Quick! Rick James needs your help...

lks · Since 06 Nov 2007 117 Posts Anchorage, Alaska Stoked

Was at the Homer Alaska kitefest last week end, walking the kite off the spit and into the water when I paused momentarily to sniff some cocaine off of the hip bones of some super models. The kite dropped briefly onto some seashells in the sand, which did a number on the leading edge canopy. See pics below. I have the repair tape from airtime (closed for the day, or I would have asked them), but have a dilemma as to how to put it on. Should I blow up the leading edge and then apply so as not to have the tape contract the canopy, or just spread it out as flat as possible in a relaxed state and then apply? I'm assuming apply to both sides, which creates problems for applying it to the inside if my leading edge is pumped up.

I'm leaving tomorrow for a secret kite spot, which is why the urgency.

Cocaine is a helluva drug....

Enjoy ya' selves,
Rick

MasViento · Since 03 Mar 2009 235 Posts 97031 Stoked

I would do this with LE inflated and after you have cleaned area with alcohol swab or super model saliva whatever you have on hand.
-Why ? - when you inflate kite LE the canopy fabric will have a different orientation and pull on it than when it is deflated. You dont want repair to be getting jacked every time you pump up or it wont last too long.
Good luck !

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

Repair inside and out ( obviously deflated, may even have to pull bladder out depending on orientation)