3.5m Wipika kite

[Hugh2]

A friend who bought an old sailboat at the same time as me found this kite onboard and gave it to me. No bladders or lines. I presume it is a 2-line trainer perhaps called the “Classic”. Anyone know more? And why does the tag say “Never put the valves inside”?

[joekitetime]

It is a classic. When they first came out perhaps they were afraid that people would "pop" the valve in like you do with all the pool toys' valves, to make it disappear. But you don't do that with the kite valves.

Sadly, the thing is worthless. Even in its hayday it was an absolute piece of sh%t and I am lucky to still be alive today.

We can credit it for one thing - in the kiting world, kites like that are why we say "be careful"...

[bobbi o]

It is a classic. When they first came out perhaps they were afraid that people would "pop" the valve in like you do with all the pool toys' valves, to make it disappear. But you don't do that with the kite valves.

Sadly, the thing is worthless. Even in its hayday it was an absolute piece of sh%t and I am lucky to still be alive today.

We can credit it for one thing - in the kiting world, kites like that are why we say "be careful"...

Completely disagree.

2 line kite, leash to wrist.

In the shit,let go of the bar. Never had any problems with it.

Its only crap in comparison to today.

In 1999, it was great

[PullStrings]

In 1999, it was great

Yes !!
Had 5.0 2 lines 40m

[ELI]

[Trent hink]

3.5 projected area? I bet it would be fun to mess around with a hydrofoil in 13-15 knots.....

[longwhitecloud]

I bet the mylar isnt delaminated and the valves still glued stuck 20 years later... and. that it still holds air.. mine does.

Unlike 10s of thousands of kite produced today and over the last 10 years that will not tolerate more than a few years in tropical heat without falling apart/delaminating.

- planned obsolescence? or lack of engineering skills?

These kites were built great. - only some of them had a supply of bad mylar that ended up peeling.

[Hugh2]

Longy, sadly no bladders, although if I took it to Cape Town with me the repair shop there could easily make some for me. It would be interesting to fly it at least, otherwise it will eventually get ditched, much like my old C kites and various Best kites that are way past usable.

[Peert]

A friend of mine is gathering early day kites for his kite museum. I am sure he would be interested to include this one in his collection. Should you consider tossing it away please let me know he (or I ) would be willing to pay shipping (to the Netherlands).

[Hugh2]

Sure Peert, but you have to wait a while. Kite is on my sailboat in Panama and I can't get to it.