10.3- Leading edge
The same technique is used to repair the leading edge, with a few minor differences:
• You must attach a flying line to both ends of the inner tube
• The inner tube is removed via an access zip in the centre of the leading edge.
Repair the puncture in exactly the same way. When reintroducing the inner tube, be extremely careful not to twist it,
as this will lead to problems when inflating the leading edge. It is a good idea to coat the inner tube with talcum
powder before reintroducing it into the leading edge.
Note: if the puncture is too large to repair or the repaired tube is not holding air, you will need to order a new inner
tube from your retailer.
11- Right way of courtesy
11.1- Launching
• A kitesurfer setting out or changing direction should be careful not to get in anybody else’s way.
• A kitesurfer who with his kite at it’s zenith, while maneuvering or at a stand still, has right of way over everyone
else. Any kitesurfer moving towards him must steer clear.
• A kitesurfer should whenever possible, sail downwind from all other craft (windsurfers, boats, swimmers…) using
the same sailing area.
• A kitesurfer going on the water has right of way over a kitesurfer going on the beach.
11.2- Crossing other kitesurfers
• A kitesurfer who sails with the wind on the starboard tack (wind over the right side of the board) in his direction has
right of way over a kitesurfer who’s wind direction is port (left).The starboard kitesurfer should, as much as possible,
go straight ahead and the port kitesurfer should maneuver to keep clear.
• An experienced kitesurfer should anticipate and not hinder a beginner’s movements. The experienced kitesurfer
should sail up-wind of the beginner to keep out of his way.
• A kitesurfer must keep out of the way of all other craft (sailboards, boats…).
• When two kitesurfers cross or overtake, the up-wind kitesurfer (the one who is closest to the wind’s source) must
progressively raise his kite in order to reduce his speed, to avoid being hurled towards the person he is overtaking
or crossing. The down-wind kitesurfer must, on the other hand, lower his kite to avoid crossing lines in case he
underestimates the distance.
11.3- Sailing on the same tack
• An overtaking kitesurfer must keep clear.
11.4- Jumps and transitions
• While getting ready for a jump or transition, the kitesurfer must first of all determine wind stability (avoid jumping
during a gust of wind) as well as the sailing area down-wind and up-wind. This area should be free and clear at least
100m down-wind and 20m up-wind. Before attempting any jumps or transitions, the kitesurfer should be certain not
to hinder any other craft all the way through the move.
11.5- Sailing in waves
• In waves the previous "starboard" rule doesn’t apply, the kitesurfer going out facing the waves has right of way
over the one who is surfing in.
• While surfing, the kitesurfer closest to the wave’s peak has right of way. Surfers have right of way because they
are less maneuverable.
12- Glossary
Inflatable kite: a kite consisting of inflatable struts which allow it to relaunch from water. Can be flown on 2 or 4 lines.
Strut: tube of material which houses the inner tube.
Inner tube: an airtight rubber tube fitted with a valve, found in each strut and the leading edge.
Leading edge: the front section of the kite, which contains the largest inner tube.
Trailing edge: the rear section of the kite.
Body dragging: using the power of the kite to pull you through the water without your board. Kitesurf or kiteboard or
flysurf: The name given to the water sport which combines a traction kite and a surfboard.
Control bar: used to steer the kite.
De-power: the system which allows the operator to control the amount of power developed by the kite, by pushing
or pulling on the control bar.
Front lines: on a four line setup, these are the two flying lines which lead from the centre of the control bar and
attach to the wing tips on the leading edge.
back lines: on a four line setup, these are the two flying lines which lead from the ends of the control bar to the wing
tips on the trailing edge. Also known as “brake lines”.