| 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.
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!
The
History of KiteSurfing |
How
To KiteSurf | Choosing
the Right Kitesurfing Kite For You |
Kitesurfing
Equipment | Great
Places to KiteSurf | KiteSurfing
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Do
new kite designs make kiteboarding easier to learn? |
