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POwER
ZONES
KITE POSITIONS, ZONE & POWER
It is important to understand kiteboarding's basic
zones of power before you launch a kite. MANY
OF THE ACCIDENTS THAT HAPPEN IN
KITEBOARDING happen on land, and many
also happen when kiteboarders put their kites
in what is called neutral position. Unfortunately,
people often think that the kite is stable in neutral
position. However, wind fluctuates-it gusts and
lulls-and in neutral position, something known as
lofting can occur when wind fluctuates. When
a kite luffs (or receives less wind in its foil), the
kite will move slightly away from the pilot. When
a gust hits, the kite receives a surge of power,
and often that surge of power is too much for a
kiteboarder standing with the kite high overhead.
As a result, the kiteboarder may be lofted (lifted)
into the air. Lofting can be serious, but you may
reduce the chances of lofting by understanding
the power zones, and by avoiding putting your
kite in the neutral position while on land.
Neutral Position – This is the position just above
the pilot's head in the sky. If the pilot levels out the
bar, the kite will gravitate to the neutral position.
However, it is difficult and dangerous to keep the
kite in this position. Although in this position the
kite may feel steady and may feel like it has the
least amount of power or pull, it is also the posi-
tion in which on land the pilot is most suscep-
tible to lofting. On the water, the neutral position
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
can be utilized to rest while you reel in your
board, but on land, we strongly suggest you do
not utilize the neutral position. After launching,
it is best to make your way to the water without
delay. Do NOT linger on land with the kite in
neutral position. It is VERY dangerous.
Lofting – Lofting occurs when the kite is above
the riders head in the neutral position. Instability
in the wind can cause sudden vertical force and
lift a rider off of their feet.
Neutral Zone – This is the area that includes
the neutral position and the area to the left and
right of the pilot. It encompasses the most up-
wind or windward positions in which to fly the
kite. When flown here, the kite has less power
or pull than when it is in the power zone. How-
ever, use caution when the kite is in this zone,
especially when on land, and especially in gusty
wind conditions.
Power Zone – This is the area in front and to
the sides of the pilot, but excluding the neutral
position and zones. It is the area in which the
kite has the most power and pull. When flown in
this area, the kite can be powerful and danger-
ous, so avoid flying your kite in this zone when
learning. Use extreme caution when flying the
kite in this zone.
2011 CROSSBOW IDS™ KITE USER MANUAL
9
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