©BLADEKITEBOARDING

2012 KITE MANUAL

Table of ConTenTs

03..................................... Release of Liability

04..................................... Safety First

08..................................... Wind Range

09..................................... Kite Overview

10..................................... Bar Overview

11..................................... Control System and Lines

18..................................... Mad2

(Multi-valve Airflow Distribution)

System

21..................................... Attaching Control System to Kite

22..................................... Kite Tuning

24..................................... Kite Care

25..................................... Repairs

32..................................... Relaunching

33..................................... Warranty Policy

01

WaRnInG

Read this manual in its entirety and do not use this product until you fully understand the safety cautions, warnings and instructions which are for your safety and the safety of those around you when kiting. Kiteboarding can be a very enjoyable sport, but should be approached in an educated and responsible manner. This manual does not replace proper kiteboarding instruction and we strongly encourage you to seek professional guidance from professional instructors and experienced kiteboarders before attempting to operate this product.

ImpoRTanT:

For those under the age of 18, a parent or guardian should review this manual and statements. This product should not be used unless under the close supervision of an adult who has read and understood all aspects of this manual. Once again, no actual kiteboarding should take place without proper guidance from a licensed instructor.

Welcome to the Blade family and thank you for purchasing Blade kites! We hope you will enjoy kiteboarding with our top quality

2012 kites. In the following manual you will find safety guidelines, precautions, and information on assembling and caring for your new kite. If any information you may seek is missing from this manual, please feel free to write us an email with any of your questions or comments at [email protected].

Enjoy and hope to see you out on the water soon!

02

03

Release of lIabIlITy

The purchaser/user and the parent/guardian of users under the age of 18 are agreeing to be bound to the terms set forth below and require anyone using this product to be bound by such terms. Anyone who does not agree with these terms and is not willing to abide by them should return the product immediately before use.

The use of a Blade Kite and any of its components exposes the user to certain inherent risks, dangers and hazards, which can result in property loss or damage and significant personal injury including permanent paralysis or death. The purchaser/user freely assumes and accepts any and all such risks, both unknown and known, while using this equipment.

The risks inherent in the sport can be greatly reduced by abiding the Safety Guidelines listed in the User’s Manual. It is also recommended that the purchaser/user seek professional instruction before attempting to use this equipment.

By purchasing and using this product, the purchaser/user hereby releases Blade, its principles, directors, officers, agents, distributors, representatives, employees, volunteers, and their insurance from any and all liability, claims, and demands of any nature for any and all injury or damage as a result of using this product, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

This agreement shall be effective and binding upon all heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns, and representatives in the event of the incapacity or death of the purchase/user.

In entering this agreement the purchaser/user shall not rely on any oral or written representations or statements other than what is set forth in this Agreement Act.

safeTy fIRsT

If you are reading this manual it most likely means you have already fallen in love with the sport of kiteboarding. In order to be able to continue kiting at your favorite local spot without harming you and those around you, take time to familiarize yourself with the safety related topics listed below.

GeneRal safeTy

• Be familiar with your gear and safety mechanisms.

Make sure to test them often, as this is the best way to

prepare for emergency situations.

• Always check gear before going in the water.

Never fly your kite with worn lines or a torn canopy.

• Make sure the kite is used with compatible gear

(for further inquiries on which equipment is compatible,

please email us at support@bladekites. com).

• Never permanently attach yourself to the kite,

control bar or lines.

• Never hold the kite by the Flying or Bridle Lines.

• Never use this product without a kite safety leash.

A loose kite is extremely dangerous to

everyone “around you”.

• Always secure an inflated kite when not in use.

• Make sure all users of this gear have proper training

and are in good physical health when operating

the equipment.

• Do not use this product if you are not a good swimmer.

04

05

pRoTeCTIve WeaR and equIpmenT:

We sTRonGly suGGesT usInG The folloWInG pRoTeCTIve WeaR and equIpmenT When KITInG:

• Helmet

• Gloves

• Booties

• A flotation device compatible with your harness

• Wet suit

• Eye protection

• Safety knife

• Sunscreen

WeaTheR RelaTed safeTy:

• Learn to use this kite in light weather conditions.

• Avoid offshore winds.

• Use extreme caution when kiting during onshore winds.

• Get information on wind, tidal, and sea current conditions at your kiting location.

• Be careful of wave conditions.

• Do not use this product in severe weather

such as thunderstorms or lightning.

• Never use this product with winds stronger

than your ability level.

• Be aware of changing and unpredictable winds.

loCaTIon RelaTed safeTy

• Do not use this kite near power lines, telephone poles,

airports and streets.

• Keep your kite and flying lines away from

people and obstacles.

• Always fly in open and clear area.

• Make sure all spectators and obstacles

are upwind of you, particularly when launching

or landing your kite.

06

07

launChInG ResponsIbly

• Your launch area should be clear of all obstacles.

• do noT seT up youR KITe foR a sTRaIGhT

doWnWInd launCh! This will cause the kite to fly through

the power window and will endanger your life and the lives

of those around you.

• In most situations, the safest way to launch would be

when the kite is between 90-110˚ from the wind direction

(downwind is 180˚ when the wind is blowing on your back).

• When launching your kite, it is advisable for your

partner to hold the bottom half of the kite.

This will ensure the kite does not drag along the ground

at the initial time of launching.

• Make sure you launch in a slow and controlled manner.

• Launch the kite at an angle, noT sTRaIGhT doWnWInd!

flyInG lInes RelaTed safeTy

• Flying lines and bridles can cause serious injury when

under tension. Always keep your lines away from people.

NEVER attempt to grab a kite by the lines or bridle.

• Never allow anyone to get in between you and the kite

while flying the kite.

• Check your flying lines for knots before attempting

to connect to the canopy.

• Do not make any additional knots in the flying lines,

all necessary line adjustments should be made

to the Leading Lines.

WInd RanGe

The following chart is an approximate kite size vs. wind strength reference for a kiter weighing 75 kg on a 132cm x

41cm Sanchez board. Actual use may vary with body weight, ability level, board size, and water conditions.

Use these numbers only as a recommendation.

TRIGGeR

size Wind (knots) beginner Intermediate/expert

5 20-35+

7 18-35

9 16-30

10 15-28

12 13-25

14 11-20

18-35+

17-35+

15-32

13-30

11-24

10-22

pRIme

size Wind (knots) beginner Intermediate/expert

7

9

11

13

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

17-31

15-28

13-25

11-22

faT lady

size Wind (knots) beginner Intermediate/expert

17 8-15 13-25

08

09

KITe oveRvIeW

Leadind Edge

Strut

Front Bridle

Trailing Edge

Rear Bridle

baR oveRvIeW

Flying Line

Neoprene Knot Cover

Rear Leader Line

Depower Line

Line Fastner

Control Bar

Chicken Loop

Lock

Front Leader

Line Knot

Leash Ring

Leash Stopper Ball

Black Handle (Power

Up Strap)

Red Handle

Depower Strap foam

Chicken Loop

Depower

Line Lock

Release

Cap

Safety Ring

10

11

ConTRol sysTem and lInes

Before your first assembly, it is important that you take time to learn some of the features in your new Blade Kite and prepare the kite for future launchings.

CheCKInG lIne lenGThs

All bars come assembled with lines and pass thorough quality control; however, it is important to make sure all lines are at equal lengths before your first launch and every few launches thereafter.

• Lay out your control bar and lines, make sure that the lines

are not tangled or crossed.

• Take a small rod and attach all four lines to the rod

(see figure on opposite page).

• With the De-Power strap fully extended

(if not, release using black handle) grab the control bar.

• Having a partner holding the rod taut, stand directly in line

with the rod and pull on the control bar with even force on

both sides, straightening the lines. Make sure that the bar

is parallel with your shoulders.

• If the bar stays parallel with your shoulders when all four

lines are in even tension and the swivel dome is not more

than 2 inches (5cm) from control bar, the kite is ready for inflation.

• If the tension is not even in all four lines and the bar is tilted

in even the slightest bit, the lines need to be adjusted.

• Do not adjust the Flying Lines! Make the lines shorter by

making knots in the Leading Lines only.

ConTRol sysTem and lInes

note: This does not guarantee a perfectly tuned kite for all kiters and conditions. finer adjustments can be made depending on each kiter’s preferences (see Tuning).

12

The sWIvel dome ChICKen loop sysTem

The Swivel Dome is important for releasing power in an uncontrolled kite and emergency situations. The newly designed system is made from composite plastic for longer lasting, corrosion free, and simple functionality. When activated while the leash is connected to the safety ring alone, the kite will lose all power and drop, remaining attached by one of the front lines.

Always check the mechanism before attempting to launch. This device has a limited lifetime, and it is recommended to change the mechanism after 300 hours of kiting. Rinse the Swivel Dome in fresh water after every session.

To aCTIvaTe:

• Grab the red colored release cap.

• Force it up towards the bar (see figure below).

• Let go of the cap.

ChICKen loop loCK

The control system is designed with a finger that helps keep you locked into the kite. Before attempting to connect the loop and finger to your harness, make sure you have properly set your lines and attached them to the kite without any tangles or twists.

• Hook the loop into the harness hook.

• Place the finger in the center of the harness hook.

• Straighten out the finger.

13

To ReConneCT:

• Pull the safety line towards you until you can grab the bar.

• Make sure the cap is fully pulled up to its release position.

• Insert the U-ring into the Dome. The U-ring is fully inserted

once the side buttons on the U-ring clip into the Dome.

• Force the cap back down until it clicks.

• Make sure the cap is completely pulled down and the

mechanism is secure.

ChICKen loop

All Blade Chicken Loops come from the factory in one standard size. For those riders who enjoy frequent unhooked riding,

Blade offers a bigger chicken loop that can be installed easily

(see Repairs). Do take into account this will cause the bar to be farther distance from the rider and may be an inconvenience to some riders.

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15

The KITe leash

The Kite Leash should be connected to secure the kite to the rider.

This leash secures the kite to the rider when the Chicken Loop is unhooked as well as when the Swivel Dome System is activated.

There are two different safety methods to connect the kite leash to the kite: Standard Safe Mode and Suicide Mode. We recommend all riders to use Standard Safe Mode, but for some whom ride unhooked and don’t want the kite to fall to the water every time you lose grip of the Control Bar, the Suicide Mode might be a better option.

WaRnInG:

Kiting in Suicide Mode can be very dangerous for the rider because the kite cannot completely depower in certain situations. Blade kiteboarding recommends using Standard

Safe Mode because it permits the kite to depower completely by pulling on one of the Front Flying lines. If a rider chooses

Suicide Mode, he or she does so at their own risk and must bear all responsibility in the event of resulting damages.

sTandaRd safe mode:

Connect Ring Clip of Kite Leash to Safety Ring. This is the only connection of the kiter to the Control System.

Once the Chicken Loop is disconnected from the rider for any reason, the Kite Leash will pull on one of the front Flying Lines, causing the kite to lose power and fall to the water.

The KITe leash

suICIde mode:

• Run the chicken loop through the large eyelet of the Safety Ring.

• Connect Ring Clip of Kite Leash to the small eyelet of Safety Ring.

once again, the suicide mode should be used with extreme caution. an uncontrolled powered kite can very dangerous to the rider and those around him/her.

The depoWeR meChanIsm

The DePower Mechanism allows you to control the kite’s power when kiting. To release power from your kite, shorten the strap by pulling on the red handle. To add power to your kite, lengthen the strap by pulling on the black loop; for safety reasons, the red handle pulls in one long segment, and the black loop releases in short segments.

This works best when the kite is slightly powered. To gain maximum power you will need to pull several times on the black loop.

16

de-poWeR lIne loCK

The De–Power Line Lock helps customize the length of the depower line to enjoy different riding styles and kiting conditions.

The default position, when the lock is at the highest position, allows maximum de-power. This position is intended for beginners, gusty weather conditions and wave riding. Once the rider has familiarized themselves with the kite, the lock can be adjusted to a lower position and reduce the strain on the rider’s arms. Never place the Lock in the bottom 2/3 of the de power line.

To adjusT loCK:

• To move the Line Lock down, simply grab the Line

Lock and slide it down to desired position.

Once you let go of the bar, the bar will not pass the lock.

• To bring the Line lock back up, grab the Line

Lock and slide it away from your body.

• You can also move the Line Lock back up by pushing firmly

up against the lock. This will cause the lock to release

and access more de-power. This will be helpful

in emergency situations when the wind picks up dramatically.

17

WaRnInG:

By lowering the lock on the de-power line you are taking away the big de-powering capabilities of the kite. Use this feature with caution.

mad2

(mulTI-valve aIRfloW dIsTRIbuTIon)

sysTem

mad sysTem - InflaTInG The KITe

WaRnInG:

Do not over inflate; this may cause damage to the internal bladder. Do not under inflate; this will cause poor kite performance.

The MAD2 system is Blade’s second generation inflation system. This system allows inflation of all the bladders through the Leading Edge (LE) valve. The MAD2 units connect each strut to the LE bladder. The new molded valves come out in a 90 degree angle out of the bladder. This helps keep the kite’s aerodynamic flows to the maximum. The new valves are smaller and more durable to crashes.

18

KITe InflaTIon usInG The mad2 sysTem:

1. Unroll the kite and turn the kite with its Leading Edge (LE) facing the wind and struts facing upwards. Make sure you lay the kite on an even surface clear of any sharp or hard objects.

The first time you unroll your kite you will see that all Bridle

Lines are secured to a strut valve by Velcro.

Release the Bridle Lines.

2. Secure the wingtips with sand, it is suggested to use more sand than less as an unsecured kite can become very dangerous.

3. Before attempting to inflate check proper connection on all

MAD2 units. In addition, make sure all MAD2 clips are open.

These clips are located under neoprene cover, in between the

LE and strut. To get familiarized with the MAD2 clips, you can remove the neoprene cover, but it is not required to close and open the MAD2 clips.

6. For best performance of kite, do not over-inflate or underinflate. An under inflated kite, can cause the wing tips to bend in, resulting in loss of power. A proper inflated kite is one that does not lose its shape when on its side in launch position. If you are equipped with a pressure gauge, Blade recommends pumping the kite anywhere between 6psi to 7psi.

7. Once all bladders are inflated and firm, remove the pump tip from the valve, close the cap on the air valve and secure the

Velcro cover on top.

8. Close all MAD2 clips by firmly pressing until clip clicks.

9. At no point should the valve be pushed inside the bladder, if the valve is pushed into the bladder, release the air

(see Kite Deflation), pull the valve to the correct position, and re-inflate.

seCuRInG an InflaTed KITe

Once the kite has been properly inflated, turn the kite around as shown in the illustration. Make sure the Leading Edge is still pointing upwind and secure the kite by a weight. This weight should be sufficient to insure the kite does not fly away and becomes hazardous to the surroundings. Never leave an inflated kite unattended.

KITe deflaTIon

Make sure all MAD2 clips are open, then open the main deflate valve located on the LE. The entire kite will deflate.

19

4. Face the kite with your back to the wind, so you are closest to the Leading Edge.

5. With both feet securing the pump, attach the pump tip securely to the inflate valve on the LE strut valve and begin pumping air into the bladders. As you inflate make sure all struts are inflating as well. If they are not, make sure the MAD2 clip is open and the MAD2 hose is not twisted.

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21

aTTaChInG The ConTRol sysTem To The KITe

1. Unwind the lines and the control bar so that the ends of the lines are downwind from the bar. If you are facing the control system with your back to the wind and the bar at your feet, the red side of the bar should be on your left and the black side of the bar should be on your right.

2. Make sure that there are no knots in the lines and the lines are not tangled or crossed.

3. Layout the DePower Strap and the Quick-Release

Mechanism.

4. Make sure all Bridle Lines on the kite are untangled and that their pulleys are turning freely.

5. Make a Lark’s Head knot on the end of the 2 rear lines. Place the rear lines outside of the kite and attach to the rear Bridles of the kite. Slip the Lark’s Head over the knotted end in the Bridles and pull to tighten.

6. Attach the front lines of the kite in the same manner to the front Bridles. Only this time, make a Lark’s Head knot on the bridle lines.

7. Double check that all lines are not twisted or tangled.

KITe TunInG

In the directions on the previous page, we suggest general tuning for the kite and control system, but since kite performance depends on the kiter’s skill and preference, several combinations can be made to suit the individual’s personal style. Adjusting line length helps tune the kite in terms of turning ability and depowering qualities. Before we begin with the various adjustments, you should feel the power of the kite. The images below illustrate how the power of the kite changes with bar movement. The closer the bar is to your body, the more power the kite has; the farther away the bar is, the less power the kite has.

ReaR leadeR lInes adjusTmenTs

There are several knots on the rear leader lines. More power and quicker turning is achieved by shortening the rear lines.

The greater the tension on the lines, the greater the response is in the kite. If you experience difficulty steering when the bar is closer to you, shorten the lines for better steering. Be careful: there is a fine point where too much tension causes

“over sheeting” of the wingtips. At this point the kite stalls and falls back towards the power zone.

There are two knots on the rear bridle. The ties should be adjusted for different wind conditions. Knot A should be used for different light wind to average wind conditions. Knot B is recommended for stronger wind conditions.

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23

KITe TuRnInG speed adjusTmenT

There are two options for tuning how fast your kite turns.

For optimal performance, all kites are designed to be ridden as “Fast Turning” but sometimes when learning is involved slower handling may be desired.These settings can be easily adjusted when the kite is on the beach. To change the setting, simply undo the Larks Head knot on the rear bridle line from the white webbing strap and attach it using the same knot to the white webbing strap adjacent to it. Be sure to have the same setting on both sides of the kite.

Note: All kites come out of the factory with the fast turning as the default setting.

KITe TunInG foR sTandaRd RIdInG and Wave peRfoRmanCe (TRIGGeR 4Th GeneRaTIon)

All Trigger kites have an additional Wave Performance setting. On this setting the kite has unique specifications geared towards wave riding. This setting can be easily adjusted when the kite is on the beach. Simply undo the

Lark’s Head knot on the front bridle line and attach it to desired style of riding. Be sure both sides of the kite are tuned to the same riding style. For optimal performance, the kite is designed to use the “standard” setting and this is the default setting it comes out of the factory. Please note that on the wave riding setting the kite will feel much different and many riders will not feel this setting is compatible with their riding style.

KITe CaRe

Blade offers a one year warranty on all its products. The following are recommendations to help preserve the kite for many more years after the warranty expires.

Avoid bringing the kite in contact with any sharp objects that could tear the canopy or puncture the bladders.

Never rig equipment on abrasive surfaces or around sharp objects.

The damage done in this case is not covered under the warranty.

Sand and grass are the best surfaces for rigging and de-rigging your equipment.

Make frequent inspections of the control system, canopy, lines, release system, pulleys, and DePower Strap in order to identify any damage before attempting to launch.

Do not leave an inflated kite exposed to wind and/or sunrays for long periods of time. Between sessions, choose a shaded area where you can safely lay and secure your kite.

Never drag the kite on the beach, always carry it with its struts facing upwards and make sure the kite stays clear off the ground.

Careless handling of the kite on the ground may cause damage to the canopy that might only be noticed once flying the kite.

Salt water does not damage the canopy. However, it is recommended to wash your control system, lines and Kite Bridles with fresh water and dry thoroughly before storing.

Keep dirt, sand and water from entering the bladders or air pump.

Deflate bladders for longer storage. Never store an inflated kite after it has been exposed to high temperatures; this may damage the internal bladders.

Always dry kite and remove excess sand before rolling and packing away. Storing a wet kite may cause discoloring and mold.

Pack kite with as few wrinkles as possible. This will prolong the life of your kite. Always store the equipment in a clean, dry, cool place, and in the supplied kite bag.

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25

RepaIRs

WaRnInG:

Blade does its best to provide user friendly equipment that can be easily maintained by the rider. Some of the repairs and part replacements are more complicated than others and some can highly risk the safety of the rider if not done properly. If you have any difficulty performing the following repairs and/or replacements, it is critical you seek assistance from someone who does.

Also, all equipment leaving Blade’s factories undergo high quality control. It is important you perform similar, periodic equipment checks after all repairs and replacements.

RepaIRs

bladdeR RepaIR

If you experience air loss in your struts or Leading Edge, check the bladders for punctures. Avoid repairing bladders on the beach or in dirty, windy, dusty conditions:

1. Lay the kite with its struts facing up. Make sure all struts

and Leading Edge are deflated.

2. In order to remove the damaged bladder, acquire a strong line

roughly double the length of the bladder.

3. Remove the MAD2 tube from the valve by cutting off the cable tie

(be sure not to damage the valve and the tube). Disassemble

the tube from the valve.

4. Attach the line to the air valve and push the valve entirely into the

strut. Open the Velcro closure at the opposite side of the strut,

and begin pulling the bladder out. Once the bladder is out, the line

should extend from each end. Untie the bladder from the

reinstall line, making sure that the line is secure.

5. For Leading Edge repair, you will need 2 lines. Tie each line to

the ends of the bladder. You will also need to disassemble all

MAD2 connections to the LE. Open the zipper near the middle of

the Leading Edge. Release valves’ plug from Velcro strap, and

push in the “deflate” and “inflate valves”. Pull each side of the

bladder out from the zipper opening. Once the bladder is out you

should have a line extending to each side. Untie the bladder ends

from the reinstall line.

6. Inflate the punctured bladder, and insert the cap supplied with

the repair Kit on the valve head.

7. Submerge the inflated bladder in a tub of water. Air bubbles

indicate the location of the hole. Be sure to check the bladder

thoroughly, as there might be several punctures.

8. Once you discovered the holes, mark them with a permanent

marker or pen, and let the bladder dry. Deflate the bladder.

9. Lightly roughen the area of the puncture with sand paper

from the repair kit.

26

27

RepaIRs

10. Peel off the backing from the patch, and place on the puncture.

11. Once again inflate the bladder and let it sit to make sure

air does not escape.

12. Lightly coat the entire bladder in talcum powder.

13. To begin the insertion process for struts, lay the bladder flat

at the end of the strut and tie back the insertion line to the valve.

For the Leading Edge you will need to lay the bladder in the middle

and tie the insertion lines to the end of the bladder.

Insert one side at a time.

14. Get a partner to help and pull the opposite side of the line

while you make sure that the bladder slides back in straight.

A twisted bladder will be damaged if completely inflated. For

strut insertion, insert the top part inside the strut until the valve

attachment, this allows for easier insertion. (See Picture)

15. Once the bladder is back in place, pull the valve through its

hole and insert the tube on the valve. The valve has a slot that

should fit properly in the hole. Make sure the tube is inserted all

the way over the valve.

16. Partially inflate the bladder and check that it is inserted

correctly with no folds in the bladder. If there is a misalignment

or crimp in the bladder, reinsert again. Again, a fold/twist may

cause damage to the bladder once completely inflated.

17. Deflate bladder and store kite properly until next inflation.

RepaIRs

KITE FABRIC REpAIR

All major tears should be taken to a professional repair shop.

Consult your dealer for good recommendation. Small tears can be repaired with the repair tape supplied in the kite repair kit.

1. Lay the torn kite on a smooth surface.

2. Clean the area with fresh water, and let dry.

3. Cut 2 pieces of repair tape; make sure they are the same

size and big enough to cover the tear. It is also

recommended to round the tips of the tape. This will help

prevent the tape from peeling off while kiting.

4. Place one piece of tape on the tear and smooth it out.

5. Place the other piece of tape on the other side of the kite

and smooth it out.

DEpOwER LINE REpLACEmENT

Due to the constant abrasion of the Control Bar against the Depower Line, you might find it necessary to replace the

Depower Line. We recommend replacing it once it appears to be half the original thickness.

1. Uncover Neoprene Knot Cover just below the red

Depower Strap.

2. Untie knot and remove the Depower Line by pulling on it

below the Chicken Loop.

3. Discard the old Depower Line.

4. Insert both ends of the new Depower Line through

the two holes on the bottom of the Chicken Loop

and the Control Bar, so the lines are fully inside

the Chicken Loop and at even lengths.

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29

RepaIRs

5. Thread both Depower Lines through the Square Line Lock,

making sure the thicker part of the Square Line lock

is closer to the bar.

6. Thread both Depower Lines through Neoprene Knot Cover.

7. Thread one of the two Depower Lines through the black

strap located right below the Depower System.

8. Using a bowline knot, connect the two Depower Lines

to each other. Cover knot with Neoprene Knot Cover.

ImpoRTanT: It is critical you check bowline knot often,

so as to make sure it is not unraveling. This area of the

kite system experience very strong forces and can cause

the knot to untie if not tied properly.

9. At this point you should check to see that all four lines

are of the same length. If not, make slight adjustments to

the bowline knot or the Leading Lines.

10. Periodically check system as to make sure all knots

are secure and parts are not damaged.

RepaIRs

RED SAFETy LINE REpLACEmENT

For the same reasons as the Depower Line, the Red Safety

Line might also need replacement. This is usually the case once excessive discoloring has occurred.

• Remove Safety Ring and Stopper Ball from Red Safety Line

by undoing the Lark’s Head knot.

• Remove Red Safety Line from Chicken Loop and the Leader

Line it is attached to. Be careful as to not misplace

the Leash Stopper Ball. Discard Red Safety Line.

• Take new Red Safety Line and attach it to the Leader Line,

making sure the Leash Stopper Ball is BELOW the Leash Ring.

ImpoRTanT noTe:

If the leash stopper ball is above the leash Ring, the safety

mechanism of the kite will not work properly.

• Thread the Red Safety Line through the Square Line Lock,

Control Bar, Chicken Loop and finally through

the Stopper Ball.

• Attach Safety Ring using Lark’s Knot.

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31

RepaIRs

CHICKEN LOOp REpLACEmENT

Most likely you will not find it necessary to replace the Chicken

Loop for the life of the bar, but if you enjoy unhooked riding,

Blade offers a larger Chicken Loop that might be more convenient to use.

• The Chicken Loop is permanently attached to Swivel Dome

Chicken Loop system by one Allen screw located below the red

Release Cap. You can remove this screw by using the Allen

key provided for you in the kite bag.

INSTALLING NEw CHICKEN LOOp:

1. To assist in the installation process, it is recommended

to widen the loop at the end of the Chicken Loop rope. This

can be done using the Allen screw. Simply thread the screw

through the loop and pull in different directions. Remove the screw.

2. Insert the end of the Chicken Loop into the Swivel Dome

until all the holes are lined up.

3. Thread Allen screw through the Swivel Dome, Chicken Loop

and once again the Swivel Dome. Make sure you thread the

screw through the loop of the Chicken Loop, as opposed

to the rope.

4. Continue threading until the tip of the screw sticks out from

the nut on the other side of the Swivel Dome.

RelaunChInG

1. When the kite is downwind from you on its LE, take the bar

and grab one of the rear lines at the foam.

2. Gently begin to pull until one wingtip of the kite begins to lift

from the water.

3. As you continue to pull on the lines the wingtip will continue

to rise from the water. The kite will begin to catch the wind

in its canopy, and will soon be on its lower wingtip.

4. Once the kite is completely on its wingtip it will push in from

the downward position towards the edge of the wind and the

lines will gain tension. At this point let go of the foam and grab

the bar with both hands. If the kite has too much power

gently release the bar away from you.

5. Slowly pull back on the side of the bar attached to the top

wingtip of the kite and the kite will launch and lift into the air.

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WaRRanTy polICy

Blade warrants its products to be free of major defects in material or workmanship to the original purchase, for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.

This warranty is subject to the following limitations:

The warranty is valid only when product is used for kiteboarding on water, and does not cover products used in rental or teaching operations.

This warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, neglect or normal wear and tear including, but not limited to, punctures, rigging with other than Blade components, damage due to excessive sun exposure, or damage due to over inflation of the bladders, damage caused by improper handling and storage, damage caused by use in waves or shore break, and damage caused by high speed crash or damage caused by anything other than defects in the material and workmanship.

This warranty is void if any unauthorized repair, change, or modification has been made to any part of the equipment.

The warranty for any repaired or replacement equipment is good from the date of the original purchase only.

Blade will make the final warranty determination, which may require inspections and/or photos of the equipment, which clearly show the defect(s). If necessary, this information must be sent to Blade costumer service, postage prepaid.

If a product is deemed to be defective by Blade, the warranty covers the repair of replacement of the defective product only. Blade will not be responsible for any costs, losses, or damages incurred as a result of loss of use of the Blade products.

WaRRanTy polICy

This is the only warranty we make to you and is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied. We expressly disclaim any and all liability for bodily injury or death and for incidental and consequential damages to the maximum extent permitted by law. This warranty extends only to the original purchaser of the Blade product covered by the warranty; it does not extend to subsequent purchasers or third parties.

There are no warranties, which extend beyond the warranty specified herein.

Warranty claims must be processed and issued a return authorization prior to shipping to Blade. Please call or write for claims processing to Blade Costumer.

Service Department at: 972-50-5703-123 or email: [email protected]

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