Gear
The purpose of this website is to provide information to the begining kiter. Because of this, we won’t have an indepth descution of all the types of kites and gear out there. We will focus on the basics, then go deeper into the general principals of kite gear.
There are two basic types of kites. The first is the LEI or leading edge inflatable kites. These are kites that bladder that fill with air to give the kite their shape. It is rare, although possible to find trainer kites of this style.
The other type of kite is the foil kite. Most trainer kites are foil kites. Simply put, a foil kite is made by sewing two piece of material together on the bottom and sides. The top is left open. Inside the kite are ribs that run from top to bottom of the kite. These ribs are also made of some type of fabric. The top of the kite is left open so that the wind can fill the kite and give the kite its shape. When the kite is fully inflated it is shaped somewhat like an airplane wing.
Connected to the kite is the bridle. The bridle is made of the kite strings the are attached directly to the kite.
Next are the kite lines. These are made of high strength line that connects the kite to the control bar.
The control bar is the piece that the flyer holds. This controls the kite. Pulling on the right side of the control bar causes the kite to turn clockwise. Pulling on the left side of the control bar causes the kite to turn counter clockwise.
Some kites have a third line. This line is sometimes called a safety and provides a valuable asset to any kite flyer. When the wind becomes to strong or if the kite gets out of control, simply let go of the control bar and the third line becomes tight. This causes the kite to fold in on itself and depower. The kite then fall gently to the ground.
There are many vairiations to this theme, but it all comes down to the same basic idea: The wind fills the kite. The kite goes up. You control the kites by pulling on either of the two lines.
Below is a picture from the Ozone Imp Trainer showing the bar with a safety line.
Here is the IMP III Trainer Notice chambers in the kite, the two main kite lines and the third smaller safety line in the middle.
If you have questions, feel free to drop us a line at mike@thekiteline.com.