Lines
Being aware of the fact that you can use shorter or longer lines, one should follow these simple rules in order to choose the right length for lines:
Long lines, between 40 m and 45 m
- Should the wind be light
- With a small kite, should the wind be gusty
Average lines, from 25 m to 30 m
- If wind condition is medium
Shorter lines, between 15 m and 25 m
- In case of strong wind
- When kitesurfing in waves
In order to increase the wind range of your kite, a kitesurfer must have lines of various lengths. For common kitesurfing moves, like going upwind, jumping, moving the kite to generate more power, you should use the standard line length , that is 25m - 30m . If you wish to add another 10 - 20% to the upper wind range of the kite, use 15 m lines, and , on the other hand, if you want to add another 10 - 20% to the lower wind range of the kite, use the 45 m line length. My advice is to use all the different lengths for your kitesurfing lines. Though, you must pay attention to the fact that in case you use shorter lines, like the 15 m ones, or longer lines, meaning the 45 m ones, you could experience some troubles when jumping and you must change the timing you may usually use with 25 m to 30 m long lines. For example, jumping with 15 m long line is difficult because it may be quite hard to generate enough power to lift you up using such a short line .
Line length should also depend on the kitesurfer's weight. For a 2-line kite, the lines must have a minimum strength equals to 2.5 times your weight. If you own a 4-line foil , lines must be at least of a minimum strength equal to 2 times your weight and brake lines must be of a strength equal to your weight. Take for example a person that weights 200 lb.. He must use at least 500 lb. lines for 2 line kites and 400 lb. main lines, 200 lb. brake lines for 4 line kites. The 4-line inflatable requires that minimum strength for all lines is 2.5 times your weight of the kitesurfer.
