DWinter is arriving and that means more wind and perhaps even storms. Naturally, you ensure that your kitesurfing equipment is always in tip-top condition. This is crucial. However, in the cold months it is even more important. This kitesurfing blog contains a general checklist that you can use at any time. Think of it as a kitesurfing apk that helps keep your kitesurfing equipment in good order. Get involved by inspecting your kitesurfing equipment with this checklist and taking action if necessary.
Take, for example, a hole in your wetsuit. In the summer period this may not be a problem, but as soon as it gets colder it is extremely annoying. A hole in your wetsuit also speeds up the process of hypothermia.
Kitesurfing equipment checklist
What to pay attention to with the kite
- Are there cracks and/or holes in your kite? Are any old repair patches still attached? This is possible repair your kite yourself.
- Also check the stitching and seams, also of the tubes. Are these still intact?
- Are there no excessive wear in the connecting points and pigtails of the kite?
- Are all the tubes still good? Are they not leaking or damaged?
- Also check the slats in the canvas (if present). Doesn't one pierce the canvas or a stick cover?
- Do the valves still close and lock properly?
- Are the bridles (lines on the kite) still intact? Also look at the pulleys. Are these still running smoothly?
- In addition, what about the general condition of the kite? Pump it up and check your struts? A thin spot may indicate a twisted strut.
- Are the hoses of the one-pump system still properly connected? If you have checked these points, your kite appears to be in order as part of your kitesurfing equipment check.
Kite bar checklist
- Are your lines whole? No fraying, no knots?
- Are the leads and sleeves still good?
- Is the depower chorus still intact? Also check if everything works. Rinse everything well if necessary and check the operation on the side again when everything is under voltage.
- Are there lines running through another line or the depower chord? Pull these out to see if they are damaged in invisible places.
- Check for wear on lines at attachment points, transitions and under cover caps, etc. There is often 'hidden' wear here that causes unpleasant surprises.
- Is the depowering system still working properly? Is this still going smoothly?
- Also check the general condition of the bar. Is the grip still intact, are there no sharp edges in your depower throughput?
- Is your leash still intact? Does the security system still work?
- In addition, don't forget to check the quick release. Does it still work smoothly and properly? Test this a number of times and make yourself (again) proficient with it.
What to pay attention to with the kiteboard – kitesurfing equipment checklist
- Are there breaks in the kiteboard? You can glue any small cracks with epoxy or superglue, otherwise you run the risk of water in the board. Especially with surf-type board. Masking with aluminum foil for a quick temporary repair also works.
- Are there no sharp edges on your rail as a result of impact? If so, there is a risk of cuts! You can file this away with sandpaper if necessary.
- Are your pads and straps also good? Check the screws and tighten them if necessary. Also check that your straps are not torn around your screws.
- Are your fins tight? Check all screws for a moment.
- In addition, check that there are no burrs on your fins. If necessary, you can sand them very lightly.
- Also check the overall condition of the kiteboard.
Other kitesurfing equipment checklist
- Is your harness in good condition? This is important for your back. A good harness can prevent back problems!
- Also check that there are no tears in the tires if you use a seat harness.
- In addition, it is important to inspect your trapeze hook. Is your hook still good? No hairline cracks in the steel or bent parts?
- It is very important to have a good blade that is stored in your harness or attached to it. Be sure to check, rinse and buff the blade regularly so that it is free of salt crystals. This keeps it ready for use when needed.
- Is your leash still properly secured? Also check the operation of the leash.
- In addition, check the general condition of your harness.
- Finally, checking neoprene is important. Are there rips in your suit, shoes, (cap and gloves)? If so, stick it with neoprene glue if necessary. You can glue neoprene like this.
Do not skip yourself at the kitesurf MOT
In addition to kitesurfing equipment checklist, you should not forget yourself. Your fitness is not unimportant. Not fit enough? Then it's time to move. For example, by exercising enough and doing some strength training.
Keeping your kitesurfing equipment in order is crucial. It is something that you monitor continuously. Whether this is at the beginning of the season, before you go on holiday, winterizing your kitegear or otherwise. It is important to pay constant attention to this. Is your equipment in order but you wonder whether it is wise to go kitesurfing. Check it out what you should pay attention to before you go kitesurfing.
