2006
U S E R
M A N U A L
CROSSBOW• SWITCHBLADE • CONTRA • REVOLVER • CO2
KITE
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT UNLESS YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE WARNINGS
AND INSTRUCTIONS WHICH ARE FOR YOUR SECURITY AND PROTECTION. THIS INFORMATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. FOR CURRENT UPDATES, PLEASE VISIT
OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.CABRINHAKITES.COM
IF YOU ARE BELOW THE AGE OF 18, YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN READ
THESE WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS AND SHOULD NOT USE THIS PRODUCT UNLESS YOU
ARE UNDER THE PROPER GUIDANCE AND SUPERVISION OF SUCH A PERSON.
The use of this product exposes the user to many unavoidable and unexpected risks, dangers
and hazards. The suppliers of this product are not responsible for any damage to property or any
personal injury caused by any use, misuse, abuse or irresponsible use of this product.
Kitesurfing is an extreme sport. Power kites and their lines and control equipment can be danger
ous to flyers and to anyone in the vicinity of their use. Kitesurfing must be taken seriously and
we recommend that, at least in the early stages of your use, you seek the guidance of professional instructors and experienced kiteboarders. Improper and/or unreasonable use of this kite
may result in serious injury or death to yourself and others. Do not use your kite near power
lines, airports or streets, and keep your kite fly lines away from people and obstacles. Always
fly in an open area, observe wind and weather conditions, particularly in circumstances where
you may encounter offshore, onshore winds or strong winds. Do not attempt to use your kite on
water until you are confident and comfortable with the use of a trainer kite on land. Spend time
to become familiar with the operation of your kite and remember that you are responsible for its
operation and for the security of those around you. As you learn the sport, work within your own
limitations and do not exceed them. If you intend to use the kite on water, always use appropriate protective gears and flotation devices and do not attach yourself or tie yourself permanently
to the kite lines. The kite is not intended for use as a flying device nor indeed is it intended as a
means of flotation.
RECOMMENDED KITESURFING PRACTICE:
KITESURFING is an extremely diverse sport, with many disciplines and ability levels. As with all
sports, there can be certain inherent risks. The following contains key security points to remem
ber when operating your Cabrinha kite.
...continues to next page
RECOMMENDED KITESURFING PRACTICE:
• Kitesurfing is a HAZARDOUS activity and the use of Kitesurfing equipment involves the risk of serious
personal injury to any part of the user’s body or death.
• Injuries are an INHERENT RISK of kitesurfing and the participation in kitesurfing implies the user’s acceptance of those risks.
• Children should always be under adult supervision.
• It is strongly recommended that beginners take lessons.
• ALWAYS inspect your equipment for signs of wear and tear each time before use, particularly all lines,
canopy, bladders, screws and fittings.
• IF any products are found to show signs of wear & tear these should be repaired or replaced immediately
and before further use. If in doubt about any signs of wear & tear, please contact your local vendor.
Contact details are available from www.cabrinhakites.com
• NEVER place yourself in a situation where breakage of any one of the various kitesurfing components
would pose a risk to yourself or others, or make it impossible to return to the shore securely & unassisted.
• Make sure you use properly designed and manufactured parts from reputable suppliers.
• Take time to study the conditions including sea state, tides, currents and weather forecasts before you
decide to go sailing. Beware of sailing in offshore & onshore winds.
• Familiarize yourself with any new location before venturing onto the water. Ask the locals to tell you about
any hazards.
• Watch out for other beach users, especially swimmers and small children. Make sure you keep your board
and rig under control at all times and that they don’t get blown about on the beach or in the water.
• Always use appropriate protective gear and floatation devices. Wear the correct protective clothing for the
conditions such as a wetsuit or a UV top. It is recommended to wear a helmet.
• Make sure someone knows where you’ve gone & when you are expected back – always sail with a buddy.
• Be aware of the conditions as they change. Always return to the beach if there is a significant change in
the conditions. i.e. wind dropping or wind & waves increasing.
• As you learn the sport, work within your own limitations and do not exceed them.
• Do not alter, modify or change this product.
• This product is designed and manufactured only for kitesurfing on water.
• Keep these warnings and instructions for future reference.
continued from previous page...
06
USER MANUAL
INDEX
2 Introduction
3 Important Information
4 Wind, Water, & Weather Conditions / Wind Range Chart
5 Know Your Ability Level / Kiteboarding Location
6 Inportant Information
7 Beach Etiquette
KITES OVE RVIEW & CONTROL SYSTEM
8 Crossbow Overview
10 Contra / Revolver / Co2 Overview
12 Crossbow CS / Powerdrive Carbon & Alloy CS
13 Security Pin
14 Bypass Leash
15 Crossbow Operation
18 Powerdrive Operation
SETUP
24 Setup - Crossbow Control System with Override
25 Setup - Powerdrive Control System with Frontline
26 #1.1 - Check Your Line Length
27 #1.2 - Line Length Corrections
28 #2.1 - Inflating the Struts
29 #2.2 - Inflating the Leading Edge
30 #2.3 - Tips for Securing Your Kite
#2.4 - Deflating the Leading Edge
31 #3.1 - Attaching Control Lines
32 #3.2 - Downwind Launch Setup
33 #3.3 - Upwind Launch Setup
34 #4 - Tuning The Kite
36 Kiteboarding Basics
HOW TO:
36 Area of Operation / Kite Positions, Zones & Power
38 Steering
39 Planning Your Launch
40 Launching & Landing with a Partner
42 Relaunching
44 Replacing your Flying Lines
46 Repairs - Tears / Struts Bladders
48 Repairs - Leading Edge Bladders
50 Glossary
1
06
2
THANK YOU for purchasing a Cabrinha kite and welcome to the sport of kiteboarding.
As you may know, the excitement of Kiteboarding is attracting people of all ages from all corners of the globe. It’s one of the most
dynamic and fastest growing sports of the new decade.
It can also be overwhelming if not approached in an educated manner. That’s why we have supplied this extensive user’s manual.
It will help to educate you about your new kite and about the ways in which to use it. It also contains information regarding the
set-up, care and maintenance of your new kite so that you can spend as much time on the water as possible.
Please read this user’s manual carefully and entirely before using this kite. This manual is not intended to replace proper kiteboarding instruction, but rather to supplement it. Do not attempt to kiteboard without appropriate instruction. It will make this sport more
enjoyable, not only for yourself, but for those around you.
I NT R OD U CT I ON
06
3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
KITEBOARDING is an extremely diverse sport, with many disciplines and ability levels. As with all sports, there can be certain
inherent risks. The following contains key points to remember when operating your Cabrinha kite.
• Be familiar with the set up and use of the supplied security systems: FRONTLINE with TAP OUT, OVERRIDE and the Harness
Loop Quick Release systems.
• Make sure your OVERRIDE Control System is rigged and used according to the supplied instructions and that your OVER
-
RIDE compatible kite is used with a OVERRIDE compatible control bar system.
• Make sure your FRONTLINE System is rigged and used according to the supplied instructions and that your FRONTLINE
compatible kite is used with a FRONTLINE compatible control bar system.
• Always use your Cabrinha kite with a security system.
• NEVER permanently attach yourself to this kite, the control bar, or lines.
• NEVER use this kite as a flying device.
• NEVER touch the kite lines while they are under tension; do not catch the kite using these lines.
• When inflated but not in use, secure your kite with sand or with something heavy and non-abrasive; the more weight the
better (see “Kite Care” for more information). An inflatable power kite will still fly, even without a rider, so be mindful of
those around you and secure your kite. Your kite may cause serious injury or death if it launches unexpectedly.
• Do not lend your gear to someone who has not been fully instructed on the use of inflatable kites. Other users should also
read this user’s manual and be proficient in all its points.
• Check your gear before going on the water. Insure that your flying lines, sercurity systems, kite, board, etc. are all rigged
properly and are in working order.
PROTECTIVE GEAR
We strongly recommend the use of the following protective gear:
• Helmet
• Life Jacket, Impact Vest, or Flotation Vest
• Neoprene Wet Suit
• Gloves
• Foot Protection
• Eye Protection
• Knife
• Sunscreen
I M PO RTA NT I NF O R MA TI O N
06
4
WIND RANGE CHART
This wind range chart is only to be used as a point of reference. It is based upon a rider who is approximately 170 lbs. (75 kg).
Actual use may vary based on your body weight, ability level, water conditions, board size, and riding style. When choosing a
kite size, please use your personal experience, common sense, and always check what other riders are using on the water for a
size reference.
* How to read: Red = best suited for. Pink = usable. White = not recommended.
WIND, WATER, AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
• Do not underestimate the power of the wind.
• Be aware of unpredictable and changing weather conditions.
• Avoid “offshore” or “onshore” wind conditions.
• Avoid strong, gusty wind.
• Be careful of wave conditions, especially when learning.
• Be educated about tides and rip currents.
• Be mindful of your ability level. Do not kiteboard if conditions are beyond your ability level.
• Be educated about air and water temperatures and wear appropriate protection against the elements.
• Do not use this product in thunderstorms.
• Consult an anemometer to determine wind speeds if necessary.
• Do not use an oversized kite. Consult your Wind Range Chart for the correct recommended size. Use your common
sense. If in doubt about what kite size to use, choose smaller rather than bigger.
• All Cabrinha Kites are designed with a referenced rider weight of 75KG.
I M PO RTA N T I NF O RM AT I ON
WIND, WATER, & WEATHER CONDITIONS / WIND RANGE CHART
06
5
KNOW YOUR ABILITY LEVEL
• Do not attempt kiteboarding without appropriate instruction.
• Do not kite alone.
• Launch, land, and ride together with a partner or have some
-
one on shore who can keep an eye on you.
• Make sure you are in good physical condition before using
this product.
• Practice flying a small, traction kite or a “trainer kite” before
flying this kite.
• The more time spent on the “trainer kite”, the faster you will
learn.
• Make sure you are a proficient swimmer before using this
product in or near the water.
• Make sure the wind and water conditions are within your
ability level and that you have made the correct equipment
choices.
• Never kiteboard further from shore than you are able to swim
back.
• Always save a reserve of energy; end your kiteboarding session before you are exhausted.
• Make sure you’ve done your homework and that you know
the security precautions of all aspects of the sport: rigging,
Launching, landing, flying, riding, kiting among other water
users, self rescuing, etc.
• Understand your security systems before ever launching your
kite.
• Understand the technique of self-rescue before using this
product in or near the water.
• Never let someone who is not familiar with inflatable kites
launch, catch, or use your kite. You will endanger them, as
well as yourself and those around you.
• You are responsible for the proper operation of your kite.
KITEBOARDING LOCATION
• Observe local laws and regulations regarding this product
and the usage area.
• Talk to the local riders about the weather conditions and
beach rules.
• Check your area thoroughly before launching your kite.
• Make sure you have considerable space in which to launch,
land, and use this product.
• You should have at least 100 meters of space on both
sides and downwind of you. Be especially aware of your
downwind area.
• Be mindful and aware of the wind direction in relation to
your launch area.
• Avoid areas with rocks and/or shallow or exposed reefs.
• Be mindful of tide changes. As water levels change, you
may be exposed to new obstructions.
• Avoid launching, landing or using this product near power
lines, telephone poles, trees, people, pets, buildings, automobiles, streets, sharp objects and airports.
• Avoid crowded beaches and waterways.
• Make sure your lines do not cross a walkway or passage.
• Do not let others walk between you and your kite.
• Be careful and mindful of other water users, including
windsurfers, boaters, jet skiers, swimmers, floating objects,
etc.
• Before launching, make sure you have scouted a backup
landing area, in case you do not make it back to your
launch spot.
I M PO R TA NT I N FO R M AT I O N
KNOW YOUR ABILITY LEVEL / KITEBOARDING LOCATION
06
6
I M PO RTA NT I NF O R MA TI O N
KITE CARE
Due to the often-extreme nature of kiteboarding, a thorough approach should be taken when caring for your kite and all its associated rigging, as well as your protective gear.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION
• Thoroughly check your protective equipment (helmet, etc.) to make sure it is in working order.
• A frequent inspection of the kite and the control system should be made in order to identify punctures, tears, or abrasions
in the canopy, struts, or security systems. It is also necessary to check the fly lines for wear and for unwanted knots, which
may reduce the strength of the fly lines.
• Do not rig on asphalt, cement, gravel, or other abrasive surfaces; doing so may damage your equipment. It is best to rig on
sand or grass. Damage done to your equipment by rigging on abrasive surfaces will not be covered under warranty.
• Do not rig among sharp objects that could tear the canopy or puncture the struts and leading edge bladder.
• Take care not to expose your flying lines to sharp objects that may wear through them.
• While setting up, secure your kite with sand or sand bags. Do not secure your kite with rocks or other sharp or abrasive
objects that may damage your kite.
BETWEEN SESSIONS
• Never leave an inflated kite unattended on the beach for a long period of time. Winds may shift or change and the kite may
become unsecured and fly off.
• Do not leave an inflated kite (secured or not), directly exposed to the wind for any length of time. This allows the trailing edge
to flutter excessively, which can damage the kite or tangle the bridles/control lines. If you must leave the kite exposed to the
wind on the beach, place sufficient amounts of sand between each strut and near the trailing edge to minimize or stop the
fluttering
• Do not leave your kite exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Between sessions, choose a shaded area to secure your
kite. When not in use, stow away.
PROPER STORAGE
• It is recommended to wash your kite with fresh water and dry thoroughly before rolling and storing.
• Do not roll up kite when wet.
• Clear the kite of sand or other foreign objects before stowing.
• Once it is clean and dry, stow your kite in the supplied bag in a clean, dry, cool place.
• Do not place heavy objects on the bag containing the kite.
• Do not leave your kite inflated in your car or car rack box; exposing the kite to extreme temperatures while inflated may
damage the internal bladders.
• Wash your control system with fresh water from time to time by placing the entire control system (with lines wound onto the
bar) into a bucket of fresh water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Allow to dry thoroughly before storing in a dry location.
• Once it is clean and dry, stow your control bar in the supplied bag in a clean, dry, cool place.
06
7
B E AC H ET I Q UE T TE
BEACH ETIQUETTE
Here are some basic things to consider when sharing beaches and water accesses with other users:
SAFETY
• Follow the instructions outlined in this manual.
• Follow the instructions and rules and regulations posted at the beaches you use.
• Check with local kiteboarding associations or shops prior to launching in a new area. There may be local rules and regulations
to follow which are not posted.
• Utilize common sense`.
• Do not touch other people’s gear, unless instructed to do so by the owner. Picking up their bars, kites, etc. may disrupt a
setup ritual they have.
• Always secure your kite with sand or sand bags. An unmanned kite is dangerous.
• Never leave an inflated kite unattended. Winds may shift and cause the kite to become unsecured and fly off.
SETTING UP
• Set up only the gear that you plan on using immediately. Deflate and put away your kites when not in use.
• Set up in an area where you have plenty of space.
• Set up in a manner conducive to having multiple users in the area.
• Roll up your lines when not in use.
• Always keep other beach and water access users in mind when launching, landing, and kiteboarding.
• Yield to other beach users. Be courteous and cooperative.
• Always be ready to lend assistance to other kiteboarders. The favor may be returned sooner than you think.
06
8
*i m ag e n o t t o s c ale
K I TE O VE R V I EW
CROSSBOW
12
13
14
16
17 / 18
19
23
25
20
26
27
24
22
21
1
8
6
7
9
11
2
10
5
3
06
9
CROSSBOW KITE OVERVIEW - CROSSBOW CONTROL SYSTEM with OVERRIDE
1. 4-Line Kite Body
2. Bridle
3. Steering (Rear) Line Attachment Point
4. Depower (Front) Line Attachment Point
5. Pulleys
6. Multi-Segmented Dacron Leading Edge
7. True Match 3-D Battens
8. Airlock High Volume Valve
9. Standard Inflation Valves
10. Front Flying Line
11. Rear Flying Lines
12. Front Leader Lines
13. Grab Ball
14. Centerline Adjustment Strap
15. Power/Depower Extensions
16. Line Stop
17. Override Ball
18. Override Sleeve
19. Depower Main Line
20. Powerlock Loop
21. Rear Leaders
22. 2-1 Depower Pulleys
23. Bar Floats
24. Line Managers
25. Multi-Function Bar Ends
26. Harness Loop Quick Release
27. Harness Loop W/ Security Pin
K I TE O VE R V I EW
CROSSBOW
06
10
K I TE O V ER V I EW
*i m ag e n o t t o s c ale
8
7
6
5
6
4
13
18
9
23
24
25
29
3
21
17
20
27
16
10
15
30
28
26
19
22
12
11
14
13
06
11
CONTRA / REVOLVER / CO2 KITE OVERVIEW
- POWERDRIVE CONTROL SYSTEM with FRONTLINE EQUIPPED
1. 4-Line Kite
2. Rear Pigtail
3. Front Pigtail
4. Frontline Bridle
5. True Match 3-D Battens
6. Multi-Segmented Dacron Leading Edge
7. Airlock High Volume Valve
8. Standard Inflation Valves
9. Steering Lines (Rear Control Lines)
10. Frontline Main Line
11. Depower Line Attachment ”V”
12. Frontline Ring Guide
13. Front Line
14. Frontline Length Limiter Ball
15. Bungie Section
16. Recovery Line
17. Payout Limiter Ball
18. De-Power Lines (Front Control Lines)
19. Mainline Adjuster
20. Centerline Adjustment Strap
21. Leader Lines
22. Line Stopper
23. Bar Floats
24. Line Managers
25. Multi-Functional Bar Ends
26. Powerlock Loop
27. De-Power Line
28. Harness Loop Qr With Tap Out Leash
29. Recovery Line Termination Ring
30. Harness Loop with Security Pin
and Frontline Guide
K I TE O VE R V I EW
CONTRA / REVOLVER / CO2
06
12
CONTROL SYSTEM COMMON FEATURES - Crossbow CS, Powerdrive Carbon CS, Powerdrive Alloy CS
QUICK RELEASE SYSTEM (QRS)
You should be familiar with the operation of the QRS in the event of a situation where you wish to activate the QRS feature.
QRS - OPERATION
Grab the release body and pull up until the pin is free.
Under tension, the pin will release the harness loop. (Fig. 1)
QRS - SETTING / RESETTING
• Slide the QR Pin through the stainless steel Trapezoid. (Fig. 2)
• Fold the pin back over itself. (Fig. 3)
• Lift the QR Body up the Depower line. (Fig. 4)
• Lower the QR Body over the QR Pin. (Fig. 5)
• Your QR system is now ready for use.
C O NT R O L S Y S TE M [Common Features]
CROSSBOW CS / POWERDRIVE CARBON CS / POWERDRIVE ALLOY CS
2 3
4 5
1
06
13
SECURITY PIN
The harness loop can be used as the rider’s sole connection to the DEPOWER
SYSTEM, as long as it is equipped with a security pin. This security leash is
active only when the rider is hooked into the Harness Loop. Therefore it is
important that a secure connection is made between the Harness Hook and
the Harness Loop. This critical connection allows you to depower the kite
completely, spin your bar freely, and re-launch your kite easily, all while still
being connected to your kite.
• You must be hooked into the Quick Release (QR) Harness Loop in order
to activate the IMMEDIATE DEPOWERTM feature.
• Insert the Security Pin into the Harness Hook under the Loop. (Fig. 1)
• Make sure your quick release and control Systems are set up properly
before launching or engaging the Security Pin on your Harness Loop.
• We suggest that you engage the Security Pin only when ready to launch
and/or the Bypass leash is connected.
CAUTION: Be advised that when the Security Pin is engaged, you have a
semi-permanent connection to the kite. As a precaution, know where your
Quick Release Handle is and be educated on how to activate it before engag
-
ing the Security Pin.
SECURITY PIN – ENGAGING
• Double check that your QR and Control systems are set up properly.
• Hook into your harness loop. (Fig. 2)
• Once hooked into the harness loop, only engage the Security Pin once
you are ready to launch
- (OVERRIDE SYSTEMS ONLY) Disengage the Override ball.
- (FRONTLINE SYSTEMS ONLY) Connect the Tap Out Leash.
• Insert the Security Pin into the center of the harness hook, making
sure it is below the harness loop. Your harness loop must be between
the harness hook and the Security Pin in order for this feature to work
properly. (Fig. 3)
• Make sure that the Security Pin is secure. This will keep your harness
loop from accidentally dropping out of your harness hook. Your Security
Pin is now ready for use.
SECURITY PIN – RELEASING
You may disengage from the Security Pin in two ways:
A. With your hands, slide the Security Pin out of the harness hook. (Fig. 4)
B. Release the Quick Release Handle on your harness loop. (Fig. 5)
1
2
3
4
5
C O NT R O L S Y S TE M [Common Features]
SECURITY PIN
06
14
BYPASSTM LEASH (optional)
All 2006 Cabrinha kites can be used
with the optional BYPASSTM Leash. This
security leash is an optional feature and
is recommended for first time users and
kiteboarding schools, and for riders who
kiteboard without being hooked into the
harness loop.
If you choose not to ride with the BYPASSTM Leash, follow the instructions on using the security pin to make sure you have a
positive connection to your kite.
TIPS
• Make sure you set up your BYPASSTM Leash properly before going on the water.
• When using your Cabrinha kite with the optional BYPASSTM Leash, you may activate the shutdown feature of the kite by
simply unhooking from the harness loop
• If hooked into the harness loop when using the BYPASSTM Leash, you must first either unhook or activate the quick release
on your harness loop in order to utilize the BYPASSTM Leash System as a means of shutting the kite down.
CAUTION: If using a BYPASSTM Leash on the Override control system, releasing the QRS will separate you from the kite. The
Override CS is equipped with an alternate leash attachment point above the CAS which will allow the rider to remain attached to
the left front line.
Centerline Adjustment Strap (CAS)
All Cabrinha control systems come with a
CAS. To operate it is a “pull pull” action.
This is used to change the length of your
front (depower) lines.
• (Crossbow CS) Pull on the black ball
to depower (Fig.1)
• (Crossbow CS) To increase power,
pull on the red ball (Fig.2)
• (Powerdrive CS) Pull on the lower
handle to depower (Fig.3)
• (Powerdrive CS) To increase power,
pull down on the large plastic loop
on the CAS. (Fig.4)
C O NT R O L S Y S TE M [Common Features]
BYPASSTM LEASH
1 2
3 4
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