Kite Surfing Gear - Control Devices
Control Devices, as their name implies, are the ones used by the kite surfer to control the kite. They are indispensable in Kite Surfing because without Control Devices, the kite will fly aimlessly, or it won't even fly at all.
There are several types of Control Devices for each variation of kite.
In inflatable devices, there are two kinds of control devices depending on the type of kite. For two-line inflatables with a two-line control bar, controlling the kite is as easy as it gets. The surfer simply pulls the control bar to the desired direction of the kite. For example, if one wants the kite to turn to the right, the surfer simply pulls the right of the bar towards him. The kite will then turn accordingly.
In the case of four-line inflatables, there's a four-line control bar. It is much like the two-line control bar, but with some additional functions for a better control of the kite. There are two back lines tied to the leader lines of the bar while front lines are attached to the center leader line. A surfer can then adjust the lengths of the two using the adjustable strap and chicken loop to fine tune the power of the kite according to the surfer's preference.
Meanwhile, the foil usually employs a control device composed of a pair of four-line handles. To turn the kite, the surfer pulls handle where he or she wants to turn. To make a right turn, one simply has to pull the right handle and the kite will move to that direction. If the rider wants to make the kite fly faster, he or she can pull on the handle's back lines called the brake lines.
Aside from controlling them, there is also a system for depowering the kite. For a four-line inflatable, the kite can be depowered by shortening the front leader line using the chicken loop. Meanwhile, there are several ways to depower a foil, depending on the manufacturer. Some examples include, changing the kite's angle of attack and changing the foil's shape.
But whatever type of control device you use, always make sure that it has the appropriate safety systems. It ensures your safety as well as the security of other people. Read more about it by reading our Safety Release Systems section.
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