Kite hit the water yesterday and the dump valve popped open. Had to swim back to shore pulling an 11m Rev full of water.
Question: Is there an easy way of getting the water out of the kites bladder? I think i got most of it out so, should i be concerned?
Plus, I was originally pumping the kite to about 13psi as per shops instructions (which isn't an easy task) but the manual for the kite says 8psi. I found the kite folds too much at this low pressure. Will i do damage to the bladder if i continue to pump it up to 13psi?

Thanx for any input.

medic,
Pumping to 13psi should not do any damage to the bladder but may result in the stitching on the leading edge starting to pull away. or burst on a large impact with the water or beach ( the leading edge will give way before the bladder but once it does the bladder will most likely blow as well )

I pump my kites to around 10 -11psi ( 11m Fuels or 12m SB3 ) but closer to 13psi on my 8m Switchblade 3 if it is gusty and up towards 30- 35 knots. The 8m seems to need this extra pressure to keep its shape, in this strong wind without it it sometimes collapses along the leading edge as it races across the power zone.

The REV is a pretty well built kite and I would not expect 13psi to be too much for it. JUst avoid too many large impacts on the leading edge.

Same technique as getting the last bit of wine out of a goon bag but a bit more tricky with the bladder still in the kite. Only way to do it properly is to take the bladder out. A bit of water in the bladder is not too much of an issue just try not to get any sand in there.

13psi seems a bit much for a rev...normally that sort of pressure would be used for a kite with skinny bladders. I'd be going with 8 or 9 psi. Try a couple of different pressure gauges - they tend to be a bit different. 8psi on your pressure gauge might really be 5psi.

Pump the kite up in your back yard (i.e. no wind around) to 8psi. Stand the kite up on one wing tip like you are launching it for someone. If it looks and feels like its folding a bit then it's too soft. If it holds its shape then 8psi is spot on. Keep pumping a bit more in until the kite holds its shape up on end like this and then that will be the pressure on your gauge that you need to pump to. Kind of like calibrating your pressure gauge to your kite.

Its amazing how many peoples kite that I launch that are under inflated. As soon as I hold the kite on end to launch it, it folds a bit. Then they wonder why they battle to re-launch in the water.

Hey Medic - to get the last of the water out - you can pump up the leading edge and let it get warm in the sun - this will turn the water to Vapour and will expell when you open the dump valve - had to do the same on one of my kites and worked a treat. Only need to heat up a little for it to work.

13PSI is a lot of pressure too!

Yeh dude... I only use 6 or 7 psi, seeing as I kite in waves often, I'd rather the kite get all mucked up that a busted bladder... 13 psi sounds bloody high!

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sunseeker said...

Same technique as getting the last bit of wine out of a goon bag but a bit more tricky with the bladder still in the kite. Only way to do it properly is to take the bladder out. A bit of water in the bladder is not too much of an issue just try not to get any sand in there.

Only way is not to take out the bladder. That is not necessary. Pump it up, turn it upside down, like when you carry it after you've pumped it up on the beach. If possible try and get 2 friends to hold the wingtips up straight standing on chairs. As you open the valves twist the LE so that the valve faces downwards. It should come shooting out. Repeat a couple of time to ensure all water is out.

Water in LE is an issue. I had water in mine after a similiar incident and next time I took the kite out it was sooooo hard to steer and turn around and jellyfished constantly. Eventually after I crashed my kite once the pressure was too big and it ripped the whole canvas from LE to the end of it. Get the water out bro and you can use the kite as normal again!

Wicked advice guys, thanks.

I'll try a few techniques. I'll pump it up and put it in the sun for a bit (thanks Lance) then i'll hols it upside down and as i dump it i'll twist it downwards (thanks dave).
As for the pressure thing- 13 psi did seem high. And was really hard to do too. I'll do what you suggested sunseeker and calibrate my gauge.

Good advice.

Speak to Posko down at Choice kites. He has mastered the art of clearing the LE! Interestingly this is not the first time I have heard of the nipple popping open on impact on Slingys. I witnessed a new 08 Fuel repeatedly popping its cap on impact down at Woodies. The guy ended up having to strap it up using tape after closure. Where you at Melville when this happened?

Nah. Freo, kiting by myself. Was only about 50m out but thats a big swim when you have a waterlogged kite. And now my new kite is dirty.

IT WORKED!!

Good advice guys. Most of it came out as vapor and the tiny bit left i syringed out.

As for the calibrating my gauge: Seems like 10+ is what is needed for the kite to be stiff and not twist and jelly.