Kite care: Making the most of a wind-free day
When the wind isn’t playing along, it’s tempting to sulk and binge-watch kite videos online. But why not use the downtime to give your gear the care it deserves? A deep clean and maintenance session can extend the life of your kite and make your next session smoother than a butter-flat lagoon. Let’s dive into how to make your kite gear sparkle.
Step 1: Inspect everything
Start by laying out your kite, bar, harness, wetsuit, and board in a clean, dry area. Look for:
Tiny tears or holes small imperfections in your kite fabric that need patching.
Leaking leading edge pump up your kite and listen for that annoying hissing sound.
Corrosion or damage check your bar and lines for anything that looks suspiciously rusty.
Worn straps or buckles inspect your harness so it doesn’t surprise you mid-session.
Tears in your wetsuit nobody wants an unexpected flush of cold water.
Dings on your board those little cracks can lead to big problems if ignored.
Take notes or snap photos of anything that needs attention—future you will thank you.
Step 2: Cleaning your kite
Salt, sand, and dirt are your kite’s worst enemies. Here’s how to keep them at bay:
Shake it out flip your kite upside down and give it a good shake to evict sand and debris.
Spot clean use a damp cloth and mild soap to gently clean dirty areas. Skip harsh detergents—your kite’s delicate skin will appreciate it.
Dry completely mold loves moisture, so let your kite dry thoroughly before packing it up.
Pro tip: Don’t clean your kite after every session. Brushing off sand can cause more harm than good. If your kite is wet, let it stay salty—sweet water might lead to mold.
Step 3: Bar and lines
Your bar and lines are like the steering wheel of your car—critical for control. Here’s how to maintain them:
Check your lines look for knots or frays; knots weaken lines and can lead to snapping.
Rinse the bar remove salt and grime with fresh water, or let it soak in a bucket for extra care.
Rewind lines neatly prevent tangles so you don’t start your next session with a headache.
Check line lengths uneven lines can ruin your ride, so adjust them if necessary.
Step 4: Harness love
Your harness works hard, so show it some love
Rinse it remove sweat, salt, and sand with fresh water.
Inspect the straps look for wear and tear—a broken strap mid-session is a quick way to meet the fish.
Hang it to dry choose a cool, shaded spot to prevent warping or fading.
Step 5: Caring for your board
Your board deserves some appreciation, too. It’s your trusty steed, helping you pop those tricks and glide with style:
Tighten screws ensure all hardware is secure to avoid mid-session surprises.
Rinse off sand and salt your board’s worst enemies are waiting to scratch and corrode it.
Dry in the shade protect it from discoloration and sun damage.
Fix dings dry the board thoroughly, remove all moisture, and get those cracks repaired before they turn into something nasty.
Bonus: Organize your gear bag and pump
A cluttered gear bag is the fastest way to forget something important. Use the wind-free day to:
Check your spares make sure you have extra screws, a repair kit, or spare lines.
Repack neatly setting up at the beach is easier when your bag isn’t a disaster zone.
Pump care clean the inside with a rag and rubbing alcohol, then apply a silicone-based lubricant (or Vaseline) around the seals. Nothing ruins a session like a squeaky, inefficient pump.
Celebrate your efforts
Once your gear is in top shape, pat yourself on the back. You’re not just ready for the next windy day—you’re prepared to shred with confidence. Plus, you’ve turned a wind-free day into something productive and oddly satisfying.
xox Berit