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Do new kite designs make kiteboarding easier to learn? Nearly every brand of kite manufacturer started offering newly designed kites which feature nearly 100% depower, super easy relaunch and other various features. The traditional kites which we have been using since the beginning, referred to as c-kites, u-kites, or classic kites, worked great. As a matter of fact many pro riders prefer to ride them. However, learning on a kite which probably depowers 25-35% means that if you make a mistake on the control bar, you get to suffer the consequences. With the newer style kites, push the bar away and the kite won’t throw you. Does this make learning easier? You better believe it! However.....

.....anyone who learns kiteboarding with a flat kite or bow kite, will not learn to respect kites the way the rest of us did. In the c-kite years most people got thrown around by the kites until the subtleties of kite control were mastered. So let this be your warning, if you take your kiteboarding lesson with a new kite you are not necessarily prepared to rent, buy or operate a c-kite.
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In the beginning we used two line c-kites which had 0% depower, unless you landed the kite and made rigging adjustments. Then various varieties of four line and later five line kites made learning easier and safer allowing the pilot to adjust the power while the kite was in the air, even while riding the board. Changing the power was accomplished by pulling the bar in closer for more power, or pushing it away for depower. Additionally, one could tune the trim strap for how much power was available when the bar was pulled in for full power. Nearly everyone agreed right away that being able to depower a kite was a great feature and the designers began to look for new ways to design kites which would allow for 100% depower.

The c-kites generally turn in a wider arc, which means that it uses up more of the wind-window to complete a loop, and generate a longer duration of power when being looped as they have farther to travel. A no frills 4 line c-kite can be tricky to relaunch, especially the larger they get. Many brands offer variations of a trailing edge relaunch system in which the rider pulled in on a steering line which caused the trailing edge to pinch in and create lift causing the kite to roll over. This system worked fairly well for moderate to high aspect ratio kites (aspect ratio is the length / width), and not so well for low aspect kites, again especially for larger kites. The next innovation was the fifth line system which could be used to self launch, water relaunch, and usually was the safety system as well. The system worked great as long as the kite didn’t somersault resulting in the fifth line getting wrapped around the back side of the kite, which was a big problem sometimes resulting in damage to the kite. Throughout the years we can see a definite progression in the safety and user friendliness of traditional kites.

The new designs for kites rely on a bridle system, usually with 2 or more integrated pulleys, this bridle allows the kite to flatten out and spill wind to a much greater extent than ever before. The huge depower allows riders an incredibly huge range of wind speeds for which one kite size is usable. For the beginner being able to get the kite to depower 70-90% means that big mistakes can be made without getting thrown by the kite every time. This year I have witnessed many students progress much faster than years past. Mostly it is the average Joe who is learning faster and the reason is the old kites were very intimidating which for most people slowed down the learning process. It is understandably hard to learn if you are intimidated or hesitant.

The flat kites also turn very tight which can be a plus or a minus depending on one’s riding style. Most intermediate riders like this feature. Another benefit for those aspiring to ride waves is the depower allows you dump all power and truly surf the wave. Many seasoned riders have gotten their best wave sessions ever on the new bow kites. The final difference in these two kites is the hang time, and wow is there a difference. Learning to stick the spins, rolls and board offs is much easier when you have more time in the air.

In summary I can attest to this being the safest, and most efficient year to date to get into kiteboarding because of the ease of use with the new flat kites. Having said this, remember that if you learn on a bow kite stick with bow kites only, until you can get instruction on c-kites. Everyone must take lessons with a certified instructor before trying solo. Would you purchase a hang glider and just figure it out on the way down? I hope not!

Captain Jeff Hoxtell
PASA, Kiteboarding Instructor, Level 3
Air Padre Kiteboarding
www.airpadrekiteboarding.com
info@airpadrekiteboarding.com

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