Bars

Broadly yes — most bars are four-line and work with most modern kites as long as the number of lines and the front line length match. Be careful with five-line kites, where the fifth line carries the safety function.

If you are switching brands, send us your kite model — we will tell you whether your bar fits or you need a new one from our bar selection.

The default is 20–24 m and it suits most riders. Shorter lines (15–18 m) react faster and are handy on small or crowded spots; longer ones (24–27 m) help in light wind because the kite sweeps a bigger arc through the power window.

Most bars ship with extensions, so you can change length without buying a new line set.

Replace lines when they are visibly worn, fuzzy, or when their lengths differ by more than ~5 cm — the kite then pulls to one side and the bar is no longer centred. With regular riding that is roughly every two seasons, sooner with heavy use.

Check the bar grip and the safety system line at every major service; spare parts are in accessories.

Before every season and after every activation: take the system apart, rinse it with fresh water, dry it and check that it releases one-handed without snagging. Sand and salt are the main reason a quick release jams.

Practise the release on land too — in the water the movement has to be automatic.