Rolling = Bad, Folding = Good

slacker · Since 26 Apr 2008 32 Posts Hood River

Are you a kite roller or folder?

Folding is much better for your canopy material and bladder, plus it makes pumping a breeze.

Don't roll your kite so tight, it is terrible for the canopy and bladders, takes way to much time, and pumping is a pain.

You know what happens if you roll it to tight, It doesn't work!

skent · Wed Jul 03, 13 1:04 pm

I am a folder. It's been a long time since I have rolled a tight one.

ShiverMeTimbers · Since 26 Feb 2013 381 Posts Gig Harbor Obsessed

??? this makes no sense to me. by folding, you put creases in your kite. rolling seems much easier on the material. I come from a sailing background and folding was the less preferred method. please explain.

I'm also totally new to kiteboarding, so if I'm wrong, please lemme know. My feelings won't be hurt.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Fold me a fatty...

That doesn't really flow.

I'm a roller.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

there is something built into kiters, seems like mostly FNG kiters, that want to tell people what to do.

No work tomorrow fewls, who's rollin'em up?

Sauve · Since 19 Mar 2009 97 Posts Hood River

For years I've been using the technique of holding the kite bag like a pair of pants I'm about to put on and cramming the kite in with my legs repeatedly. I highly recommend this over the fold or the roll. either that or leaving lines attached and putting kite loosly in trunk so that when I'm almost home I can pull the trunk latch and let the kite out like a drag parachute brake

Sailut · Since 31 May 2005 72 Posts Utah

Here is a video from someone that repairs kites.
suggesting rolling.

Link

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

Rolling vs folding is personal preference. I may get burned for saying this, but I do a little of both, fold it once on each side, then roll. I have been using the same kites now for 3 or years, no problem, and I don't seem to have a problem pumping them up.

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

I always roll the left side of my kites, but fold the right side. You can come check my kites out to see which side has more wear, it is quite striking.

(i'm joking)

undertow · Since 15 Feb 2008 371 Posts BeaversBurg Obsessed

I always roll, then pass to the left.

Enjoy your freedom
If you live in WA. Rolling Eyes

wylieflyote · Thu Jul 04, 13 8:13 am

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Just get the damn kite in the bag.

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster

I loosely fold in big sections. Its way quicker than rolling and the kite seems to pump up much cleaner without twisting and catching on itself.

And for folks that worry about wear and tear.... Have you ever actually "worn out" a kite before you wanted something newer?

I beat the crap out of my kites, I almost always self-launch and land them, and I push them into their bag like it's a stuff sack. I usually sell my kites cheap or give them away after about a max of 3 years and then move on to my next new kites. Even then they still seem to be in great shape, they just aren't the latest and greatest tech.

I think my Rallys have seen three seasons now and there's not a damn thing wrong with them. Even the depower lines look fresh, and I kite nearly every day in season. Well done Slingshot!

Of course some people baby their kites obsessively (Owen) and then sell them in about a year in pretty much like-new condition so they get most or all of their money back out of them. I'm not that guy.