Dictionary
5th Line: Is a single line that can be used in two different ways. It can be set up on the trailing edge or go to the center of the leading edge or to assist with launching a “C” kite on snow. Many newer kites also use the 5th line on the leading edge for a safety and to help trim the kite.
Bar Pressure: This is the amount of pull or feel the kiter feels while steering the control Bar.
Battens: Are most commonly found on inflatable kites. They are Simi-stiff lengths of fiberglass, (in most cases) to reduce fluttering of the trailing edge.
Bow Kite: Is an inflatable kite with a supported leading edge bridal system. Its shape has a very swept back design. (It looks much like the brim of a ball cap.) This design has infinite de-power and it’s shape makes it easy to roll over and launch on snow or water.
Break Lines: Can be multiple or a single line that is attached to the trailing edge of a foil kite. By pulling this line a kiter can land the kite in a controlled situation. These lines can also be used for re-launch when the kite is upside down.
Bridals: These are multiple small lines connected on the underside or leading edge of a kite. They stabilize and help support the shape of the kite.
“C” Kite: Is an inflatable kite with no bridals. It can have either 4 or 5 lines to the control bar and it’s shape resembles the letter “C”.
Camber: Is the amount of rise in a snowboard or ski when it sits flat on the ground. It helps distribute load and gives pop.
Chicken Loop: This is a devise used to attach the kiter to the kite; it passes through the control bar, to allow adjustment in the power of the kite. It should also contain a safety release or quick disconnect.
Control Bar: This is the bar a kiter holds onto to steer and control the kite. There are two main types of bars Fixed or a de-power bar. A fixed bar has no chicken loop and trim adjustment of the kite is limited. A de-power bar lets the kiter have complete control over the trim and amount of power in the kite.
Foil kite: Or Ram air. Is a two layered kite with an open leading edge allowing air to fill the kite and giving it it’s wing or foil shape.
Inflatable Kite: It has an inflatable leading edge and struts. Can be either “C” or have a supported leading edge. Its primary use is for water while adding support and flotation to the kite. But many also work well on snow.
Kicket: AKA Donkey Dic. It is found inside the chicken loop, and makes a secure connection to the harness hook to keep it from accidentally falling out.
Leading edge: The front edge of the kite flying into the wind.
Leash: This is a primary or back up safety device that retains the kite to the kiter. It is used to disable the kite in the event the kiter becomes unattached and to not lose the kite.
Leeward: Farthest down wind to the direction the wind is blowing. Has right of way on anyone to windward on the same tack (going the same direction). But not on someone who is on Starboard tack.
Lofted: This is when the kite positioned overhead and a large gust of wind lifts the kiter unwillingly up off the ground. Lofting can be very dangerous.
Port Tack: Port meaning left side. This is when the wind is coming from your left. If your moving with your left hand forward and your back to the wind. You are on Port Tack. You are to give way to others on Starboard Tack and Leeward of you.
Quick Release: A safety device found on many places, either on the control bar system or kiter. It can be released or pulled under extreme load to kill the kite or free a rider from the kite.
Range: The amount of wind a kite can or should be flown in. For example: a 10m kite would perform best in a range of 15-25 mph, on Snow.
Sidecut: Is the curve put into the side of a ski or snowboard, to make it turn while on edge. The grater the sidecut the tighter the turning radius. For snowkiting; less or no sidecut is preferred to help track in a straight line.
“S.L.E.” (Supported leading edge): Is an inflatable kite which has a bridal system on the leading edge. These may commonly be referred to as a hybrid or bow kite.
Stability: Can be referred to in many ways. Most common uses are to describe wind conditions. Stable; meaning smooth and steady. Unstable; meaning gusty and shifty. It can also be referred to in kite performance. A stable kite is one with a predictable solid feel, and well balanced while in the air. An unstable kite is one out of tune, and does not perform the way it should.
Starboard Tack: Starboard meaning right side. This is when the wind is coming from your right. If you are moving with your right hand forward and the wind at your back, you are on Starboard Tack. You have right of way over all others.
Struts: These are tubes found on inflatable kites. They run from the leading edge to the trailing edge, giving the kite shape as well as supporting it and assisting in water re-launch. They are similar to battens.
Trailing Edge: The back edge of the kite
Trim: The angel of attack the kite has in the wind. It can be adjusted with a de-power bar. More trim equals more drag and lift (feeling of power). Good trim equals speed and efficiency. Under trimmed will result in de-power and instability.
Wind Window: This is the area in which the kite will fly relative to the kiter’s position. Within it is the Power zone, the area most downwind of the kiter. And the neutral zone, the area to either side or overhead of the kiter, its the most windward the kite will fly when stationary
Windward: Closest to the wind in the direction it is coming from. If you are windward of others you must give way to anyone leeward on the same tack (going the same direction), or anyone on starboard tack.
