I’ve heard that the Cabrinha bow kites are a better value than online discount kites. How can this be possible?
Because of the bow kite's incredible power and range you only need a two kite quiver to cover the most common wind range of 5-25 knots. The advertised wind ranges for most of our classic kite competitors require 4 kites to satisfy the same wind range properly. This works out to substantial savings over the online discount kites and incredible savings over premium retail classic kites.

Reducing the number of classic kites in your quiver will create ‘holes’ and compromise your performance in certain wind speeds. The Crossbow and Switchblade kites have a huge overlap in range between sizes. Therefore you will not experience a gap in performance when changing from one kite to another. In addition, you won’t need to change kites as much as the others every time the wind picks up or drops a little. More riding, less rigging.

What’s with the sizing comparison? Is this a similar situation to the past when we needed a calculator to judge a kites real size?
No. A 12 meter kite means that it is 12 square meters when measured flat. This is the same standard measurement used industry wide.

However, because of the Contra, Crossbow and Switchblade's incredible power output, and its incredible depower capabilities, you can easily compare it to a classic or traditional arc kite which is 3-4 square meters larger in size. In other words, a 12 meter Cabrinha bow kite has the base power equal to a 14 or 16 meter classic kite. It also can be easily depowered down to below a 10 meter kite just by sheeting out the control bar. If the bar in pushed into the Override mode the kite will immediately depower and begin to drop from the sky. Please use our wind range chart as a point of reference.

Is the bow kite bridle system complicated?
The Cabrinha bow kites have an incredibly simple bridle system which makes the set up no different from a standard 4 line kite. You layout your control lines and attach them to 4 attachment leaders coming off of the kite. This bridle can in no way be compared to a traditional ram-air kite bridle. Our bridle is a simple but sophisticated design.

What does the bridle do?
The bridle serves two functions. The most obvious function is the way that it fully supports the flat arc of the kite (also known as Pro Span Extreme). This helps to keep the kite flying rock solid even when riding through choppy water in gusty wind. The second function of the bridle is to allow the kite’s angle of attack (AOA) to radically change. This is the main feature responsible for the Crossbow or Switchblade incredible range and depowering capabilities. The bridle even allows for the AOA to reach a zero point where the kite stops pulling altogether. The interesting thing about this bridle is the way that it places equal tension on each attachment point even while depowering. Jelly fishing is not possible with the Crossbow or Switchblade.

Can I use the Cabrinha bow kite with a 5th line?
No. The bow kite's depower and security functions are built right into the kite itself. It does not need, nor should be used with a 5th line.

Can I use a control bar from my classic kites on the Cabrinha bow kites?
It its not advised nor recommended. Inversely, use of a 2-1 pulley depower control system on a traditional arc kite does not work either. Traditional arc kites are not able to utilize the extra depower given by the 2-1 pulley system. It is recommended to use only a Cabrinha control system on a Cabrinha bow kite. You will be able to take advantage of all the features the kite has to offer. Please consult our control system compatibility chart at www.cabrinhakites.com <http://www.cabrinhakites.com> to see which control systems are compatible with which kites.

How much should I inflate the struts?
Strut pressure is the bow kites best friend. As with all of our inflatable kites we recommend that all struts are inflated to the point where they are very stiff. In the case of the leading edge strut, we recommend that the strut should be inflated to the point that it can easily support its shape when standing on end (in a c shape) in a side launch position. Proper inflation will increase the kite’s flying performance and will increase the speed in which a water launch can be made.

I’ve seen this type of concept tried in the past. What makes the Cabrinha bow kites so different?
Many attempts have been made at a flat inflatable kite in the past. Most were unsuccessful for the following reason: The trailing edge could not match the leading edge shape because the trailing edge was not supported. Often the result was a scalloped looking trailing edge which severely affected laminar flow and efficiency. Another common result was that the leading edge was supported in a flat shape by the inflated strut but the trailing edge would take the round shape of a traditional arc. This disparity in shape would ultimately cause a loss in power as well.

Our bow kite designs have addressed this problem. You will notice that the trailing edge of the kite matches the shape of the leading edge. This is achieved through the use of wingtip sweep and trailing edge hollow. Ultimately the root of the trailing edge is in a position forward of the trailing edge of the wing tip.

The second major difference is the type of bridle used. Past attempts by others to correct the above mentioned problems consisted of a complicated and complex bridle set. This was just adding fuel to the fire. Our bridle is a simple set of lines only attached to the leading edge of the kite. The bridle allows for the full support of the arc even when the kite is being depowered. See “Bridle” in this section.

There is a huge buzz about the range of these kites. How is this possible?
The simple answer lies in the flatter shape of the kite. The flatter shape allows for a greater amount of change in the angle of attack (AOA) of the kite. Other factors like our unique bridle are responsible as well. For more information see “Sizing” in this section.

What is instant relaunch?
Our bow kites have a built-in relaunch function. When the kite is leading edge down on the water or snow, just pull on either the left or right leader line to choose which direction you would like to launch the kite. The wingtip will rise out of the water. You can then choose to hot launch the kite from the bottom of the window or you can put the kite in a side launch position at the edge of the window for a slower relaunch.

Keep in mind that this technique works best when most of your forward movement is stopped. If you have your board with you, put your feet in the straps, and sit upright with your board in front of you to slow or stop all of your forward movement. This will keep tension on the lines. Do not swim towards the kite as you would with a classic kite relaunch method.

How is the bar pressure?
The Contra and Crossbow have decreased bar pressure from the 1st generation of bow kites. Additionally, the Switchblade has virtually no bar pressure thanks in part to the Powerdrive 121 control system without pulleys.

How do I activate my security system?
The depower line is the security system. If the need to depower your kite arises, simply sheet the bar past the Override stopper unit into the Override mode. The kite will immediately depower and slowly drop to the water.

Where do I connect my leash?
If you want to unhook from the depower loop, you will need to use the Bypass Leash.

There are few places that you can connect this external leash. The one you attach to depends on your riding style and security needs.
If you are doing unhooked tricks and want to be able to un-spin the bar after rotations, connect the leash just above the QR on the main depower line. It should be noted that in order to completely disconnect from your kite you must also acitvate the QR on the Bypass™ leash as well.

In the event that you need to “flag” the kite, you can move the leash from this point to the red ball at the top of the centerline adjustment strap. Attaching at this point will leave you connected to the left front line.

If you need to disconnect completely from the kite, you can pull the QR located at the base of your Bypass leash.

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