Confused by all the kiting jargon you are reading on the internet? We are here to help.
A is for aches. You WILL suffer from aches if you are new to kiting or a seasoned pro. Just accept them and get on with it.
Aspect Ratio (AR):
high AR = faster, liftier kite, better upwind ability
low AR = gruntier, generally better in gusts, quicker turning.
B is for bruises. See A.
Bar:Control device for controlling kites. Can be used with or without a harness, Unless Depowerable Bar system is being used - SOMEONE ELSE CAN ELABORATE ON "BAR" WITH MORE DETAIL....
Brake Lines:Two lines attached to the bottom of the kite, and to the bottom of your handles, generally thinner than flying lines. By applying these slightly you can in some cases get more pull out of your kite 'trim' or by applying one or the other you can achieve quick turns. By applying fully you will cause your kite to fall out the sky, used for landing kite and for safety if you're in difficulty.
Bridles:Lines which spread out and attach to the surface of the kite, holding it in shape. They come together at the points where they meet the flying and brake lines. Some kites have adjustable bridle systems to affect the performance of the kite in different wind speeds.
Buggy: With three wheels, controlled by your feet. Various sizes, small for freestyle, larger with lower Centre of Gravity for racing / cruising around.
Cells: Sections inside kites which get inflated with air flowing into the kite. Separated by material 'walls' which help hold the kite in shape in the air.
Downwind:See Upwind for description of both.
Drag: Force opposing the motion of the kite through the air, similar to friction.
Dyneema: Material that most flying lines are made of. Strong and light, Ideal material for low drag high strength applications - perfect for kites!!
Goggles: Keep the sand out of your eyes when racing on the beach....
Harness:Used to take the kites pull off your arms, allows you to fly without using two hands all the time. Necessary when using de-powerable kites. There are harnesses made specifically for kite sports, but some people use rock climbing harnesses with some custom quick release and block.
Helmet: Essential piece of safety Equipment to protect your head!
Kite Killers: Wrist straps, which connect to brake lines via elastic cord. Allow you to let go of the handles and the kites brakes will apply, bringing the kite down without you loosing the kite downwind. Perfect for learning.
Line(s):Dyneema / kevlar, used to connect control systems to kites etc...
Main Lines:Also known as flying lines, Attach to the top set of bridle lines and tops of the handles. Pulling left handle turns kite left and vice versa.
Quick Release:Safety system on some depowerable kites, Allows you to disconnect from the kite if you're wearing a harness. Generally last resort safety measure.
Strop: Cord which connects handles together immediately behind where the flying lines meet the handles. Allows the use of a harness.
Safety Line:Some newer kitesurf and depowerable kites have a 5th line attached to the centre of the kite in such away as to render the kite useless when a quick release is pulled, it saves the kite from being lost downwind whilst ensuring all power is lost.
Traction:Meaning static friction or pull. Powerkites rely on their pull to move people about on various modes of transport. Hence the terms Tractionkiting, Powerkiting, etc. All mean the same thing really...
Upwind:Imagine standing with your back to the direction the wind is coming from. If someone is behind you when you're standing like this, then they are upwind. If they are infront of you, they would be Downwind.
Zenith: Position at the top of the wind window, directly above your head. Area where kite will pull with minimum force compared to other areas in wind window, except edges. May lift if it's designed to lift.