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Top 10 things to check before your next kiteboarding lesson

1) Pump - Make sure your kiteboarding pump is in working order and well greased before the season starts.
There is nothing worse than having to pump up a kite with a pump that feels like it’s full of sand. Also check the
hose and connection points for holes and leaks. If your pump hose is cracked or worn, go to Home Depot and
pick up some 1” clear tubing which will never break and allows you to see if you have sand in the hose.

2) Bar - The control bar is one of the most neglected pieces of kiteboarding equipment. Most kiteboarders will
never look at their bar until the chicken loop is about to break or has broken. The control bar should be checked
every month to three months depending on usage. First, start with the chicken loop, look for wear and thin spots
in the line, if you’re unsure about when to replace it, it’s probably time. Next go the leader lines, and inspect the
connection at the bar, look for any frayed spectra and replace if unsure. Lastly, look over the center strap or
center cleat which allows micro adjustments to the kite. Remember rinsing your bar in fresh water can extend
the life of your bar and keep all parts in working order.

3) Lines - Little lines that require big attention. Whether you’re riding four lines, five lines or an original two line
kite (yes, they made two line kites), it is important you inspect your flying lines once every three months or after a
major crash. One knot in a flying line can reduce the strength of that line by 50%. For those of you that haven’t
started kiting yet, one line breaking while flying a power kite is like flying an airplane with one wing, not a good
experience. If your lines do have knots or show signs of wear, be sure to replace both lines, this is due to the fact
the flying lines stretch unevenly. Remember; when in doubt change them out!

4) Board- Almost every kiteboarder has had a foot strap blow out with no screwdriver in sight, ruining what could
have been an epic session. Always check your foot strap screws and fin screws before going out, if you don’t
want to bother, try applying a little blue lock tight to the screw threads when you first put your board together.
Make sure you purchase the BLUE lock tight, any other lock tight and you will never be able to unscrew your foot
straps or fins again.

5) Pig Tails- Those little colored loops at the wing tips are ticking time bombs just waiting to pop. Be sure you
check them every three to four months and replace at the first sign of wear. Most kiteboarding manufacturers
supply extra pig tails, however you can also make you own out of spectra line.

6) Harness – Whether you wear a waist harness, seat or impact vest it is important you check the stitching
where the spreader bar is attached once every six months. In our experience harness only last about two
seasons after which the harness begins to wear out.

7) Spreader Bar – Why would a piece of metal fail? Because ten percent of kiteboarders are still using
aluminum windsurfing spreaders bars or have a swivel spreader bar that can fail unexpectedly. If you or
someone you know is using one of these it’s time for an intervention. Let them know how dangerous they are
and help them replace it immediately.

8) Bladders – Imagine the fright when your kite starts to fold in half because its leading edge bladder just went
flat. Always know what condition your bladders are in and if you have a bladder problem fix them immediately.

9) Kite – The holy grail of a kiteboarding rig. There are many things that can go wrong with a simple piece of rip
stop. Be sure to check for any small tears in the canopy as well as any stitching that may be unraveling. One
small tear can turn into one long rip. Always tape both sides for small tears less than two inches and have the
kite repaired professionally if the tear is on the leading edge or cannot be repaired with tape.

10) You- Make sure your ready for the conditions at hand. Many beginners as well as advanced riders are very
anxious to hit the water but sometimes forget to do basic safety checks before they ride. Always make sure you
run though the four preflight safety checks before riding and before launching someone else. Remember; when
in doubt don’t go out.