You can find the latest kitebar at Shaka online!
Are you looking for a new kitesurf bar ? We have a wide range of kitebar bars. View and order directly online or visit our surf shop in Scheveningen . If you have a question, you can always contact us. We share your passion and are happy to help you further!
How does a kitebar work?
You control your kite with a kitebar. On the sides of the kitebar are the steering lines that are attached to the back of the kite to control the kite. Control lines are therefore also referred to as 'backlines'. With your kitebar you also generate power when you pull the bar and when you take the bar away from you, the kite generates less power. The so-called power lines are attached to the front of the kite, therefore the power lines are also called 'front lines'. So two control lines and two power lines. Nowadays all kitebar bars are equipped with a 'power-trimmer' and 'safety-system', which makes the sport very safe nowadays. To get along well and safely with the kitebar and all materials, you must, however, follow a kite surfing course. At the kitesurfschool.nl you can book a three-day course very cheaply with which you learn everything about the materials, technology, rules and safety to independently learn kitesurfing, anywhere in the world.
Width of the kitebar
The width of a kitebar influences the steering behavior. In general, narrow bars (44 cm) are used for small kites and wide bars (52 cm) are used for large kites. Nowadays, a lot of kitebar bars are adjustable and can be used more and more for both small and large kites. A 'narrow' kitebar can therefore be used from small kites to kites of around 12 m2. For the really large kites of 12 + m2, the wide kite bars are often still used.
(De) power trimmer
With a (de) power trimmer you can provide your kite with extra power with light wind or with less power when there is strong wind. Because of this, kites nowadays have a much larger wind range than it used to be. There are different systems at different brands. Want to know more about this? Then come and have a look at our kitebar in the shop.
Safety system, quick release & safety leash
All kitebars nowadays have a safety system, consisting of a 'quick release' and a 'safety leash'. By means of the quick release you can completely deposit your kite in an emergency situation. Your kite no longer generates power and is now only attached to your safety leash. There are different systems at different brands. In general, they all work the same. In our shop we can show and tell you much more about it. When and how you use this system and put it back together you also learn during a kitesurf course at the kitesurfschool.nl.
Line length of your kitebar
In the Netherlands, lines of 22 or 24 meters are now the most common line lengths. With this length you can freeride, freestyle and waven under all circumstances and offer the best middle ground in the choice of line lengths. However, there are also kite surfers who opt for shorter or longer lines. In wakestyle and freestyle you also see kite surfers with 19 meter lines. Shorter lines make the kite more direct, faster and offer more control in the 'high-end'. In the 'low-end', however, you again miss some power to keep kite surfing good. Short lines of 12 or 14 meters are also available for children. These are also used at our kite surfing school for the first kite surfing lessons. In addition to short lines, longer lines are also available, 27+ meters of lines are used in race kitesurfing, this increases your wind window and allows you to generate even more power, this length also works to the advantage of the kite in the low-end . All kitebar have the length of 22 or 24 meters. If you want a different line length, we can of course order this for you!
Material and maintenance of your lines and kitebar
The lines of a kite are subject to many influences. In the first instance, the wind, the size of your kite and your body weight affect your lines. In addition, the salt water, the sand and the sun and its UV radiation also cause the necessary wear on your lines. Lines are therefore made from a super-strong plastic fiber, called Dynamee. This material is up to 15 times stronger than steel, is very thin, does not absorb water and holds your weight with ease. Nevertheless, after every kite surfing session, it is important to rinse your kitebar and lines with fresh and cold water and check for wear and knots.
Connect kitebar of brand X to kite of brand Y.
It is not always possible to connect a brand X kitebar to a brand Y kite. This has to do with the length of the lines, the height of the V-split and the connection to the kite. If these three points are the same, you can also connect your kitebar to another brand. If this is not the case, do not do this! If you want a kitebar that you can connect to any other brand (99%), check out the Clickbar from Duotone! This has adjustable lines, V-split and connection.
Do you have a question about a kite bar? Are you not sure whether your kitebar and lines are still in good condition? Then come along with your kitebar and we will check your bar and lines if they are still safe for kite surfing or if they are due for replacement. For intensive use, we recommend replacing your lines every two years.
Do you want a new kite or kiteboard in addition to a new kitebar? Be sure to take a look at our kites and our kiteboards. Of course we also have complete kite surfing sets , then you are ready to go kite surfing in one go!