Kiteboarding Victoria

BLADDER - The inner inflatable tube found within the leading edge and the struts of the kite (just like a bicycle - it has both a tire on the outside and an inner tube which holds air).
BODY DRAGGING - This is an important technique where the rider flies the kite while being dragged behind it without the board. During lessons the rider will launch the kite then walk to the water and basically drag in the water while practicing flying, re-launching and self-rescue techniques. The key to be able to drag "across the wind" without being blown downwind - this is what the rider will need to do in the event of losing the board while riding: on falling off the board the board will be upwind of the kiter. The board will slowly drift downwind so the kiter has to be able to wait (actually drag back and forward across the wind to prevent from being blown further downwind) until the board is blown towards the kiter.
BOW KITE - In contrast to the older "C" kites, bow kites typically have a curved leading edge (and a straight trailing edge - "C" kites are typically opposite or have a straight leading and traing edge) and sit "wider" in the wind (i.e. they have a higher aspect ratio).
BRIDLES - The lines that hang from the wing tips of the kite. The flying lines will be attached from the control bar to these bridle lines in order to connect control bar to kite. The bridle lines serve to maintain the kites shape while it is flying.
CONTROL BAR - The steering device the pilot uses to steer the kite. The ends of the control bar are typically tattached to the trailing-edge lines and the ar is centrally attached to the harness line connecting the rider to the kite.
DEPOWER LINES - The two center flying lines that attach to the leading edge bridles on the kite-one to the front left wing tip, the other to the front right wing tip. These lines assist in depowering the kite and are also referred to as the leading-edge lines.
FANGS - Metal teeth that engage and disengage the depower loop on Cabrinha's 2004/5 Powerlock Control System.
FLYING LINES - A term used to describe all four of the lines included with your kite package. These lines connect the bridle lines on the kite to the leader lines on the control bar and are typically 20-30 meters in length.
FOUR-LINE INFLATABLE KITE - A water-relaunchable kite with four flying lines and inflatable tubes. This kite does not usually have a bridle system in the polder "C" kites but bridle systems are common on some of the newer bow kites.
GYBE - Alternative spelling of JIBE
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).
INFLATABLE KITE - A kite with inflatable tubes designed to float the kite and to facilitate water re-launchability.
into the sky.
JIBE - A jibe is the maneuvre by which a sailing boat or yacht turns its stern through the wind so that the wind changes from one side to the other. The pilot switches from a starboard course to a port course or vice versa by steering away from the wind. This is contradictory to a tack which is turning the bow of the boat through (into) the wind. See also TACK.
KITEBOARDING - The term used to describe the sport of power kiting on water. Synonymous with Kitesurfing.
KITESURFING- The term used to describe the sport of power kiting on water. Synonymous with Kiteboarding.
LANDING - The motion in which the pilot steers the kite into their partner's hands on shore. A self-landing is an advanced technique whereby the pilot flies the kite down to the beach and causes it to settle on the beach in a safe position from which it will not be blown or acidentally launched.
LAUNCHING - The motion in which the pilot steers the kite from their partner's hands. A self-launch is a technique whereby the pilot lifts and flies the kite from a secured position on the beach without any additional assistance.
LEADER LINES - The lines that attach directly to the control bar. You will attach these lines to the flying lines in order to connect them to your bar.
LOFT - A term used to describe being lifted by a gust or updraft.
LUFF - A term used to describe what happens to the kite in a lull.
LULL - A term used to describe wind when it lessens in strength, for any amount of time. A term also used to describe the complete de-powering of a kite.
NEUTRAL POSITION - This is the position just above the rider's head in the sky. If the rider keeps the control bar steady and parallel to his/her shoulders, the kite will naturally "park" itself in this position. It is a position in which the kite will have the least amount of pull and is most steady. When in the neutral position, if the kite luffs, it will move slightly away from the rider, in a downwind direction. If kept steady, when the kite receives a gust, it will pull and again fly back into the neutral position. The neutral position is also where you may "park" the kite in order to rest, reel in your board, etc. In this position, the kite still has power, so keep in mind that although it is relatively stable in this position, it may still pull you. This is the safest position in which to keep the kite when learning. See "power zone" and accompanying diagram.
NEUTRAL ZONE - This is the area at the edges of the power zone 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 kite. When flown here, the kite has the least amount of power or pull. This is one of the safer zones in which to fly the kite off the wind. See "power zone" and accompanying diagram.
OVER-POWERED - A situation in which the pilot has a kite too powerful for his/her ability level, weight, strength, and/or wind conditions.
PLANING - The action of the board skimming on the water.
POWER ZONE - This is the area in front and to the sides of the pilot, but excluding the neutral position and zones (see diagram below). It is the area in which the kite has the most power and pull. When flown in this area, the kite can be powerful and dangerous, so avoid flying your kite in this zone when learning.

QRS-QUICK RELEASE SAFETY - Connection points on the control systems that the pilot may release in emergencies. QRS Harness Leash (Patent - Cabrinha) that is attached to the rider and kite, designed to disconnect you in emergencies. See also Safety Leash.
REACH - A direction of travel relative to the wind direction. Generally 90-160 degrees
RECON SECURITY LEASH & RE-LAUNCH SYSTEM - Cabrinha's system that was fully integrated into the 2004/5 kites. Both a unique security leash and a re-launch system, the Recon allows the rider to immediately turn off the power of the kite by activating the Recon quick release system (QRS). It also assists in quicker re-launching.
RE-LAUNCH ASSISTANCE BALL GRIPS - The plastic ball typically found on each of the two steering leader lines. The ball assists you in getting a better grip on your leader line when re-launching your kite and is also an attach point for safety leashes.
RE-LAUNCHING - the motion in which the pilot steers the kite off of the water and back into the sky.
SAFETY LEASH - Typically a line which attached the kiter to one of the kite lines - the purpose of the safety leash is to allow the kite to be secured in a depowered mode in an emergency and if the control bar is released. See also the page on Kite Safety.
SELF LAUNCHING - A technique in which the pilot launches the kite without assistance, usually by weighting down a wing tip with sand until he/she is ready to launch. A more advanced technique allows the pilot to launch the kite by tipping it into a pwered position (usually slightly downwind) and controlling its flight up into a neutral zone. This should not be attempted by inexperienced riders.
STEERING LINES - The two "outside" flying lines that attach to the trailing edge bridles on the kite - one to the rear left wing tip and the other to the rear right wing tip. These are the lines that are attached to the control bar.
STRUTS - The fabric tubes found on your kite. They house the inner inflatable bladders which are filled with air to give structure to the kite.
TACK - A tack or coming about is the maneuvre by which a sailing boat or yacht turns its bow through the wind so that the wind changes from one side to the other. This is contradictory to a jibe (also known as wear or wearing during the age of sail), which is turning the stern of the boat through the wind.
TRAINER KITE - A kite that may be used on land to simulate the motions used in kiteboarding. It is an excellent instructional and learning tool. Despite its small size, this kite still has power, so be alert.
UNDER-POWERED - A situation in which the pilot has a kite not powerful enough for his/her weight, strength, and/or wind conditions.
WATER STARTING - The motion of the pilot in which he/she goes from sitting or lying in the water to standing on the board.
WIND WINDOW - This refers to the area enclosed by the power zone (see power zone definition above)and includes the neutral zones at the extremes of the power zone.

SIDESHORE – wind is blowing from the left or from the right, parallel to the shore. Ideal wind direction for kiteboarding.

ONSHORE – wind is blowing directly or to a great extent directly from the water toward the land. Use caution when operating your kite in or near water in this wind direction.

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. Use caution when operating your kite in or near water in this wind direction.

OFFSHORE – wind is blowing from the shore directly or to a great extent out to the water. Do not operate your kite in or near water in this wind direction.

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. Do not operate your kite in or near water in this wind direction.

DOWNWIND – the direction in which the wind is traveling.
UPWIND – the direction from which the wind is blowing.
LEEWARD – the downwind side of the kiteboarder.
WINDWARD – the upwind side of the kiteboarder.

GUST - A gust is any sudden increase of wind of short duration, usually a few seconds.
GUSTY WIND – wind is inconsistent and varies considerably from one wind strength to another.
SQUALL - A squall comprises a rather sudden increase of the mean wind speed which lasts for several minutes at least before the mean wind returns to near its previous value. A squall may include many gusts.
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.

MPH – Miles Per Hour. A measure of speed.
- 1 mph = 1.6 kilometers per hour.
BEAUFORT SCALE – a system for estimating wind strength based on the effects wind has on the physical environment (eg. the behavior of waves, flags, smoke, etc). Instruments are not used to determine wind strengths in this twelve-point scale (O = calm to 12 = hurricane). Wind speeds are given as the equivalent speed at a standard height of 10 metres above open flat ground. The Beaufort Wind Scale is shown at the bottom of this page.

Smoke rises vertically, flags limp

Wind felt on face; flags and leaves rustle; ordinary vanes moved by wind.

Small waveless, ripples formed but do not break: A glassy appearance maintained.

Raises dust and loose paper; flags flutter at less than 45 degrees; small branches are moved.

Small waves - becoming longer; fairly frequent white horses.

Small trees in leaf begin to sway; flags fly at 45 degree to 60 degrees; small crested waveletts form on inland water.

Moderate waves, taking a more pronounced long form; many white horses are formed - a chance of some spray

Large branches in motion; whistling heard in telephone wires;flags at 90 degrees; umbrellas used with difficulty.

Large waves begin to form; the white foam crests are more extensive with probably some spray

Whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt when walking against wind.

Sea heaps up and white foam from breaking waves begins to be blown in streaks along direction of wind.

Twigs break off trees; flags rip and tear; progress generally impeded.

Moderately high waves of greater length; edges of crests begin to break into spin drift; foam is blown in well marked streaks along the direction of the wind.

Slight structural damage occurs; roofing dislodged; larger branches break off.

High waves; dense streaks of foam; crests of waves begin to topple, tumble and roll over; spray may affect visibility.

Seldom experienced inland; flags disappear; trees uprooted; considerable structural damage.

Very high waves with long overhanging crests; the resulting foam in great patches is blown in dense white streaks; the surface of the sea takes on a white appearance; the tumbling of the sea becomes heavy with visibility affected.

Very rarely experienced - widespread damage

Exceptionally high waves; small and medium sized ships occasionally lost from view behind waves; the sea is completely covered with long white patches of foam; the edges of wave crests are blown into froth.

Kiteboarding Glossary