American Kitefliers Association

In general, think about what parts could break that would end your day of flying. Breaking the upper half of a leading edge or a top spreader is unlikely. A lower leading edge, bottom spreader, or standoff is more likely to break. If you carry one of each of those in your bag, you'll be able to do on-field repairs and keep flying.

I also find that electrical tape is handy to have, since it can provide temporary fixes for lots of little problems.

List of stuff to bring:
A lower leading edge
bottom spreader, or standoff
electrical tape
A Prism Kite Repair Kit
extra lines - varoius weight and length


anything else that someone want to add?
Also is there any links out there that has a checklist?

joenguyen wrote:

List of stuff to bring:
A lower leading edge
bottom spreader, or standoff
electrical tape
A Prism Kite Repair Kit
extra lines - varoius weight and length


anything else that someone want to add?
Also is there any links out there that has a checklist?

I don't know what's in Prism's repair kit, but also consider:

- A Leatherman or similar multi-tool
- Super glue
- A small tape measure
- a bit of sandpaper
- a needle and some polyester sail thread
- spare bridle line

I have built up a formidable kite toolbox over the years, and when I go to competitions I bring it and a huge array of repair materials.  But for just a day at the local field, the items above plus a few essential rods and replacement fittings cover most situations, and can fit into a pretty small bag (or even in pocket of my kite bag).

Of course, having spare kites in the bag is the easiest solution to breakages at the field...

Ron, you recommend needle and thread. I would've said go with ripstop tape. With tape you can slap a patch over a puncture or tear and be flying again in minutes. With needle and thread, that's a much more permanent repair, with more potential to be done badly if you're rushing while on the field. We've got two different ways of thinking. I'm interested in why you go with needle and thread.

kitephil wrote:

Ron, you recommend needle and thread. I would've said go with ripstop tape. With tape you can slap a patch over a puncture or tear and be flying again in minutes. With needle and thread, that's a much more permanent repair, with more potential to be done badly if you're rushing while on the field. We've got two different ways of thinking. I'm interested in why you go with needle and thread.

The needle and thread isn't for mending sail damage; as you suggest that's better done with ripstop tape as a field repair.  I keep the needle and thread for closing up damage to some high-stress reinforcement areas where tape isn't likely to hold - punctured nose webbing in particular.  That's a place where both the tip of the spine and both upper LE rods apply a great deal of pressure, and something I've been able to successfully repair on the field with a few stitches.

Also, with the needle and thread and the multi-tool, you've got everything you need to perform and emergency appendectomy at the kite field, should the need ever arise.

Ah, I gotcha. Good thinking.

Personally, I carry a Swiss Army knife and toe tags; if the first one doesn't work, the second one may be necessary.

Update:
List of stuff to bring:
A lower leading edge
bottom spreader, or standoff
electrical tape
A Prism Kite Repair Kit - contain ripstop tape
extra lines - various weight and length
A Leatherman or similar multi-tool
Super glue
A small tape measure
a bit of sandpaper
a needle and some polyester sail thread
spare bridle line

joenguyen wrote:

Update:
List of stuff to bring:
A lower leading edge
bottom spreader, or standoff
electrical tape
A Prism Kite Repair Kit - contain ripstop tape
extra lines - various weight and length
A Leatherman or similar multi-tool
Super glue
A small tape measure
a bit of sandpaper
a needle and some polyester sail thread
spare bridle line

I think that's a pretty decent list.  Certainly enough to cover you in 99% of the situations you're likely to encounter.

As time goes on and you acquire more kites, you might find it more useful to simply carry several varieties of spare full-length rods than specific replacement rods for specific kites.  Lots of kites use the same rods, and the only thing that differs is the length they're cut to (also makes it easier to help out  fellow flier in the event of a breakage).  About they only thing you'd need to add to the existing toolkit is something for cutting carbon, and in my experience a small diamond-coated needle file is inexpensive, takes up less room than a ball point pen, and works like a charm.

I noticed several of responders recommended a small piece of sandpaper as an item.  I'm curious about that one.

I also have a few items to add:

Tie Wraps: Small, Medium and Large (2 or 3 of each)
Mini Roll of Duct Tape

The tape can be purchased at Basegear.com.  In case anyone is interested here is the link: http://search.store.yahoo.net/basegear/ … earch.y=11

The tape is expensive ($3.50 for 2 rolls plus shipping) but the alternative is trying to make do with the typical huge roll we are all familiar with.