Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ is full of helpful tutorials and answers that should help you with any questions you might have.
Simply search by asking a question to help you answer anything that might have come up during your visit.
We aim to keep our FAQ updated with the latest terms.
If you cannot find your answer here, please get in touch and we will be more than happy to help you find the answer.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
| Q |
What is Aspect Ratio?
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| A |
Aspect Ratio refers to the ratio between the kites width and its average height (Span and Chord).
The aspect ratio of a kite can range between 7 for high AR and 3 for low AR.
A low aspect kite is generally deeper in its average chord measurement and will fly slower.
A high aspect ratio kite would typically be shorter in its average chord measurement and unless it's of bad design will fly generally faster..
The wider and thinner the kites looks the higher the aspect ratio. |
| Q |
What is Angle of Attack?
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| A |
AOA: (Angle Of Attack) Easiest to see whilst viewing the kite end on.
A high leading edge (low trailing edge) angle will result in more drag or lift being applied to the kite.
The kite will be slower through the wind window, but quite grunty and in most cases, the kite may be difficult to launch.
A low leading edge (high trailing edge) angle will result in the kite flying faster through the Wind Window with a reduced amount of lift.
That said, a kite that flies faster is likely to produce more lift. A level kite angle will result in the kite flying fast and is a standard set up for all round flying.
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| Q |
What are Channel Trucks?
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| A |
Channel Trucks incorporate springs and sometimes dampeners allowing you to customise the feel of your board.
This truck is suited for riders who require extra strength and who want to carve, cruise and have a stable feel to their ride.
These are a more robust style of truck which comprise of: Axle, Axle Nuts, Springs and Elastomers.
A pair of trucks can be found on the underside of a Kite Landboard and are positioned where the wheels are fitted.
A board with a channel truck is typically used for flat out speed, rougher terrain or heavier riders.
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| Q |
What is Aspect Ratio?
|
| A |
Aspect Ratio refers to the ratio between the kites width and its average height (Span and Chord).
The aspect ratio of a kite can range between 7 for high AR and 3 for low AR.
A low aspect kite is generally deeper in its average chord measurement and will fly slower.
A high aspect ratio kite would typically be shorter in its average chord measurement and unless it's of bad design will fly generally faster..
The wider and thinner the kites looks the higher the aspect ratio. |
| Q |
What is Angle of Attack?
|
| A |
AOA: (Angle Of Attack) Easiest to see whilst viewing the kite end on.
A high leading edge (low trailing edge) angle will result in more drag or lift being applied to the kite.
The kite will be slower through the wind window, but quite grunty and in most cases, the kite may be difficult to launch.
A low leading edge (high trailing edge) angle will result in the kite flying faster through the Wind Window with a reduced amount of lift.
That said, a kite that flies faster is likely to produce more lift. A level kite angle will result in the kite flying fast and is a standard set up for all round flying.
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| Q |
What is Drift?
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| A |
Drift refers to the kiteboarder or their kite as they travel down the face of a wave.
Some kites have better drift qualities than others. If the kite is too slow when being ridden on a wave for example, the board speed will be quicker than the kites and can sometimes result in the possibility of the flying lines becoming slack and result in less control.
A kite that had good forward drift will remain taught giving the rider a more direct and responsive feeling on the control bar. |
| Q |
What is Airtime?
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| A |
 Airtime is often referred to as the amount of time spent in the air whilst jumping.
Whether you are in the air for a second or ten minutes, you've got airtime!
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| Q |
What is a Downtube?
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| A |
 Downtubes on buggies are usually adjustable and can be altered to suit your leg length and riding position.
Shortening the downtube will make the wheel base shorter and brings your feet closer to your body, this effectively moves your overall centre of gravity forward in relation to the buggy. This gains manoeuvrability, moves like 180’s, 360’s spins and wheelies become easier.
Lengthening the downtube will give you more stability. This is worth considering to avoid tipping over in strong gusty conditions or when carrying out high speed runs where safety is paramount. Ensure you are still in full control of the steering following any lengthening modification. |
| Q |
What is a Kite Buggy?
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| A |
A Buggy is a three-wheeled cart often manufactured from Stainless Steel.
With pilot skill, all manner of tricks and manoeuvres are possible and for the brave hearted, speeds of over 60mph are achievable.
The front wheel is steered by the pilot's feet, leaving the hands free to control the kite. With practice you can steer the kite and buggy in any direction, even upwind.
Manoeuvring the kite will enable you to pick up speed, steer, perform tricks, slow down and stop, even in a low wind.
Kite Buggying is one of several ways of using a power kite to move about.
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| Q |
What are Channel Trucks?
|
| A |
Channel Trucks incorporate springs and sometimes dampeners allowing you to customise the feel of your board.
This truck is suited for riders who require extra strength and who want to carve, cruise and have a stable feel to their ride.
These are a more robust style of truck which comprise of: Axle, Axle Nuts, Springs and Elastomers.
A pair of trucks can be found on the underside of a Kite Landboard and are positioned where the wheels are fitted.
A board with a channel truck is typically used for flat out speed, rougher terrain or heavier riders.
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| Q |
What is a Backloop?
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| A |
A trick where the rider rotates backwards away from the kite's position.
The rider continues to rotate backwards , completing a full rotation to continue in the direction from which they were originally travelling.
A) Build up some speed and keep edging with your kite and move your hands to the centre of the bar.
B) Edge hard upwind to start the backward rotation and release your edge, throw the nose of your board upwind and turn your head to look over your front shoulder.
C) Lift your knees up to help you stay balanced in the air. Your body will rotate around your head and shoulders until you come around.
D) Spot your landing and straighten your legs for impact. Bend your knees slightly as you hit the water to absorb the impact and ride away.
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| Q |
What is a Handlepass Leash?
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| A |
A Handle Pass Leash get's it's name from the trick it’s associated with, namely the Handle Pass. If the bar should get released, the leash will activate the safety/flag system depowering the kite without releasing your kite completely during the unhook.
This type of leash is longer than a standard kite leash and its this added length that allows the rider to carry out a 360 degree rotation in mid air.
Handle Pass Leashes would only be activated as a last resort.. |
| Q |
What is a Handlepass?
|
| A |
A handle pass is often a trick performed while airborne and unhooked from your harness.
The rider passes the control bar behind their back while performing a 360 degree rotation in the air.
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| Q |
What are Liquid Seams?
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| A |
A Liquid Seam is a rubber coating applied over the glued and blind-stitched joint of wetsuit panel.
This makes them stronger but additionally closes any holes resulting in a nearly 100% leak proof wetsuit. |
| Q |
What is a Back-Zip Entry Wetsuit?
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| A |
Back-Zip entry suits allow easy entry into the wetsuit.
Normally combined with a waterproof zip and an internal barrier to eliminate the chance of flushing altogether when impacting the water at speed.
There is no difference in warmth between back and front zip wetsuits.
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