Kite Boarding

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One of the newest and hottest extreme sports, kiteboarding, requires a combination of different sports technologies and innovations. While the kite is the most obvious piece of equipment, this sport would not be possible without the invention of the boards used for surfing, wind surfing, and wakeboarding. The boards most commonly used are adaptations of all of these boards with the foot straps of a wind surfer, the symmetrical design of the wakeboard and the wave prowess of the surfboard. Keeping them in tip top shape requires little maintenance, but it is very important nonetheless.

Simply keeping the kite board out of the sun can greatly increase its life. This is true for the other parts of the kite and the lines as well. UV rays can quickly damage a kite and its connections. Storing the kite, lines and board in protective bags not only protects them from sun on the beach and in the car, but it keeps other debris out and allows for easier transportation of the gear from beach to beach and back home again. This simple step can prolong the life of all the equipment better than almost any other method, but when used in combination with a little bit of regular maintenance and cleaning any rig can be preserved and used for years to come.

Before unfurling the kite, lines, board and harness make sure they are clean and free from debris. Sand and salt are the biggest dangers to a kiteboarding rig and can shorten their life quickly and easily possibly compromising the safety of the equipment. No one wants a “kitemare”, that dangerous moment when something goes disastrously wrong. A broken line could limit the steering and control of the kite preventing the rider from steering away from dangerous obstacle and other people.

One of the best ways to keep lines, harnesses and kites in tip top shape is with a freshwater cleaning after every use. If this can be done before the kite is packed away it increases its effects significantly. It is as simple as it sounds, a freshwater bath will remove the salt build up that can eat through lines and fabric in a short amount of time. The little jagged salt crystals stress and deteriorate everything they come in contact with and can ruin a perfectly good kite in a short amount of time. As you probably know these aren’t cheap either, they are an expensive investment that can and should be protected not only to soothe the wallet but for the safety of other people enjoying the beach and water.

Simple things like not setting jagged rocks or the sharp fins of the board on top of the kite and lines will prevent abrasions from occurring. Even the smallest abrasion can quickly increase until it becomes a dangerous problem. Keeping all the kiteboarding equipment clean and dry is the most effective way of extending the life of the equipment to get the most bang for the buck.

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