Kite equipment isn’t cheap. A new kite costs €1,000–€2,500, a bar €300–€500, a board €400–€800. Proper care and storage will extend its lifespan by years. And it’s simple – just follow a few rules.
After Every Session: Rinse and Dry
Fresh Water Is Key
Salt water is corrosive. After every kiting session, rinse:
- Bar and lines – run the entire bar under fresh water. Salt in the pulleys and chicken loop causes corrosion and impairs safety system function. This isn’t a cosmetic issue – it’s a safety risk.
- Kite – if possible, rinse the kite too. Especially the valves and zippers on the inflate system. In practice, most people don’t do this after every session, but at least once every few days is a good habit.
- Board – a quick rinse is enough. Footstraps and screws will appreciate the absence of salt.
Drying Before Packing
This is rule number one: never pack a wet kite. Moisture + heat = mold. And mold destroys kite material irreversibly.
Spread the kite out on the beach or lawn, let it dry on both sides. A few minutes in the sun is enough – but not hours. Prolonged UV exposure degrades the material.
Ideal procedure: spread in the shade, let it dry naturally, then pack.
Packing the Kite
Proper packing takes a few minutes but significantly extends material life:
- Deflate the kite (release air from the bladders)
- Fold the trailing edge onto the leading edge
- Roll from one tip to the other
- Avoid sharp bends – especially on the leading edge
- Wind lines onto the bar neatly, without knots
We sometimes see people who stuff the kite into the bag like a sleeping bag. It works, but the material suffers.
Enemies of Kite Equipment
Sand
Sand is insidious. It gets into valve zippers, bar pulleys, and footstraps. In zippers, it causes wear; in pulleys, jamming. After sessions at a sandy spot (like El Gouna), rinsing is all the more important.
UV Radiation
Sun degrades all synthetic materials. Colors fade, material becomes brittle, seams weaken. Don’t store your kite in direct sunlight. And on the water – the less time the kite lies deflated on the surface, the better.
Heat
A closed car in summer = 60 °C+. A kite in a car in direct sun = damaged material. Store in a cool, dry environment.
Moisture
A wet kite in a sealed bag = mold within days. Especially in tropical climates. Always dry before packing.
Long-Term Storage
Before extended storage (a month or more):
- Thoroughly rinse with fresh water – everything
- Completely dry
- Check lines – knots, wear, uneven lengths
- Inspect kite – holes, worn seams, valve condition
- Pack loosely – not too tight, so the material can “breathe”
- Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight
Storage at Kitepower El Gouna
For those who regularly return to El Gouna, hauling equipment through the airport is unnecessary. In our storage facility, your equipment is safe right at the spot.
Storage Pricing
| Period | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | €13 |
| 3 months | €450 |
| 6 months | €600 |
| 12 months | €900 |
Equipment is stored in a covered, secure space. When you arrive, it’s ready on the beach.
VIP Beachboy Service
For €10 daily (kitepass), you get a service that includes inflating your kite, setting it up on the beach, and packing up after your session. You arrive, the kite is ready; you leave, someone packs it for you. For those who want to maximize their time on the water.
When to Replace Equipment
Kite equipment doesn’t last forever. Approximate lifespan:
- Kite: 3–5 seasons with regular use. Depends on care and intensity.
- Lines: 1–2 seasons. Check regularly – uneven length = poor kite control.
- Bar: 2–4 seasons. Pulleys and depower systems wear out.
- Board: 5+ seasons. Boards are more durable, but check footstraps and screws.
If you’re considering new equipment, check out our shop – as exclusive Flysurfer and Levitaz partners, we offer the complete range.
Summary
- Rinse with fresh water after every session
- Dry before packing – always
- Protect from UV, heat, and moisture
- Sand = the enemy, especially in zippers and pulleys
- Thorough maintenance before extended storage
- Returning guests: storage in El Gouna saves hassle and airport fees
Proper equipment care saves you hundreds of euros per year. And most importantly – a functioning safety system can save your health.
Need advice on equipment? Write to us or stop by the shop right on the beach.