Kiteboarding: What are the Benefits of a Bow Kite?

Bow kites (or SLE for Supported Leading Edge) are flatter in profile
than the traditional "C" shaped kites. This new design creates more effective
lifting surface in the SAME SIZE kite AND it can be depowered to a MUCH
greater extent than the "C" kite design. Therefore, a given kite has
more range and ease of use for its size. It also has better
relaunchability. All this makes it easier to learn on, safer, more fun,
and more versatile for advanced riders.


FEATURES FOR BEGINNERS:



SAFETY: This is your #1
issue as a beginner. There is no safer kite than a bow kite -- the
kite's de-power ability it makes learning safer and faster.




SHORTEN the LEARNING CURVE: Riding is easier and safer because you can handle and smooth out gusty conditions that on a "C" kite would knock you around.




GOING UPWIND is EASIER:
Since you can depower, you can stay on your edge and go upwind. And
you'll go upwind FARTHER and learn how FASTER than on a "C" kite. This
is a safety issue too, since going downwind unintentionally can lead to
big hassles, long walks and swims, or worse.




WIND RANGE:
The kite can handle a wider wind range; if the wind picks up, as a
beginner you will not so quickly find yourself beyond your abilities
like you may with same size "C" kite.




GUSTY WINDS:
Handles gusty winds way better than "C" kite, making kiting safer in
broader range of winds. On older "C" style kites, gusty winds were
quite dangerous for beginners. You can go out with confidence that your
kite can handle the conditions.




SAVE MONEY: Due to the
range of the kite, you end up using one kite for 80% of wind
conditions. You save money. You save time. You extend your sessions by
not having to re-rig.




LAUNCHING AND LANDING: Is safer because you can depower the kite if a gust hits rather than getting dragged around in the dangerous near-beach zone.




RELAUNCHING:
Its SO EASY -- this is the other KEY for beginners. The kite
practically relaunches itself. You will spend WAY less time fighting
the kite, swimming, untangling lines. THEREFORE you'll learn way faster
and safer. You'll get into less trouble.











FEATURES FOR ADVANCED KITERS:




TURNING SPEED:
Fast! Great for slashing and powered carve transitions, great for wave
riding, KITELOOPS are much easier than on trad "C" kites.




BIG WIND RANGE: Save money, carry less kites, less rerigging than old style "C" kites, longer sessions over a wider range of conditions.




GUSTY WINDS: Makes gusty wind days much smoother and easier to deal with.




FULL DEPOWER: Great for riding waves; no more getting pulled off the wave or out of the pocket, just depower and and surf your board.


HIGH JUMPS:
Lots of lift -- lots of float and glide, jump height is geparable, or
even higher than that of a classic "C" with the same aspect ratio. On
the other hand the hang time is LONGER and the landings extremely SOFT.


SAVE MONEY:
Due to the range of the kite you end up using one kite for 80% of wind
conditions. You save money. You save time. You extend your sessions by
not having to rerig.







WARNING: The information presented
here is not a substitute for lessons with a certified kiteboarding
instructor and is not a guarantee of any particular product or
encouragement to kite beyond your level or capabilities. Learn about
kiteboarding safety and always take all appropriate safety precautions.