Repairing a kite or a wing works exactly the same way

Replacing the one-pump hose

If the hose connecting the leading edge to the struts looks worn, replace it before it bursts.

1. 1Undo the clamp ring at each end.
2. 2Pull the hose off, gripping it as close to the valve as possible.
3. 3Use the old hose as a template to cut the new one to the right length.
4. 4Fit the new hose: a bit of saliva on the valve makes it far easier.

Fixing a hole in the canopy

You can buy spinnaker patches, or simply use Blenderm tape from the pharmacy — which I recommend over classic spinnaker patches.

1. 1Clean the area with an alcohol wipe.
2. 2Cut a square and round off the corners: it will stay stuck much longer.
3. 3Stick it over the hole, on both sides.

Replacing a strut valve

If your valve is turning yellowish, replace it before it blows.

1. 1Disconnect the one-pump hose from the strut.
2. 2Tie a line to the valve: you'll use it to pull the bladder back in.
3. 3Open the velcro at the end of the strut and pull the bladder out.
4. 4Peel off the old valve with a hair dryer.
5. 5Clean the bonding area with an alcohol wipe (included in repair kits).
6. 6Glue the new valve the right way round, with no wrinkle in the bladder — a wrinkle means a leak mid-session.
7. 7Before sliding the bladder back, fold its tip inside itself: once inflated it will fill the end of the strut.
8. 8Pull on the line to bring the bladder back into place.
9. 9Reconnect the one-pump system.

Replacing leading edge valves

1. 1Disconnect the one-pump hoses and push the valves into the leading edge.
2. 2At each end of the leading edge, open the velcro and tie a line to the bladder so you can pull it back later.
3. 3In the middle of the kite, near the inflation valve, open the zip and pull the bladder out from there. If only one valve needs replacing, only pull out that side.
4. 4Peel the valve off with a hair dryer, clean the area with an alcohol wipe, then glue the new valve with no wrinkle in the bladder (a wrinkle means a leak).
5. 5Gently pull the line to feed the bladder back in. A little talc keeps it from folding.

Once it's back in, inflate slowly: the bladder often twists during reassembly. If that happens, deflate immediately — otherwise it bursts — pull it out and start again.