Kite Bars & Leashes

Kitebars

The bar is more than just a small detail in kitesurfing. After all, it is the only connection between you and the kite.

The choice of bar can influence the flight characteristics, some comfort features, and, not least, safety.

The compatibility between bar and kite: Not every kite can be flown with every bar. First and foremost, the number of lines must, of course, match.

Some kites fly with 5 lines, others with 4 lines. In addition, the attachment points should fit. If necessary, you can use intermediate pieces to turn a loop into a knot.

Less obvious is the arrangement of the lines, or the position of the so-called Y of the bridle lines.

With some, the lines split directly above the adjuster; with others, they only split about halfway to the kite. The wrong bar can significantly affect the flight characteristics.

The bar width: The width of a bar determines how much the steering lines move apart during a steering motion.

A wider bar leads to larger movements and thus a stronger steering impulse.

Most kites under 12 m² can be flown with the same bar; wider bars are primarily used for large light wind kites.

Some bars are also adjustable in width: The Adjuster. The adjuster can be used to adapt the kite's angle of attack and thus the pressure point on the bar to the wind strength.

There are different positions for the adjuster. Traditionally, a cleat is located at the end of the depower throw. In this position, the adjuster is particularly easy to operate.

In contrast, an adjuster at the height of the chicken loop allows for a much larger depower throw, but at the expense of the adjuster's ease of use.

Cabrinha is the only brand to solve this problem with a spring-mounted adjuster in the middle of the depower throw, which can be moved with light pressure.

Finally, the safety should work. A distinction is made between kites that flag out via a fifth line, via two front lines, or via one front line.

Here, the kite and bar should definitely match.

The release mechanism: In an emergency, the kite must be quickly and safely brought into the safety position.

The release mechanism is usually a system in which pushing away the safety opens the chicken loop, whereupon the kite is only connected to you via the safety leash.

However, there are different types of systems here as well. Nowadays, almost all systems work in all conditions.

Kite-leashes

Not all leashes are created equal! We have several in our program, and for your style, not only the color is important, but also safety!

Therefore, you should always release your leash and check its function, so that everything runs smoothly in an emergency and you can calmly dedicate yourself to the next kite session.