Now I myself have never experienced any problems when riding in salt water or fresh water and not washing my gear off . Does anyone know if gear can really be wrecked if not dried out or washed off? Altough until now I've never left my gear sitting for more than a day or two.
I recommend that you always wash your kites. Use a gentle spin cycle and then set your dryer to permanent press ..just kidding..
It is generally agreed that you put more wear and tear on your kites trying to rinse them than is worthwhile. The biggest problem is leaving them in the sun to dry which certainly degrades the fabric. Sunshine (uv) is the worst thing for kites, in fact you should avoid leaving your kite in the sun whenever you don't need too.
On the other hand, if you roll your kite up wet then the colors will bleed and create ugly stains. And if it is fresh water then mildew will grow again creating ugly stains.
I wash my kites once, just before I am going to sell them.
Depending on the tidal currents, we often ride in almost salt-free water at Squamish, and sometimes at Spanish Banks too. Whenever you ride in fresh water, or near-fresh water, it's probably a good idea to give your kite a deliberate dousing.
Salt inhibits quick or complete drying, so salty kites tend to get put away a little damp.
Likewise for other equipment. After a salty session, I usually take my wetsuit, bar, harness and sometimes my board in the shower with me. And an occasional splash of Listerine is sometime nice to keep booties minty-fresh.
Those boot-dryers that Airtime sells (I am allowed to say that, right?) are great for drying booties, gloves and stuff. Sometimes I stick a couple of the hoses up my wetsuit to help it dry quickly.