Modern power kites have become safer and more versatile ... largely due to depower systems.
This tutorial explains all of the de-power systems on a modern power kite.
The ability to power or depower your kite while flying it, is actually its ability to
change angle compared to the airflow – known as angle of attack.
If your kite lines up with the airflow, it will barely deflect it, and
won't pull you as much.
If the kite has a larger angle of attack, then the wind is deflected and
the kite pulls harder.
It is important to note, however, that if the angle of attack is too great,
you start to loose power.
Too much angle of attack makes the kite fly sluggishly around the wind window; and can
even cause the kite to fly backwards, known as backstalling.
The largest and quickest control over your kite's angle
comes from the bar.
When the bar is pulled in, the steering lines tense, increasing the kite's angle of attack.
When the bar is out, the steering lines loosen, reducing the kite's angle and power.
This is why, students are trained to push the bar away when confused or out of control.
Many students, unfortunately, begin with the opposite instinct. Since panic makes you want
to grip on the bar.
As well as the bar, you can adjust the kite's angle using the depower strap.
Bascially, this system works by adjusting the length of the centre lines.
When you shorten the centre lines, the steering lines loosen, giving less power.
When you extend the centre lines, the steering lines tense, which can increase the power
you feel from the kite.
The depower strap isn't designed to give on-the-go adjustments like the bar, but it is helpful
for trimming your set-up.
For example, here the kiter is leaning forward too reach the bar. This is spoiling their
upwind stance. Shortening the depower rope means the bar can sit closer as you ride.
On some designs, you may find your depower strap below the bar. Or you may even have
2 seperate tabs, but this still works on the same principle. The power tab will extend
the centre lines. The depower will shorten shortens the centre lines.
The final way to alter the angle of the kite, is by using the different connection points
that join your lines to your kite.
Typically, you will find three knots to choose from when connecting your steering lines to
the kite.
Attaching to first knot slightly extends the steering lines, for less power.
Attaching to third knot (or last knot) slightly shortens the steering lines, for more power.
There could also be multiple connection points to choose from on the centre lines.
In this case, the first knot extends the centre lines, for more power. The last knot shortens
the centre lines, for less power.
Most kites are designed to work well on the middle settings.
Although, it can be hard for beginners to notice if their set-up and rigging are optimal.
Generally speaking: when the bar is pulled in straight, the steering lines should become
tense but the kite shouldn't stall or steer. When the bar pushed out, the steering lines
should become slack.
It is common for people to make rigging mistakes in light wind.
Because the wind is light, they decide to set up the kite for the most power. These
settings give the most angle of attack possible.
However, too much angle of attack slows the kite as you try to manuaevre it – AND, in
light wind make the kite liable to backstall.
Using some depower, however, helps the leading edge fly forward quickly. The kite can then
be steered deeper into the window to build power.
In strong wind, it may help a little to rig for less power before you launch.
But, bare in mind this doesn't make a huge difference in strong wind. Full depower, will
NOT allow you to use a kite that is too big for the wind speed.
I hope this tutorial helps you understand your kite's depower systems. Subscribe for
further tutorials.