What does SLE stand for kitesurfing?

Hybrid kites, together with bow kites and later delta kites are all subtypes of a SLE-kite (Supported Leading Edge), defined by having a bridle which supports the leading edge.

What is a RAM kite?

You could be forgiven for thinking that Ram Air kites are difficult and complex beasts used by the small minority of techy minded or advanced riders. These were generally “Open celled”, non-water-relaunchable kites whom shared their DNA with paragliders and trainer kites.

What kind of kite is used for kitesurfing?

There are two families of kitesurfing kites: inflatable kites and foil kites. Although they are both used in all kiteboarding disciplines, inflatable kites are definitely more suited for kiteboarding in the waves, while foil kites prevail in light winds.

What is a good beginner kite?

Delta Kites When asking for the best kite to fly, we almost always say a delta. These are generally the kites we guide beginners to. They have a wide wind range of around 5-20 mph for an easy, stable flight. Small and regular-sized delta kites are perfect for beginners.

What is the best size kite for beginners?

A 144-144cm board (42-44cm wide) is usually a good beginner size for an average build rider (around 75kg) in light to moderate winds (12-18 knots). If you’re on the heavy side or tend to ride in low winds, you may need a bigger kite – see my post Best kite and board for heavy riders.

What is a Rokkaku kite?

The Rokkaku dako (六角凧) is a traditional six-sided Japanese fighter kite. Traditionally, it is made with bamboo spars and washi paper. Fighting two or more of these kites involves tipping over or destabilizing the opposing kite or cutting its kite line or bridle. Cows are often painted on kites to resemble wealth.

What is a cellular kite?

Cellular kites are a three-dimensional style of kites that include a wide variety of box kites, snowflakes and stars. The many variants include the Hargrave, the triangular box kite with wings and the Cody, a full box with upturned wings.

What is a parafoil parachute?

A parafoil is a nonrigid (textile) airfoil with an aerodynamic cell structure which is inflated by the wind. It was not until the addition of a drag canopy on the riser lines (known as a “slider”) which slowed their spread that the parafoil became a suitable parachute.

What is the simple definition of a kite?

Definition of kite. 1 : a light frame covered with paper, cloth, or plastic, often provided with a stabilizing tail, and designed to be flown in the air at the end of a long string. 2 : any of various usually small hawks (family Accipitridae) with long narrow wings and often a notched or forked tail.

What is Lelei kiteboarding?

LEI – Abbreviated for leading edge inflatable. These kiteboarding kites have a hollow tube framing containing a bladder that is pumped full of air to give the kite its shape. Lofted – To get lifted vertically into the air by the kite by a strong gust of wind.

What is a C- kite?

C-kite – The C- kite is the original kitesurfing kite shape, having square corners and pronounced wingtips that form a deep C-shaped arc when flying. It gets its characteristic shape from its lines, which are attached at the four corners of the kite. In more recent years, a fifth line has been added to many designs for better depower and relaunch.

What is freestyle kitesurfing?

Freeride – A style of kitesurfing that is devoid of jumping or tricks, but rather focuses on edge control and upwind riding. Freestyle – A kiteboarding discipline that focuses on tricks that are further powered by use of kite to generate lift.