I just got my hands on a c kite and am trying to figure out how in the world to inflate the struts. Only two of them have a stopper ball in the valve but the other 5 or so don't. Every time I pump it up i can't seem to close it fast enough to keep the air in. And are there any advantages to kiteboard with c kite as apposed to bow kite? Thanks btw it's a 15.5m Amp It's old school

Where did you acquire this deathtrap?

Snake you don't want to know budd haha. I bit on my with my elbow trying to shove my go off of me haha didn't have much choice but to pay

You've gotta be really fast at putting a finger over the valve opening, then really fast at putting the plug in.

You could also have a friend hold the nozzle in while you pump so it doesn't fly out, then when you've got it fully inflated, pull the nozzle out and cover it with your finger. Then put the plug in position over your finger and quickly move your finger and plug the valve.

Or you could use some sort of needle nose pliers to pinch the base of the valve while you plug the stopper in.


As far as advantages/disadvantages of c-kites vs bows, this c-kite being so old means it'll be less stable, have less windrange, and be more difficult to relaunch/self-launch/self-land. If you're in smooth coastal winds, you'll have a better experience. If it has a 5th line on it, it'll be a safer and a little easier to relaunch. Only advantage to c-kites is that they are good for unhooking.

Here's some more info on c vs bow:
http://www.kiteboardingevolution.com/kite-advantages.html

The inflation valve should have a bead in it that will work as a stopper once you have enough pressure in it. Either you didn't pump it hard enough or your bead isn't working. It needs to be tight like a drum. Sounds like you have a single point inflation bladder.

You don't say if this is a 5th line or a 4 line kite. If it's 4 line add a fifth ! I sure hope you have a reason for buying this and are not a complete beginer . If not, you better hope you got a good bar and lines because the kite holds almost no value. If you are a beginer you just got taken by whoever dumped that kite on you.

There is a HUGE difference between C kites and SLE / Bow. C kites are for folks with skills. SLE have much better depower and range. + Safety. 15.5 won't fly until about 8mph and you'll be overpowered by 12 !

Blade I know that I got taken for this kite but problem is that when I was "watching" the kite on eBay I didn't even know it was a C kite but in anyway I got ripped and it was a mistake. But Ill try to contact PayPal and eBay about it.

If the kite is as advertised then you may not have a case? I'm sorry for you but glad you have a grasp of what you own. The bar and lines are no doubt of some value.

Ebay is a ruthless place to buy gear. This isn't the best site for LEI although some good deals come up here. Any reputable forum is a better way to shop.

You are part of a large club who started out making a few mistakes. I paid $1,000 for my 2004 16m C kite used in 05 and sold it for $100 in 2010 I think Stetson would tell you it was a bad deal at $100. ??

That's the problem it's nothing as advertised. It's dirty as hell and looks beat up and also looks like someone stored it wet or damp for a while. I do have a case and I will talk to ebay and PayPal about it if seller does not do anything about this.

I have only had problems with a couple of things I bought on Ebay, and PayPal and Ebay were very helpful in rectifying the issue. If the kite wasn't as advertised, you should be able to get your money back.

That being said, I really recommend that you ask questions and do research on this and other forums before purchasing a kite. Flying water kites is very dangerous because if it is windy enough for the kite to be powered for kitesurfing, it is windy enough for you to die. Imagine water skiing behind a boat while hooked to the rope, but when you fall, the boat driver doesn't stop until you pull the emergency release for the rope. That is what kitesurfing can be like. I have been dragged underwater once for only about 10 seconds, but it must have been the longest 10 seconds of my life.

Remember that the safety features and depower of older C-kites are very limited.

Jason is right; kiting without a semblance of fear (or knowledge) can easily and quite quickly get you hurt or killed.

-joedy

I would fight to try and return the item.

The guy was out to take advantage of you . He deserves to get it back.

I just sold a 2004 Wipika Matrix on Ebay and made sure to specify that it is not for a beginner. I explained that only an advanced rider should buy it. I would feel really bad if I found out that a beginner bought my kite and hurt himself if I had not warned him.

If he did not warn you that it wasn't for beginners, he's a jerk. If he provided an item that wasn't as described, he should eat the cost of the refund and the return shipping.