WING USER MANUAL
ONLY USE THIS PRODUCT AFTER READING AND ACCEPTING THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND PROTECTION. THIS INFORMATION MAY BE CHANGED AT ANY TIME. TO KNOW THE LATEST UPDATES, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.ONKITEBOARDING.COM
IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD, YOU MUST DO READ THESE WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN AND SHOULD NOT USE THIS PRODUCT THAT UNDER THE SUPERVISION AND MONITORING ANY OF THESE PERSONS
Use of this product may exposing the user to many hazards and causing them to take both unavoidable and unpredictable risks. The suppliers of this product decline any responsibility in the event of material damage or in the event of bodily injury caused following a use not in conformity with the warnings and instructions provided to guarantee your safety, of an abusive or irresponsible use of this product.
Wingfoiling is a RISK activity. Towed wings can be DANGEROUS for users and for all people present in the area of use around the user. Wingfoil must be taken seriously, and we recommend that at the start of learning to practice you follow the advice of professional and licensed instructors. Misuse of this wing can result in DEATH or SERIOUS BODILY INJURY to you and those around you. DO NOT use your kite kite near high voltage power lines, airports, buildings, vehicles, trees, streets, parking lots, rocks, harbor, breakwater, beacons and keep your WING away from other people and from any obstacle. Always choose an unobstructed flight area, find out about wind conditions and weather forecasts, and be particularly vigilant in offshore winds, sea winds, and / or large variations. DO NOT use your kite if you do not feel confident and / or do not control its operation on land. Take the time to familiarize yourself with its handling and remember that you are responsible for it, for your safety and that of others. During the learning period, be careful not to exceed your limits. If you intend to go in the water, put on a life jacket or a buoyancy aid and do not remain permanently attached to your kite. Under no circumstances should this wing be used as a flight device or a floating cushion.
RECOMMENDATION FOR THE PRACTICE OF KITEWING
Wingfoil is an extreme sporting activity, made up of different disciplines and skill levels. Like any extreme activity, there are risks inherent in the practice. You will find below the essential points to remember when using your ON Kiteboarding equipment.
Wingfoil is a DANGEROUS activity and the use of the equipment involves serious risks of serious bodily injury or death.
• Injuries and accidents are part of the RISKS INHERENT in the practice of wingfoil, and this implies the recognition of these risks by the practitioner.
• Children must ALWAYS be under the supervision of a responsible adult. • It is strongly recommended that any beginner begin by taking lessons with a licensed professional.
• Always check the condition of all your equipment before each new use, in particular that the notches on the spinnaker canvas, as well as the inflatable tubes. Make sure there is no leakage.
• If ANY product shows signs of wear, STOP using it immediately and repair or replace it before sailing. If you have any doubts about the condition of your equipment, please contact your dealer.
• NEVER put yourself in a situation where the failure of one of the parts of your wing would endanger your life and that of others and where you would be in danger. inability to regain the edge without hindrance and without assistance.
• Be sure of the design, manufacture and provenance of the parts you use.
• Take the time to study the sailing conditions: sea state, tides, currents, weather conditions and forecasts, before going sailing. Watch out for land winds and sea winds, variations and gusts.
• Familiarize yourself with any new practice site before going sailing. Ask the regulars about possible dangers.
• Pay attention to other users, especially swimmers and young children. Make sure that your board and your wing will not fly away and control it on the beach as on the water.
• Wear a life jacket or protection and, depending on the conditions, a neoprene suit or a top that protects you from UV rays and the cold. We HIGHLY recommend wearing a helmet specific to the practice of wingfoil.
• Warn someone when you go sailing and never sail alone.
• Pay attention to climatic conditions because they are constantly changing. Always return to earth if they change significantly. weakening or forcing wind and wave formation. • During the learning period, take care not to exceed your limits.
• It is forbidden to make any modification whatsoever to this product.
• This product is designed and manufactured for the practice of kitewing on water, on land or on snow.
• Save these instructions for future reference.
• The following contains the main safety points to remember when using your On kiteboarding equipment for use on water, on land or on snow.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON SNOW:
The points listed below mainly apply to the use of this product on snow. Please read the previous paragraphs even if you intend to use this product only on snow.
• These wings are intended for use on snow as a traction device through large open snow fields without obstacles.
• Do not attempt to use these wings as a flight device. Do not use these wings to climb ridges, cliffs or slopes.
• Do not attempt to launch into the air in any way, as this may cause severe impact when landing.
• Extreme care must be taken when using these wings in a mountainous region, steep terrain or glacier. The wind conditions in these areas are very unstable and can change strength and direction without warning.
• ALWAYS use appropriate equipment. We STRONGLY recommend using a specific helmet for snowboarding.
• Never attach yourself to any fixed or mobile object such as a stake, snow scooter, or car while flying your kite.
• Always keep control of your board and be able to stop at any time and avoid people or obstacles.
• People downwind or downstream have priority. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop anywhere and you must be visible.
• When you start or join other people, always look upwind or up the slopes and give way to others.
• Always use mechanisms to avoid losing control of your equipment (it must not escape you or go down the slope alone.) • Pay attention to all signs and warnings
• Do not go into areas closed.
• SNOWBOARD: Before using a ski lift, you must know how to engage and disengage the bindings, and slide safely.
• Never use your snowboard when you are tired or when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and more generally of all substances likely to decrease your vigilance and your attention.
• On snow terrain, snowboard ski ice skate get conditions VARY CONSTANTLY - AVOID ALL human structures, trees, rocks, debris, variations in terrain or slopes, avalanche areas, crevasses, cliffs, power lines and ski lift, water points, changes in snow or texture surfaces due to altitude and sun exposure, wind and weather changes, and any other conditions that could affect your ability to properly control your snowboard.
2020 WING USER MANUAL
- Introduction
- General information
- State of the wind, sea and weather conditions
- Evaluate your level / Navigation areas
- Care precautions for your kite
- One pump inflation system
- Inflate your wing
- Pressure diagram - Inflation- Leading edge tube
- Adjustments
- Repairs - Notches / Side tubes
- Repair
- Glossary
Thank you for purchasing this ON Kiteboarding product and welcome to the world of Wing Surfing. As you can see, the craze for Wing Surfing attracts people of all ages from all over the world. Please read this manual carefully and completely before using the Wing. This guide is not intended to replace real lessons for WingSurf, but only to supplement them. Do not start the practice of Wing Surf without appropriate lessons with a licensed professional. Your practice will be all the more appreciable, not only for you but also for those around you.
INTRODUCTION
CAUTION:
You could very quickly be overwhelmed by the practice of Wing Surfing if your approach is not appropriate. That is why we provide you with this user manual. This will help you get used to using your new Wing and the different ways to use it. This manual contains information on installation, adjustments and maintenance precautions for your equipment.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wing Surfing is a dangerous sport, comprising different disciplines and accessible to different levels of practice. Like any extreme sport, there are risks inherent in the practice. The following points contain the essential rules to remember when using your Wing.
- Familiarize yourself with the settings and use of your kite and the safety leash
- NEVER attach yourself to your kite permanently.
- NEVER use your Wing as a flight device.
- When the latter is inflated but not used, secure your Wing with sand or a weighted and non-abrasive object: the heavier the object in question, the better (see “care for maintaining your Wing” for more information).
- Do not lend your Wing to someone who has not taken a course on the use of an wing on a inflatable surf. Other users should also read this manual and understand all of its points.
- ALWAYS check your equipment before going into the water. Make sure your kite is properly ready for use.
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
We strongly recommend the use of the following protective equipment:
- Helmet specific to the practice of aquatic sports.
- Life jacket, impact or buoyancy aid
- Wetsuit with
- Gloves
- Slippers
- Glasses
- Sunscreen
GENERAL INFORMATION WIND AND SEA CONDITIONS & WEATHER CONDITIONS
- Do not underestimate the power of the wind.
- Beware of unstable conditions.
- Avoid land winds and be very careful with sea winds.
- Avoid strong and irregular winds.
- Watch out for waves, especially when you're just starting out.
- Find out about tide times and strong current zones.
- Do not overestimate your level. Do not sail if the conditions are too strong for you.
- Learn about air and water temperatures and protect yourself accordingly.
- Do not use your kite in stormy weather.
- If necessary use an anemometer to check the wind speed.
- Do not use a wing that is too large. To find out which surface to use, refer to the Table of Usage Ranges. Use common sense. When in doubt, always prefer a smaller wing. An increase in wind force can result in more force being required to activate the wrist leash activation button.
MANUAL GENERAL INFORMATION SKILLS LEVEL
- DO NOT windsurf without taking lessons with a licensed professional.
- DO NOT practice windsurfing alone.
- Always sail with a person or have someone on the beach who can see you continuously.
- Make sure you are in good physical condition before using this product.
- Make sure you can swim before using this product nearby or in the water.
- Make sure that the wind and sea conditions correspond to your level of aptitude and that according to these conditions you have made the right choice of equipment.
- NEVER sail in wingsurf further than you can swim.
- ALWAYS keep energy in reserve, end your session wingsurf before being exhausted.
- You are responsible for the proper handling of your Wing.
- Respect ALL the regulations and laws defining its use and place of practice.
- Ask the regulars of the place of practice about the conditions and rules of life.
- Check your area of use thoroughly before using your Wing.
- Pay attention to the wind direction according to your take-off area.
- Avoid risky areas: rocks, exposed reefs or shallow water.
- Pay attention to the tides. As the sea level changes, you may be exposed to new dangers.
- Avoid crowded beaches and waterways.
- Pay attention and be attentive to other users: windsurfers, kitesurfers, surfers, boaters, jet skiers, swimmers, etc.
GENERAL INFORMATION PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION
- check your protective equipment and make sure that it is working properly and that it state.
- A frequent inspection of your kite must be made to identify potential holes, nicks or scratches on the web of spinnaker, battens or safety systems.
- DO rig NOT on bitumen, concrete, gravel or other abrasive surfaces; this may damage your equipment. It is best to rig on sand or grass. Any damage to your equipment caused by an abrasive surface is not covered by the warranty.
- DO rig NOT near sharp objects can tear the spinnaker canvas or puncture the central tube or that of the leading edge.
- During installation, please secure your kite with sand or sandbags. DO NOT secure your kite with rocks or other abrasive objects that could damage it. BETWEEN TWO SESSIONS
- NEVER leave your inflated kite unattended on the beach for a long period of time. The wind can change force and direction and your Wing could no longer be properly secured and fly away.
- NEVER leave an inflated Wing (secure or not) exposed directly to the wind. This allows the trailing edge to float excessively. Excessive flutter can seriously damage the properties of materials and reduce their longevity. If you absolutely must leave your Wing exposed to the wind on the beach, place sand or sandbags on your Wing, close to the trailing edge until the floating is stable. Do not use rocks or abrasive objects.
STORAGE
- ALWAYS dry your Wing before rolling and folding it. Rolling and folding a wet wing can affect color clarity and longevity.
- It is strongly recommended to rinse your Wing with fresh water and to dry it before putting it away.
- Clean your Wing of sand or other impurities before storage.
- Once your Wing is clean and dry, store it in the bag provided and in a cool, clean and dry place.
- DO NOT place heavy objects on the bag containing the Wing.
- DO NOT leave your Wing inflated in your car or roof box, luggage rack; exposing your inflated wing to high temperatures can damage the tubes. PRECAUTIONS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR WING Due to the extreme nature of Wingsurf, a rigorous approach is necessary regarding the maintenance of your Wing and these rigs, in addition to your protective equipment.
KNOW-HOW
You will find below some basic rules to respect when sharing the beach and in the water with other users:
SAFETY
- Follow ALL of the instructions in this manual, other manuals and installation guide.
- Follow ALL of the rules and recommendations for the range you are on.
- Check with local authorities and / or stores before setting out to a new location. There may be special rules not shown.
- Use common sense.
- NEVER touch anyone else's equipment, unless requested by the owner. Taking or moving their equipment can hinder their assembly ritual.
- ALWAYS secure your Wing with sand or sandbags. An unattended Wing is dangerous.
- NEVER leave your inflated kite unattended on the beach. The wind can change force and direction and your Wing could no longer be properly secured and fly away.
INSTALLATION
- Only prepare the equipment you plan to use shortly. Deflate and store your Wing if you are not using it.
- Install yourself in an open area.
- Install yourself intelligently to allow multiple users in the area.
- ALWAYS think of other beach users and in the water when you take off or land your kite.
- Give way to other beach users. Be courteous and cooperative.
- ALWAYS be ready to assist others. Their help may come in handy sooner than you think.
INFLATION
AIRFLOW system has been designed very simply to inflate your Wing to a uniform pressure. The system (uses a single inflation point to connect your pump . By pumping your Wing with air, the tubes inside the leading edge and the central batten inflate quickly and simultaneously the desired pressure. The supplied pump leash and the threaded valve keep your Wing under control even when you are pumping directly in the wind. Once your Wing is inflated you can choose to close the tube connecting the two tubes . In this way, if you damage the flange of the central batten during navigation, the rest of your kite will keep the initial pressure, and this will also eliminate the transfer of air between the leading edge and the batten, allowing a more solid structure .At the end of your session you can choose to deflate your Wing completely by releasing the clip. INFLATE at 6 psi
Please refer to the “Care of your Wing” section before inflating your Wing.
- Unroll your Wing with the batten pointing upwards.
- Make sure that you are facing the wind and that the leading edge of the wing is closest to you. Secure your Wing with sand to prevent it from floating in the wind.
- Use the pump leash provided to connect it to the Wing. This will free your hands to inflate the Wing.
- Open the inflation cap by turning it counterclockwise.
- Make sure the deflation valve is properly screwed in by turning clockwise. Do not screw it too hard when the Wing is not inflated, you could damage the flange. The base of the valve is held in place by a Velcro circle.
- Attach the pump hose directly to the valve on the Wing. No connectors are required to perform this operation.
- During inflation, hold the pump with both hands and apply even pressure to the handle. This will help extend the life of the pump.
- When your kite is fully inflated, remove the hose and screw on the inflation cap. Slightly turn / screw until the cap is firmly secured.
- Tighten the deflation valve.
- Do not under-inflate or over-inflate the Wing. Correct inflation will make it difficult, but not impossible, to bend the ends of the Wing inward. If the ends bend easily, the leading edge is under-inflated. Your Wing must be inflated enough so that, when the wing is on its back, the ends stretch outwards and the Wing keeps its shape. Wing performance may be poor if the leading edge is under-inflated.
NOTE: The pumps operate up to 1 bar of pressure, but due to wear they can fail at lower pressures.
- Once your Wing is properly inflated, turn it over and secure it with sand.
INFLATION BASES
PRESSURE : 6 PSI
CAUTION: This inflation pressure is only for your reference. Temperature, gauge accuracy and other factors can affect the final pressure of your kite. Over-inflation of the Wing will decrease its lifespan. MAX Inflation Pressure (PSI) 6 PSI
TIPS TO SECURE YOUR WING
- NEVER leave your inflated kite unattended on the beach for a long period of time. The wind can change force and direction and your Wing could no longer be properly secured and fly away.
- ALWAYS secure your Wing with sand or sandbags. An unattended Wing is dangerous.
- DO NOT secure your kite with rocks or other abrasive objects (like your board). : this will compromise the lifespan of the wing. If you don't have a sand anchor consider sandbags.
- NEVER leave an inflated Wing (secure or not) exposed directly to the wind. This allows the trailing edge to float excessively. Excessive flutter can seriously damage the properties of materials and reduce their longevity. If you absolutely must leave your Wing exposed to the wind on the beach, place sand or sandbags on your Wing, close to the trailing edge until the floating is stable. Also, if possible, place your Wing in a shaded area.
- Keep in mind that you are not alone on the beach and make sure that your kite is not a danger to others.
DEFLATE THE WING
The wing can be deflated completely or partially according to your convenience. To only deflate the leading edge, make sure that the clip on the tube between the two valves is open, isolating the tube from the batten. Then unscrew the deflation valve but not the inflation cap. The deflation valve is the lower part of the blocking system . After deflating, roll each end of the Wing starting from one side and towards the center. Clean the valve of sand or potential debris, then lock it before storing your Wing to avoid any impurities in the tube. To deflate the complete wing, open the clip on the tube between the leading edge and the batten. Remove the cap and unscrew the deflation valve. This allows all the air to be expelled through the leading edge.
CAUTION: When you close the deflation valve on a deflated Wing, hold the flange in place to prevent it from deforming. Do not overtighten the valve when the Wing is deflated. You can tighten it when the Wing is partially inflated.
REPAIR
When making a minor cut in the fabric, you can repair it yourself with adhesive tape. Special adhesive tape was supplied with your Wing.
- Clean and dry your Wing
- Lay your Wing flat on a clean, dry and smooth surface.
- Cut 2 pieces of the same size tape, and make sure they are large enough to cover the entire cut.
- Carefully cover one side of the cut with a piece of tape. Lightly rub the ribbon on the surface of your Wing.
- Next, cover the opposite side of the cut with the second piece of tape, in the same way as before.
- Make sure the tape is properly installed and secure.
BLADDER REPAIRS
points to remember;
- Before trying to repair one of your tubes, make sure your Wing is dry and clean. Always keep your pump, valves and flanges away from sand, sea or anything else that could damage them.
- Make sure the tubes are deflated.
- Avoid repairing your kite on the beach or in a dirty, dusty, windy or abrasive area. The best is to find a clean and dry place out of the wind, ideally an area of grass.
- Bring a string and a repair kit (supplied with your Wing) before starting to repair the tube.
- Keep all valve parts on hand for future use.
- First, place the Wing on the ground with the leading edge and central batten facing up. 2. Release the Velcro closure at the end of the slat. This will allow you to access inside the tube. Second, separate the inflation tube from the valve, first by removing the valve cover and then removing the clamp (the cut or remove it from the tube) Slide the tube clamp clip
- Remove the locking collar around the inflation valve and set it aside
- Tie the line around the valve. Tighten it securely on the latter
- Slowly insert the valve inside the batten
- Go back to the end of the batten and gently pull the rod to extract it. Untie the line and leave it inside the slat. This line will help you later when you replace the new tube after repair.
- Replace the clamping clip on the tube, and the assembly on the tube to be repaired. Inflate it and tighten the clip to keep the air inside. Do not over inflate the tube.
- Fully immerse the tube to locate the hole. The best is to use a bathtub or a large basin.
- Look for bubbles to find the leak.
- Once the leak has been located, dry the area and mark the location of the leak. It is best to use a permanent marker
- Dry and clean the sausage with a soft cloth.
- Deflate the tube.
- If the leak is in a flat area, remove the protective paper on one of the patches and apply this to the flange, covering the leak.
- Let the sausage sit for about 20 minutes.
- Inflate the tube and make sure the leak is gone.
- If you have repaired leaks on your sausage, cover it with a talcum powder to help reinsert the sausage into the batten (OPTIONAL).
- Deflate the tube.
- Tie the line around the inflation valve on the end of the batten end.
- Lay the sausage flat next to the end of the batten, ready to insert it again.
- Gently insert the flange inside the batten.
- Pull the line from the valve hole in the batten to help the flange fall into place.
- With the flange in place, pass the valve through the hole provided and remove the line from it.
- Refit the locking clip at the base of the valve
- Partially inflate the tube and make sure that it covers the entire volume of the batten.
- Attach the tube to the valve making sure it is pushed all the way. Assemble the hose clamp in the space provided and tighten securely. Orient the hose clamp down below the valve. Cut the tail of the hose clamp as close as possible. Pull the valve protection on it and secure the assembly
REPAIRING THE CORD OF THE LEADING EDGE
First, place the Wing on the ground with the leading edge and central batten facing up.
On each side of the leading edge the flange is folded back on itself and secured with a Velcro closure. You will also find a zipper in the center of the leading edge. Detach each Velcro and unlock the zipper. This will allow the opening of the leading edge and access to the flange
separate the AIRFLOW system from the leading edge. Carefully lift the ring from the sausage. Using the tab located on the Velcro and carefully remove the base of the valve inside the leading edge
Second, separate the inflation tube from the valve, first removing the valve cover and then removing the hose clamp (cut or remove from the tube)
Slide the tube clamp clip
Remove the locking collar around the inflation valve and set it aside
Keep all valve parts on hand for future use.
For the next step, you will need two flying lines. Starting with one end of the leading edge, tie one line on/or around the wing tip end of the bladder. Cinch the line well. Using the second line, follow the same procedure with the other end of the leading edge bladder ,gently push the valves down into the strut sleeve.
Now, access the leading edge bladder through the zippered access pocket near the leading edge valve.
Gently pull one side of the bladder out of the sleeve at a time, leaving the flying line through both sides of the sleeve. Having the flying line through the sleeve will allow you to easily replace the bladder once it is repaired.
Once out of the sleeve, attach the air clips. Inflate the bladder and close all clips and the airlock valve so that it maintains air. Do not over inflate the bladder.
Submerge the bladder in water to locate the hole. A bathtub or large sink full of water is best. You will need to submerge one section of the bladder at a time in order to locate the hole. Look for air bubbles to locate the hole.
Once you have located the leak, dry the area and mark the hole with a circle. A permanent marker works best for this.
Dry and clean the rest of the bladder with a soft towel.
Again, deflate the bladder.
If the hole is on a flat area of the bladder, remove the backing on one of the patches and press it onto the bladder, covering the hole.
Set the bladder aside for approximately 20 minutes to dry.
Again, inflate the bladder and check to make sure it is now holding air.
Deflate once again.
Tie each flying line to the corresponding ends of the bladder.
Lay the bladder flat near the center access pocket and fold it, accordion style, so that you may feed each end back into the sleeve without twisting the bladder.
Starting with one end, feed the bladder into the access pocket.
Walk to one end of the leading edge and gently pull on the flying line, while holding the end of the sleeve. Slowly feed the bladder back into this side of the sleeve. The bladder should protrude past the end of the sleeve enough so that the Bladder Tag is visible. Pulling the bladder past this point, may cause potential issues when the kite is inflated.
Next, follow the same instructions with the other side of the bladder, until the valves are near the holes and the bladder is fully inserted.
Tuck the ends of the bladder into the corresponding tips.
Once the bladder is replaced, pull the valves back into the holes of the sleeve.
Next, place the AIRFLOW valves back into position.
Making sure not to catch the internal bladder in the zipper, close the center LE zipper pocket. Next, fold over wingtip access pockets and secure the Velcro strips.
Re-attach the Airflow Valve Assembly.
Partially inflate the Leading Edge to make sure the bladder fits into all four corners of the sleeve.
Reassemble the AIRFLOW valves and connect the air distribution tubes to each strut.
GLOSSARY
FREQUENTLY USED WING SURFING & WIND TERMINOLOGY
A
AIRFLOW - a 2 part valve that allows a single point for inflation and deflation of the kite. PINCH CLAMPS Clips that prevent air transfer between the LE and the struts.
B
BAR (unit) – A unit of pressure • 1 bar = 14 PSI • 1 mbar = 0.015 PSI PSI – A unit of pressure. Pounds per square inch • 1 PSI = 68.9mbar
BEAUFORT SCALE A system for estimating wind strength based on the effects wind has on the physical environment (e.g. the behavior of waves, smoke, etc.). Instruments are not used to determine wind strengths in this point scale (O = calm to 12 = hurricane).
BODY DRAGGING This is an instructional tactic / step in which the rider flies the wing while in the water, but without the board. The rider will launch, then walk to the water, and basically drag in the water while practicing flying, and self-rescue techniques.
BLADDER The inner inflatable tube found within the leading edge and the struts of the kite. (Imagine a bike-it has both a tire on the outside and an inner tube which holds air).
D
DOWNWIND The direction in which the wind is traveling.
G
GUSTY WIND Wind is inconsistent and varies considerably from one wind strength to another. GYBING The motion in which the rider changes the direction of the board he/she is riding. The rider switches from a starboard tack to a port tack or vice versa.
H
HARNESS A piece of equipment used to temporarily attach the rider to the control bar harness line. This enables the rider to save energy by utilizing their body weight and all of their muscles to hang on to the kite. Most common are the waist harness (attaches around the torso) and the seat harness (attaches to the waist and around the legs).
I
INFLATABLE WING A wing with inflatable tubes designed to float the wing.
K
KNOTS A measure of speed based on nautical miles. 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour. 1 knot = 1.15 miles per hour. 1 knot = 1.85 kilometers per hour.
L
LEADING EDGE (LE) The front inflated tube of your wing.
LEEWARD The downwind side of the wing surfer.
LOFTING Lofting occurs when the wing is above the riders head in the neutral position. Instability in the wind can cause sudden vertical force and lift a rider off of their feet.
LUFF A term used to describe what happens to the wing in a lull.
LULL A term used to describe wind when it lessens in strength, for any amount of time.
M
MPH Miles Per Hour. A measure of speed. 1 mph = 1.6 kilometers per hour.
N
NEUTRAL POSITION This is the position just above the rider’s head in the sky. Although in this position the wing may feel steady and may feel like it has the least amount of power or pull, it is also the position in which on land the rider is most susceptible to lofting. On the water, the neutral position can be utilized to rest while you reel in your board, but on land, we strongly suggest you do not utilize the neutral position. After launching, it is best to make your way to the water without delay. Do NOT linger on land with the wing in neutral position. It is VERY dangerous.
NEUTRAL ZONE This is the area that includes the neutral position and the area to the left and right of the rider. It encompasses the most upwind or windward positions in which to fly the wing. When flown here, the wing has less power or pull than when it is in the power zone. However, use caution when the wing is in this zone, especially when on land, and especially in gusty wind conditions.
O
OFFSHORE Wind is blowing from the shore directly or to a great extent out to the water. ONSHORE Wind is blowing directly or to a great extent directly from the water toward the land. OVER-POWERED A situation in which the rider has a wing too powerful for his/her ability level, weight, strength, and/or wind conditions.
P
PLANING The point in time in which the rider gets the board skimming on the water.
POWER ZONE This is the area in front and to the sides of the rider, but excluding the neutral position and zones. It is the area in which the wing has the most power and pull. When flown in this area, the wing can be powerful and dangerous, so avoid flying your wing in this zone when learning. Use extreme caution when flying the wing in this zone.
PUMP – Device used to inflate the wing.
R
REACH A direction of travel relative to the wind direction. Generally 90-160 degrees off the wind.
S
SIDE OFFSHORE Wind is blowing from either the left or the right and from the shore out to the water. This is a combination of offshore and sideshore wind.
SIDESHORE Wind is blowing from the left or from the right, parallel to the shore. Ideal wind direction for kiteboarding.
SIDE ONSHORE Wind is blowing from either the left or the right and from the water toward the land. This is a combination of onshore and sideshore wind. Utilize caution when operating your kite in or near water in this wind direction.
STRUTS The outer fabric tubes found on your wing. They house the inner inflatable bladders, which are filled with air to give structure to the wing.
U
UNDER-POWERED A situation in which the rider has a wing not powerful enough for his/her weight, strength, and/or wind conditions.
UPWIND The direction from which the wind is blowing.
W
WATER STARTING The motion of the rider in which he/she goes from sitting or lying in the water to standing on the board.
WINDWARD The upwind side of the kiteboarder