CONTENTS
- Leaks in the kite's leading edge and struts
- Detecting an air leak in the kite's struts
- Repairing a kitesurf kite with a cut in the canopy
- Repairing unstuck valves
Finding cuts in the canopy or leaks in your kite's valves is common. In this article we explain two methods to repair a kitesurf kite quickly and effectively. Before getting into the subject, bear in mind that the best way to prevent possible damage to your kite is good kitesurf kite maintenance.
We explain how to fix a kitesurf kite and find leaks in the valves, struts and leading edge, or cuts in the canopy.
Lots of water sports need good maintenance, and lots of you ask us how to repair your toys. A clear example is stand-up paddle, where a few months ago we explained how to repair an inflatable paddle board.
Ready to get to work and repair your kite step by step?
Leaks in the kite's leading edge and struts
If we don't know where the leak in the kite is, the first thing to do is inflate it in a large, clean place (we don't want it to get any more damaged than it already is). The aim is to see whether it's losing air through a strut or through the leading edge.
If it's losing air through a strut, repairing it would be much simpler, since removing the strut and putting it back is much less tedious.
If it's the leading edge, it's a little more complicated. You have to disconnect all the connections linking the leading edge to the struts via the small tubes and valves. When we put it back in, the valves have to line up correctly on the leading edge.
Once we've detected the leak, we need to know where it's losing air, regardless of whether it's through the struts or the leading edge.
Detecting an air leak in the kite's struts
Let's suppose that what has deflated is a strut, so the kite is losing air through one of the struts. The deflated strut is the one we'll need to repair.
The procedure for detecting the leak is as follows:
The procedure for detecting the leak is as follows:
- Take a bottle with soapy water, ideally with a sprayer (the typical spray bottle you can buy in any supermarket). Fill this bottle with water and soap.
- You need to spray the whole surface of the strut that you've already seen is losing air. It could be worn valves: the one that connects the leading edge to the strut, or the inflation valve.
- If we see an area where lots of little bubbles form, that's where the air leak is.
The following video will help you understand the steps we've just explained:
Air leak in the kite's leading edge
If it were the leading edge, we'd follow the same procedure until we found the leak, which the soap bubbles would show us.
Repairing a kitesurf kite with a cut in the canopy
If you find a tear or a cut in your kite's canopy, you'll need to repair your kitesurf kite to fly it again. Using the Upglass method will let you repair a kite with cuts in the canopy of up to twenty centimetres. We explain how!
What will you need to repair it? With just three tools you can repair a kitesurf kite with a cut in the fabric.
You'll only need:
- Upglass adhesive
- Masking tape
- A hairdryer
Procedure:
First of all, when repairing a kitesurf kite you'll need to place the canopy on a flat surface, such as a table or board, which will be your work area.
First of all, when repairing a kitesurf kite you'll need to place the canopy on a flat surface, such as a table or board, which will be your work area.
Once you've found the tear on the outside, seal it with masking tape to hold the two parts of the canopy together. Pull the material taut and join the two parts; it should be as perfect as possible.
Once the masking tape is on, turn the canopy fabric over and check that the two parts of the fabric fit together perfectly. If not, adjust it until it's perfect.
We'll start by applying the Upglass adhesive on the inside of the canopy. Take out several pieces of Upglass and stick them to the canopy. Make sure it's well covered!
Overlap the different adhesive patches along the whole length of the cut. Because the patches are circular, they give us a stronger hold against cuts and make this repair method last longer.
Overlap the different adhesive patches along the whole length of the cut. Because the patches are circular, they give us a stronger hold against cuts and make this repair method last longer.
After covering the whole cut with Upglass, heat the patches with the hairdryer so they bond fully to the canopy fabric.
When it's completely sealed, turn the canopy fabric back over and remove the masking tape you applied first.
Next, repeat the previous step. Cover the whole length of the cut with adhesive, overlapping as many patches as needed. Again, finish sealing them by applying heat with the hairdryer.
Finally, you'll see the repair is finished. Check that the two parts of the cut are held firmly together.
This repair will let you keep flying your kite without any problems for a long time.
Repairing unstuck valves
Valves are usually the reason for having to repair a kitesurf kite. In general they can all come unstuck, but if you kite in hot places they can come unstuck more easily. We explain how to repair them by hand!
What will you need?
- An air pump for inflating,
- Tweezers,
- Glue for flexible plastics
- Scissors
- Cotton buds (the ones we usually use to clean our ears)
- Talcum powder,
- A line,
- Soapy water and
- Rubbing alcohol
Procedure:
First of all, we need to identify where the leak is. To do this, you need to inflate the kite and use soapy water. Pour the solution onto each valve of each strut of the kite (it's the same procedure we explained at the start of the post).
First of all, we need to identify where the leak is. To do this, you need to inflate the kite and use soapy water. Pour the solution onto each valve of each strut of the kite (it's the same procedure we explained at the start of the post).
Whenever you see bubbles coming out of one of the valves, you'll know that's where the leak is coming from.
Once you've found the leak, pull the hose/sleeve off the strut firmly (a little squirt of alcohol will help you remove it more easily). You can also use tweezers to help. Tie a line to the valve and pull the bladder out of the strut from the leading edge end.
Next, using a cotton bud, we gradually separate all the layers above the valve. With scissors, we carefully trim the upper layers of the valve.
Once the valve is unstuck, we need to remove the remains of the glue. We recommend soaking the valve in hot water to make this easier. After removing the glue residue, we should clean the valve with alcohol.
Once that's done, we put a little plastic glue on the surface of the valve and stick it onto the bladder.
Once it's dry, we need to check there are no new or old leaks. To do this, we inflate the bladder again and submerge it in water to check everything is fine.
After this check, we deflate the bladder and coat it in talcum powder so we can put it back inside the strut. You'll need help to get it in perfectly!
Finally, we inflate the bladder again once it's inside the strut to check it's completely sealed.
After this repair, you'll be able to get back in the water and keep enjoying your favourite sport.
Don't hesitate to comment on this post with any questions that come up when you get to work repairing your kite. We'll be happy to answer.
We advise you to carry out the right maintenance on your kitesurf gear before you end up in a situation like this. You can start with kitesurf bar maintenance.
