Beginner question about my kite

[pquarter]

Hey guys, I have a quick question.

I bought a kite online and I have been just messing around with it on land. It is 6m. I have brought it out twice.

My question is, whenever I see kites online and on videos they have complex line systems attached to the kite (a 4 line system that connects to the kite at more than 4 spots) if that makes sense.

Mine literally connects to the kite at 4 spots. Why is this? Am I missing something, or is it just an older kite/different model? Is it an issue?

Also, and I have looked online but all the systems seem to be different to mine. I am having trouble figuring out whether the steering lines, or the other lines (the ones that start as one by the handle and split off later) go on top, and which ones go underneath.

I hope this is clear.

Thanks guys

[cglazier]

It sounds like you have an old C kite which is pretty rare these days and not the best for a beginner.
Anyway, the two lines at the middle of the bar go to the front of the kite and the two lines on the outside of the bar go to the back of the kite.
You really should take a lesson. There are two schools at Squamish.
Good luck.

[GregK]

Hey guys, I have a quick question.
Mine literally connects to the kite at 4 spots. Why is this? Am I missing something, or is it just an older kite/different model? Is it an issue?
Thanks guys

Why only 4 lines connected directly to 4 places on the kite ? It was the evolution of kite design. The very first kites only had 2 lines, 4 line kites were a big design step towards some control of the power through being able to change the angle of attack, or how angled the kite was to the direction of the airflow coming at the kite.

Kites with a front-line bridle ( multiple connection points onto the Leading Edge of the kite through a network of lines ) give vastly improved angle-of-attack power control compared to 4-line kites that do not have a front-line bridle. These SLE ( supported leading edge ) or bridled kites were the next major design evolution.

Well actually there was an additional design step between 4-line and SLE kites, the introduction of a 5th line, attached to centre of the leading edge. At first the 5th line was slack and only used as a safety line, but when lightly tensioned, it greatly improved the ability of kites to de-power.

There are many important details to know about kiting to keep it safe for you and others nearby. Chris is right, sign up for lessons, you will learn tons quickly and safely.

[pquarter]

Thanks for the replies guys. I know I need to take lessons, I am searching for a friend to do them with so it will be cheaper.

In terms of kites, do you think that the C kite is OK for learning on (albeit not ideal) or would you advise me to just spend the money on a kite with better (more) bridal connections?

I got 3 C kites for $80, at 7, 11, and 14 metres, so obviously its a significantly cheaper endeavor if I can just use these ones.

Let me know what you think

Thanks

[cglazier]

What do you say to someone who has just bought old wooden skis at a garage sale, or a computer with floppy disks or a telephone with a dial..

[pquarter]

What do you say to someone who has just bought old wooden skis at a garage sale, or a computer with floppy disks or a telephone with a dial..

I'm not sure. I'd probably say they would be good to start out, and then you could invest a little more money in the sport once you have gotten the hang of it and decided that you like it. But I don't think that skiing has the same potential for danger (IMO) so I don't really think that comparison is valid.

I guess what I'm wondering is would it be a mistake (dangerous) to try and get away with using this old equipment to start out.

[cglazier]

Hi pquarter
I don't mean to be flippant. Welcome to the sport.
We don't know exactly what you bought. Take your kites and bars to be reviewed by your instructor when you get a lesson, or take them to a local shop like Airtime. They will be able to tell you better about your gear.

Older gear is generally more difficult to use, can be very hard to relaunch, and may be missing safety features.

CG

[swisscanada]

Simply said as much we don't want you getting hurt trying to learn kiteboarding with very old gear and no proper instructions even more we don't want anybody else getting hurt just having a good time at the beach and suddenly gets hit by an old kite out of control. Please understand if you're part of the kiteboard community it's your responsibility to keep everybody save around you. With this gear and knowledge you won't be able to. Let's take lessons, get some decent gear and enjoy the sport and the community. Thanks

[pquarter]

Thanks for the advice guys. I will wait to see what my instructor says .

[Al Kiter]

Believe me an older kite in good condition can be had on the used market for $400 or more depending on size, brand, and condition. Most designs have not advanced so much in the last 5 or 6 years to be noticeable by a beginner but that beginner will learn a lot faster and in a controlled and relatively safe manner. I learnt to ride on C kites and got spanked on many occasions. Then came the SLE, what a godsend... That guy who sold you kites for that amount was glad to get someone to take something he's been wondering why he kept for so many years. He is not doing the sport any favors by selling it to anyone.