protect your kites

[andrew pattullo]

damaging your expensive kite is one thing

 

 

the other invisible damage SUN LIGHT UV damages and destroys your kite

 

 

pointing out the obvious

 

but NIKIWAX 5L and you get from Tesco online 30 odd quid , should be enough to coat at least to kites ,

 

this wax is designed for tents waterproof and UV protection

[The Geoff]

It also weighs a fair bit.

[Andy-j]

you get special kite stuff do you not?

[andrew pattullo]

weighs ? its diluted with water and you can put on as thin as you like

 

the kite stuff comes in spray cans and anything to do with kitesurfing allways comes with a expensive price tag

[garc]

How much UV exposure is needed to destroy the material and are we talking UK weather or the more direct stuff abroad?

[Blast]

I've seen brand new kites go like tissue paper (in just a few months) especially in hot countries where the kites have been left out in the sun all day but I've also seen this here in the UK, it just takes a little longer.

 

 

We sell the Kite-Refit stuff and it works really well too.

It's especially good when selling a used kite and you want to make it crispy again!

We have had a few customers do this and they make way more extra than the cost of the stuff.

 

 

Here:

Kite-Refit - Accessories - Kite-Refit - Blast Kiteboarding S.Wales School Shop Forum Holidays

[BillyGoat]

I'm so worried about this I only kite at night these days...

[Blast]

:)

[garc]

These days I save wear on my kites by not going kiting. They're in perfect condition.

[The Geoff]

Remember that pumping up an LEI puts strain on the stitching. Far better to just leave them uninflated and let the wind blow the kite into shape, NW stylee.

[LostCause]

I was on beach other day and some one had waxed there kite ( not sure what wax) but had put a small cut in canopy and could not get the kite repair tape to stick so stood there all day watching everyone else.

[LostCause]

I think the uv damage on kites is only realy affects kite surfers how set there gear up then stand around talking all day with landboarders and buggys triyng to miss the kite and lines all day. should try what i do is put kite up use it put kite away.

[andrewjohn]

Basically, using your kite will affect it in one way or another, you just have to live with that, but at least it's been used.

Just leaving it on the beach pumped up get baked by the sun is not a clever idea, but I can understand why some kite schools would do it if they have a few riders out.

 

Just another good reason why I wouldn't buy a used kite from a school.

[C00KIE]

We sell the Kite-Refit stuff and it works really well too.

It's especially good when selling a used kite and you want to make it crispy[/url]

 

Reminds me of when we used to put sawdust in gearbox to make it feel better when selling cars. Who needs ethics.

[mick]

weighs ? its diluted with water and you can put on as thin as you like

 

the kite stuff comes in spray cans and anything to do with kitesurfing allways comes with a expensive price tag

 

Andy, I believe lard works really well. And its cheap.

[mick]

PMSL at some of the replies.

[wind-seeker]

andy, there is uv protect suntan oil in poundland, get some and coat your kites, let us know how you get on, atleast they wont get a tan :-)

[Blast]

[quote=;2435538]Reminds me of when we used to put sawdust in gearbox to make it feel better when selling cars. Who needs ethics.

 

I'd just like to add that we havn't done this but we have had cusomers who have.

We generally turn our demo/school kites over frequently, however we do have one kite that we have been using solidly now for three years in the school and personally, it's not worth selling now and keeps going stong!

[KiteItRight]

All it takes is to out the kite away in that shade or so it can't flap when your scoffing your face at lunch . Makes all the difference

 

Cabrinha kites are the worst for it. They don't use tejinn and the canopy looks appalling after a worryingly short period of time

[mick]

I have noticed my Ocean Rodeo is as slack as an old fanjita. It does flap about a bit.