One of the first things to do is to pump up your kiteboarding kite. This article will go over how to pump up your kiteboarding kite. We’ll talk about wind direction, how to attach the pump to the kite, what to do with the kite and how to tell the appropriate pressure.
Wind Direction
One of the first things to do at the beach is determine the direction of the wind. The leading edge, or part of the kite that air fills in, should be into the wind. The trailing edge or back of the kite should be downwind. You do not need to unravel the entire kite before pumping it up. Let the wind do the work.
Attach Pump to Kite
Once you lay out your kiteboarding kite with the leading edge into the wind, attach the pump to the kite. There should be a pump leash that attaches to a point in the middle of the kite. This is what secures the kite and prevents the kite from blowing away while pumping it up. Attach the pump leash to the kite.
Once the pump leash is attached, make sure to close any open valves. Different types of kites may have different valves and in multiple locations. Most kites now have one valve that is located in the center of the kite. Cabrinha has one valve that is a few inches to the left of the center strut. Close the valve and hook the pump directly to the one-way valve. Some other brands may need a special adapter.
How to Pump Up Your Kiteboarding Kite
With the kite set up, pump leash attached, and hose attached, begin to pump up your kiteboarding kite. As air fills the leading edge and struts, the kite will unravel itself. Sometimes the leading edge may get kinked if the kite was rolled up too tight. Make sure the kite unravels as air fills the leading edge.
Ways to tell if the kite is pumped up enough
- Flick the leading edge – want a ting sound not a thud
- Bend the leading edge – the LE should be difficult to bend
- The amount of pressure while pumping – it should be more difficult to push the pump down and up
- The pump valve – we personally pump up around 9 / 10PSI
Place Kite on Beach
With the kite filled with the appropriate amount of pressure, take the pump hose off and close the one-way valve. Take the pump leash off and flip the kite over. Flip the kite over by using the leading edge. If you want the left side of the kite to go up, go to the right side of the kite. Use your left hand to push the left side up. The kite should naturally sit on the beach with wind blowing over top of it.
Next order of business is to attach the control bar to the kite. Check out our blog post here.
