When you first buy your board, you pay attention to it. Then, as time goes by, you forget that it is always necessary to give it regular maintenance. This ensures that you have equipment that will not let you down, but also that it is safe. Because folding your sail carefully after each session is not enough to keep your kite in good condition, it is essential to know what to do to maintain your board and keep it for a long time.
The first things to do
The basic maintenance, which should be carried out after every ride, consists of different steps. You should remove all dirt and sand from the entire board. Once this is done, the board should be carefully folded and stored in its carry bag.
At least you did at the beginning, because the routine here has also set in and you soon find yourself not paying any attention to your board. After your ride, you tend not to pay much attention and ride with the sail still wet. This is a big mistake!
Because good maintenance of your equipment is necessary, and that in the long term.
Wash your equipment well
The first thing to do after a ride with your kitesurfing equipment is of course to wash it. Many riders are under the mistaken impression that rinsing the sail is not necessary. But it is!
There are two schools of thought. So what is the answer? The answer is actually more nuanced. Rinsing is of course useful, but no, it is not necessary after every ride. Indeed, as we know, the salt that settles on the sail will protect it from mould (if you have forgotten to dry it properly). It is therefore unnecessary to remove it.
But if you remove too much, it will become an enemy and damage the surface. It will also, in addition to sanding the spinnaker, harden the flanges. It is therefore useful to rinse your equipment. But don’t do it any old way.
After drying your sail on your return from your outing, start by sweeping the surface with a soft bristle brush. This will remove salt and sand. Rinsing with water will complete the process. You should rinse your sail every 15 sessions. Use soft water. City water is indeed harmful with chlorine and limescale. If you notice that your sail is dirty (e.g. traces of fuel oil), you can use a special shampoo. Once the cleaning is done, let your sail dry before folding it and storing it. Take advantage of this time to check for any holes, tears and seams, especially at the beginning and end of the line, the most sensitive areas. If you see that the seam line is broken, have it repaired by a professional.
To find the weakened areas, inflate your sail and place it in front of a light source.
For the board, a jet of water is sufficient. Take a look regularly to see if the board is not damaged.
A complete maintenance of the different elements
When the kitesurf goes out, it is subject to various inconveniences that can damage it. To be sure that it will follow you during your exploits, it is essential to check it frequently.
There are several points to check.
To avoid ending up with a deflated canopy when you were planning to have a great time in that great spot, you need to be prepared.
Remember to check the air pressure of your canopy. If it is too high, you will have trouble manoeuvring your kite. If it is too low, it may be due to a leak.
First of all, check the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Use a pump with a pressure gauge. This way you will know the value immediately and can correct it.
To detect a leak, you can inflate your material and wait. After half an hour you can see if one of the bladders is more deflated than the other. Soak it in soapy water and reinflate it. The leak will show up as soap bubbles.
It is also useful to look at the clamps and pulleys. The bridles contribute to the stability of your kite. They should be perfectly symmetrical, free of wear and tear, and securely fastened. Make sure that the pulleys are running smoothly without having to force them. If they feel hard, apply a little silicone lubricant. If the pulley is damaged, it is better to change it to avoid any breakage at the wrong moment.