached your lines, once again be sure to do a final check that your lines are connected to the corresponding pigtails and not crossed. Makes sure all knots are on corresponding pigtails. STEP 4. If you have rigged DOWNWIND, REMEMBER to flip your bar over the correct way (DANGER label on bar facing down;left hand on the orange side; right hand on green side). Double check once again that your lines are not crossed before you hook your harness loop into spreader bar.
ReLaunch
Depending on the wind conditions (light winds) and additional elements (currents etc.), it may take a little work to get the kite on its wing tip and to the edge of window. You may have to use the traditional kite relaunch method as illustrated above. The concept is very similar to the simple Rabbit Relaunch described on pg. 16, but requires letting the board go and swimming towards kite.
STEP 1.When the kite goes down with the LE in the water, make sure the kite is directly downwind of you. To ensure that your lines are not crossed over spin the bar it until lines are uncrossed. Flip the bar over into the correct position. Swim towards your kite to flip it over on its back (see figure 1) - picture shows kite on its LE. Be sure to keep tension in the lines and not swim too much towards the kite as the kite will flip over.
STEP 2. Once the kite is almost on its back, grab a rear line (you can use the Relaunch Ball for assistance) and pull towards your body. This will cause the wind to catch the sail and wing tip to lift (see figure 2).
STEP 3. Once the wing tip lifts, the kite will rotate on its side and start moving towards the wind window. Remember to keep the bar sheeted in for rear line tension and the bar aimed towards the side of the wind window that your are trying to move it towards (see figure 3).
STEP 4. Keep the bar sheeted in and the kite moving to the edge of the window on the wing tip ready for relaunch. STEP 5. As the kite starts to relaunch, level out your bar and slowly direct the kite up into the sky. Remember to sheet the bar out to depower the kite (see figure 4).
Self Rescue
There are various circumstances that may occur and require a self rescue (wind going offshore, sudden and severe wind conditions, broken equipment, dangerous situation etc.).
Every rider should be well versed in proper self rescue technique. To describe the self rescue, the rider activated the Quick Release due to a dangerous situation with the kite “flagging” on one of the front lines. Step 1. Activate the Quick Release on the harness loop.
As the bar was setup on “shool safety” or “stock” the kite will depower and “ flag” on center line (figure 1).
Step 2. Take the ONE center line that you flagged the kite on and slowly start pulling yourself towards the kite until you have reached the bar. When you reach the bar, start wrapping the ONE center line around the bar.
Once you have wrapped approximately 15-20 ft., start wrapping the remaining three lines around the bar. This is to ensure that your kite does not power up. You should be slowly moving toward the depowered kite (figure 2).
Although it is hard sometimes, make sure NOT TO get tangled in your lines while wrapping. It is suggested that you always carry a kite knife in case you do get tangled. Remember to always watch the kite when winding up your lines. Be prepared to immediately let go of everything if needed in case the wind increases and powers up the kite.
Step 3. Once you have rolled up your lines to within half of the kites length, tie the lines down on the bar using a simple knot.
Step 4. Grab hold of the kite (center of LE). Fold the kite in half and work yourself down to the wing tips. Grab hold of the center line bridles (figure 3).
Step 5. Position the kite in the direction of wind (assuming the wind direction is towards shore) and sail in the kite in (figure 4).
Step 6. Sail the kite in until you reach the beach or a safe location (figure 5). Be sure to secure your kite on the beach.
Please Note: Sometimes this method of self rescue will not work (offshore winds etc.). If this is the case, follow Step 1- 4. Once you have secured the kite, deflate the LE (not the struts) and roll the kite up, securing it by wrapping your harness around it. Close deflate valve afterwards so bladder does not fill with water. The rolled up kite (with inflated struts) will offer flotation for your to lie on and paddle back to shore.
Tips & Info
1. Always make sure your swivel and pulley moves freely and is not jammed when setting up your kite (before every session).
2. You should frequently check your flying lines to ensure that all 4 lines are equal in length when the bar is trimmed at full power (release depower rope out of clam cleat). Lines will stretch over time. Check with your local shop on line stretching/adjusting techniques.
3. Check your bridle rope (where the pulley runs on) for frays and weak points. Your bridle will have wear and tear over time and should be replaced to avoid bridle snapping while riding.
4. You should frequently inspect your kite canopy for small holes and the seams for fraying. It is a good habit to inspect while you are pumping your kite.
5. Make sure your lines are free of knots and damage when setting up and/or de-rigging your lines.
6. When closing the deflation valve on LE, remember to wet it, snap it shut and seal it tightly with velcro (figure 1-2).
7. Always make sure the clamps on the RAF system are open when pumping or deflating the kite (figure 3).
8A. Always make sure the clamps on the RAF system are closed after inflating the kite (figure 4).
8B. Use the Magic Velcro to lock in dangling depower rope.
9. Remember to trim your kite with your depower rope/clam cleat for optimal performance. Failure to do so may result in the kite over or under sheeting. Check with your local shop or instructor on trimming techniques.
10. Secure your kite on the beach at all times (using sand, compression bag filled with sand etc.).
11. Pump kite “right”, but use caution and do not over inflate.
12. Certain situations will cause the kite to invert such as the kite getting rolled in waves. To get kite to revert back, let go of bar and swim hard towards kite.
13. Always rinse the swivel after every session to ensure that it spins freely (figure 5).
14. Make sure you inspect your flying lines just as it is written on the swivel – the lines go through it therefore they are under a bigger threat of breaking if the system is activated very often. This is the regular wear & tear and so it is up to rider to control that before every session and replace if needed.