kite

What is a kitesurf kite?

cometa airush vxr
Airush vxr kite

A kitesurf kite is an essential element for the practice of kitesurfing, it is a kite specially designed to generate traction and facilitate its re-launch from the water.

For each model there are several sizes that usually range from 3 square meters to 18 square meters.

Parts of a kitesurf kite

kitesurf kite parts
kitesurf kite parts
  1. Leading edge, it is the front part through which the wind would enter when we are sailing, which is usually inflatable to prevent it from sinking, providing buoyancy when it falls into the water. This inflatable part is called a bladder or air chamber.
  2. Trailing edge, it’s the back part where the wind would come when we’re sailing
  3. Struts, they are smaller tubes connected perpendicular to the leading edge that reach to the trailing edge to shape the kite.
  4. Valves of inflate/deflate, are connections to inflate and empty the leading edge and ribs, you can have a single filling valve called this one-pump system or have separate valves for each.
  5. Pump leash, is a connection by which we can hook the pump with the kite to prevent it from moving while filling its leading edge and ribs.
  6. Sabers, Some kites have fiber rods for the kite to maintain its shape. These are not visible to the naked eye as they go inside the fabric of the kite and some pockets.
  7. Brides, pulleys and pigtails conectors, All kites have a system of brides, pulleys and pigtail connectors that allow their connection with the lines of the bar.
  8. Intrados, inside face of a kite.
  9. Extrados, outside face of a kite.
  10. Canopy, It is the fabric with which the kite is made.
  11. Reinforcements, They are thicker patches in critical areas of the kite that protect it from chafing and breakage.
  12. Grips, are bands located inside the leading edge where we can grab to perform a self-rescue.

What types of kites are there to practice kitesurfing?

Depending on the navigation mode you want to make, there are several types of specialized kites for each case

Kitesurf kites types

  1. Delta type, the leading edge usually has an ovoid and elongated shape, while the leading edge has a smaller curvature. They are kites that have a lot of wind range and are specially designed for beginners to provide less speed.
  2. Bow type, They have the same curvature at the leading and trailing edges. They have characteristics similar to the delta type and are also designed for beginners.
  3. C-type, Specially designed to practice freestyle, they are symmetrical kites that offer great power and speed for smaller winds.
  4. Hybrid, They have a curved leading edge and a straight vanishing edge, trying to combine the qualities of power and versatility of the previous ones.
  5. Foil, They are similar to paragliders, with a great network of flanges and composed of cells that acquire their shape inflating with the wind. Not having an inflatable leading edge are not recommended for use in the water.

The pump

pump
Pump

An element also necessary to fill our kite will be the inflator, this allows us to fill the leading edge and the ribs of our kite with enough pressure to maintain their shape.

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