Welcome
Thank you for purchasing a Flexifoil kite. It is crucial to read and understand the instructions and safety warnings before use. Manuals are available in multiple languages on the Flexifoil website.
Safety First
Flexifoil emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. Kitesurfing is an extreme sport that requires caution. The kites are designed for water use only and are not suitable for land-based activities. Users must be fit, healthy, and over 18 years old, or have parental permission and supervision if younger.
Essential Do's and Don'ts- Do not kiteboard in extreme conditions or with winds too strong for your skill level.
- Do not overinflate the kite or store it wet.
- Always dry the kite before long-term storage and roll it carefully.
- Start with a smaller kite if unsure about the size.
- Take lessons from a qualified instructor and consider third-party liability insurance.
General Guidelines- Use caution with kitesurfing equipment to avoid injury or death.
- Kites are not parachutes or flotation devices.
- Know and follow sea rules, navigation laws, and local regulations.
- Avoid flying under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Learning and Weather Conditions- Learn with a smaller kite before attempting kitesurfing.
- Do not kiteboard until mastering kite control on land.
- Practice in lighter winds and learn self-rescue techniques.
- Avoid offshore winds, extreme conditions, and flying during storms or at night.
Location and Equipment- Avoid flying near power cables, roads, or crowded areas.
- Ensure safe launching and landing areas.
- Check equipment for wear and tear before use.
- Use appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and buoyancy aid.
- Never allow inexperienced users to handle your equipment.
Specifications and Recommendations
- Always start with a smaller kite and gradually move to a larger one if necessary. Never start with a large kite.
- Flexifoil strongly recommends taking lessons from a qualified instructor before kiteboarding.
- Obtain liability insurance and adhere to all safety guidelines.
General Safety Guidelines
- Handle kitesurfing equipment with extreme care to avoid serious injury or death.
- Flexifoil kites are not parachutes or flotation devices and should not be used as such.
- Kitesurfers must be physically fit, able to swim, and over 18 years old (minors need parental permission and supervision).
- Follow maritime and local regulations.
- Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Learning and Training
- Learn to fly with a smaller kite like the Flexifoil Sting before attempting kitesurfing.
- Do not kiteboard until you have mastered kite control on land.
- Beginners should learn in light winds and practice launching, landing, and self-rescue techniques.
Weather Conditions
- Never kiteboard in offshore winds or extreme weather conditions.
- Ensure you can control the kite safely; use a smaller kite if necessary.
- Avoid flying during storms, thunderstorms, or at night.
Location and Environment
- Avoid flying near power lines, roads, airports, or crowded areas.
- Choose safe launch and landing areas free of people and obstacles.
- Do not kiteboard too far from shore.
- Always have a partner or rescue vehicle nearby.
Equipment Maintenance
- Regularly check equipment for wear and tear; repair or replace as needed.
- Use appropriate safety gear: helmet, line cutter, flotation device, waterproof signals, protective clothing, gloves, and kite leash.
- Keep kite lines away from people, animals, and vehicles.
- Do not allow inexperienced kitesurfers to use your equipment.
- You are responsible for the safe operation of your kite and equipment.
Wind Speed Table Overview
This document provides a guide for kite flying based on wind conditions. It includes a wind speed table that categorizes wind strength into different levels, from calm to storm, and provides descriptions for each level both on land and at sea. The table also suggests suitable kite sizes for various wind conditions, emphasizing the importance of using smaller kites in stronger winds and larger kites in lighter winds.
Key Recommendations- Always start with a smaller kite if unsure about wind conditions.
- In strong winds, smaller kites are easier to relaunch.
- In lighter winds, more skill is required to relaunch kites.
- Take lessons from a qualified instructor before kitesurfing.
- Be vigilant about changing wind and weather conditions.
- Stop kitesurfing if conditions become too extreme.
Safety Precautions
The document stresses the potential dangers of kitesurfing, noting that even small kites can cause serious injury or death. It advises monitoring wind and weather conditions closely and adjusting kite size or stopping the activity if conditions worsen.
Technical Specifications- Wind strength numbers refer to average speeds at 2 meters above water.
- Wind conditions can change rapidly, affecting kite control.
Conclusion
Kitesurfing requires careful attention to wind conditions and proper training. The document provides essential guidelines for safe and effective kite flying, emphasizing the importance of using the correct kite size and being prepared for changing weather conditions.
General Components of a Kite- Bridle: Lines that maintain the shape of the leading edge.
- Power Toggles: Rope connectors at the wingtip front for connecting the front flying lines.
- Turning Toggles: Connect the kite to the steering lines.
- LE (Leading Edge) Tube: Inflatable tube at the kite's front supporting its shape.
- Inflation Valve: Opening for inflating and deflating tubes.
- LE Tip Dump Valve: Valve on the wingtip for expelling air, aiding in quick de-rigging.
- LE to Strut Connecting Tubes: Short tubes connecting the LE tube to struts for simultaneous inflation.
- Strut: Inflatable spar shaping the kite's aerofoil.
All-in-One Bar Overview- Steel Swivel: Allows front flying lines to rotate and untwist.
- Safety Line: Attaches to the depower strap, runs through the bar, and has a leash attachment ring.
- “Pull-pull” Depower Strap: Adjusts the length of front flying lines relative to rear lines, altering kite power.
- Leader Lines: Connect rear flying lines to the control bar end.
- Centre Line: Connects the chicken loop to the depower strap through the control bar.
- Bar End: Plastic part with soft covering joining leader lines to the control bar end.
- Primary Release: System to detach the chicken loop from the centre line.
- Leash + Secondary Release: Prevents kite loss after primary safety deployment; allows total kite release in extreme conditions.
- Chicken Loop: Tubing loop connecting the control bar to the harness.
- Harness Attachment: Allows leash attachment to the harness, can be larksheaded or attached to a stainless steel ring.
Important Notes on Inflation Pressure- The pump can produce a maximum pressure of about 13 psi. Do not inflate to this pressure; stop when tubes are firm to the touch.
- Never leave an inflated kite unattended due to changing wind conditions.
- Partially inflate all ribs and the leading edge bladder before full inflation to ensure all internal bladders reach tube corners.
Kite Setup- Ensure LE tip dump valve is closed.
- Connect the pump leash to the kite near the main inflation point, turn the kite downwind, and inflate.
- All strut bladders are connected, allowing the entire kite to inflate through the main point.
Kite Setup and Safety Instructions
1. Valve and Inflation Instructions
- Insert the valve cap to seal the valve and prevent air from escaping. Do not push the valve into the kite after inflating the bladders.
- Once the kite is inflated, close the clamps on the connecting tubes to prevent air from moving from struts to the main tube. This is recommended to ensure only one section deflates in case of bladder failure.
2. Securing Your Kite
- Place the kite on the beach with the leading edge facing into the wind.
- Secure the kite by placing sand onto the sail behind the leading edge tube.
3. Larks-Head Knot
- All line-to-kite connections are made using the larks-head knot. Pulling on the tag will easily undo the knot.
- Connect the lines to your control gear before attaching them to your kite.
4. Attaching Flying Lines
- Ensure the bridle has no tangles and lay it out in front of the kite.
- Attach the grey front flying lines to the toggle attached to the pulley on the bridle.
- Use a larks-head knot to attach the toggle to the front flying lines.
- Attach the rear flying lines (red or blue) to the rear toggle on each wingtip.
- Check that lines are connected correctly and not crossed before launching.
5. Bridle Adjustment Options
- Hi: Massive depower, low edging force, ideal for beginners and strong winds.
- Lo: Slightly less depower, increased edging force, lighter bar pressure, ideal for lighter winds and experienced riders.
6. Pre-Launch Preparations
- Ensure a clear area around the launching zone and at least 100m of clear ground space downwind.
- Wear a harness to use the power-up/depower system on the control bar.
- Flexifoil recommends a good quality seat or waist harness.
7. Variable Power System
- Adjust the power of your kite while on the water using the variable power system.
- Fine-tune the kite’s power using the front line trim system before and during flying.
8. Fine-Tuning Your Kite
- Check all flying lines for tangles before flight.
- Adjust the trim system to vary the angle of attack and power.
- Tune the kite by adjusting rear line lengths or making small adjustments at the toggles on the kite.
Variable Power System
This section explains how to adjust the power of a kite while on the water using a variable power system. It highlights the importance of fine-tuning the kite before flight by checking all flying lines to ensure they are not twisted. The Flexifoil kite comes with a front line adjustment system that allows for power adjustments before and during flight. Adjusting the system helps vary the kite's angle relative to the wind, affecting the power available on the water. Adjustments can also be made by changing the length of the rear lines.
Pre-Launch Preparations
Before launching the kite, ensure a clear area around the launch zone with at least 100 meters of free space downwind. Wear a harness to utilize the power system effectively, allowing for longer flight times by absorbing the kite's power through the body rather than the arms. Flexifoil recommends using a high-quality seat or waist harness.
Safety Line System
The safety line system involves attaching a leash between the safety line ring and the rider's harness. Activating the chicken loop release depowers the kite, which then flies to the edge of the window ready for relaunch. This system is suitable for unhooked riding but is not recommended for landing the kite as it does not completely kill the power.
Using the Primary Release
Practice using the safety system regularly. In case of trouble or doubt, use the safety system. To activate the primary release, push the red cover away from the body, detaching the center line from the chicken loop and allowing the kite to fall safely.
Reattaching the Primary Release
This section provides instructions on reattaching the primary release by threading the black webbing flap through the steel ring on the center line and securing it with a plastic cover.
Using the Secondary Release
The secondary release system is used to completely disconnect from the kite, recommended only after using the primary release. To activate, pull the red loop on the leash towards you.
Reattaching the Secondary Release
Instructions are provided for reattaching the secondary release by threading loops and securing with a neoprene cover.
Overview
This document provides detailed instructions on tuning the Atom kite to suit different riding styles and conditions. It includes guidance on power settings, steering adjustments, rear line tension, and bar setup.
Power Settings- 1. Hi: Increases depower, suitable for high winds, lighter riders, and freeride/wave conditions.
- 2. Lo: Provides more constant power, suitable for low winds, heavier riders, and freestyle/wake conditions.
Steering Settings- Setting A: Lighter and faster turning.
- Setting B: Slower, more manageable turning.
Rear Line Tension- Tight: Increases maximum power but risks stalling, ideal for hooked-in riding.
- Standard: Default setting for all-round riding.
- Slack: Prevents stalling, ideal for unhooked riding.
Bar Setup- Ensure all flying lines are equal length when the bar is at full power.
- Adjust front or rear lines if they are too long by shortening the toggles or leader lines.
- Adjust the centre line length by retying the bowline knot to the preferred marker.
Key Recommendations- Regularly check and adjust line lengths to maintain correct flying trim.
- Use tools like bottle-nosed pliers for easier adjustments.
Introduction
This document provides detailed instructions and guidelines for the care, packing, storing, and repair of Flexifoil kites. It includes important notes on maintenance, warranty information, and contact details for further assistance.
Packing and Storing the KiteThe document outlines a step-by-step process for packing and storing the kite:
- Open the valves on the LE tube and all clamps (Fig. 1 & 2).
- Open the tip dump valve (Fig. 3).
- Roll the kite from wing-tip to wing-tip towards the tip dump valve, ensuring all air is expelled (Fig. 4 & 5).
- Ensure the kite is dry before storage to prevent color bleeding.
Repair and Maintenance
Flexifoil offers a comprehensive repair service for damaged kites. Customers are advised to visit the website for repair information and to contact local distributors for assistance. Spare parts are available for both current and discontinued models.
Warranty Information
Flexifoil products are designed to high standards, and defective products due to workmanship or materials will be replaced free of charge. However, products damaged by normal wear and tear, misuse, or unauthorized repairs will not be covered.
Community and Online Shopping
Flexifoil encourages joining their community for tips and product information. The online shop offers spare parts, clothing, and promotional merchandise.
Contact Information
Flexifoil International Head Office is located in Chessington, Surrey, UK. Contact details for general inquiries, sales, repairs, and media are provided, along with the website and community links.
Spare Parts Guide
The document includes a guide for spare parts and accessories, detailing codes, descriptions, and compatible products.