WELCOME!

Modern sport kites are miles beyond the wood and paper toys you got stuck in a
tree as a kid. With aerospace materials and dual-line control we’ve transformed
kiting into an ultimate escape for grown-ups too. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot
or first time flyer we’re here to get you hooked, with exquisitely designed,
beautifully crafted flying machines that’ll focus your mind, challenge your body and
let your spirit soar.

Just getting started? Expect some unplanned landings while you learn the basics.
But learning is all part of the fun, and you’ll find lots of useful info in this guide to
help you along the way. Enjoy!

-The Prism Crew DUAL-LINE PILOT’S GUIDE

WHE R E TO F L Y ASSEMBLY LAUN C H
Choose your flying spot carefully to avoid turbulent
wind. Like whitewater in a river, wind that flows past
obstacles like trees, buildings and hills becomes gusty
1 Sweep both arms back
and hold hands together
Fly near middle of
“Wind Window” for
and choppy and can make controlling your kite difficult to fly straight up max speed and pull
or impossible. The best place to fly is an open beach or
field with wind blowing in from off the water.
TUR WIND WINDOW

CE
ULEN

B
If you have to fly inland, look for wide open fields with
no trees, buildings, or hills for at least a quarter mile
upwind. With experience you’ll be able to fly more
easily in turbulence, but when you’re just learning,
a smooth, consistent wind between 8 and 12 mph
makes a huge difference. WHERE NOT TO FLY: Even a wide open beach can be a Unroll your kite and lay it out flat as shown. Package Sweep both arms back to launch. Keep your hands
hard place to fly if the wind is from the wrong direction. should include kite, upper and lower spreader rods, close together and in front of you for best control-
flying lines, velcro kite wrap and bag. don’t wave them over your head!

P A R T N A M ES STE
S TEEREINR IN
GG
Spine

Upper Spreader
2 Pull left line
to turn counter
Pull right line
to turn clockwise
Upper Leading Edge Leading Edge Fittings clockwise

Standoff Retainer
Lower Spreader Center T Fittings
Connector

Lower Leading Edge

Inner and Outer

Ferrule
Standoff
Spine End Fitting
Connect the upper and lower leading edge rods at the Pull right line to turn clockwise, left line to turn coun-
Wingtip Nock leading edge ferrules. Hook elastic loops over the wingtip terclockwise. Hold hands even to continue straight in
nocks to tension the sail along the leading edges. the direction the kite is pointed.

SA FE TY MA N E U V E R S
Remember, flying safely is YOUR responsibility. Practice Figure 8’s first!
Sport kites can fly faster than 50 mph and pull
hard enough to hurt you, even in moderate
CAUTION! Your kite can fly fast and unpredictably.
The kite and lines could seriously injure anyone in
3
winds. NEVER fly your kite in extreme conditions their path. Be absolutely sure your flying area is
Power
or winds that are too strong for your skill or Dive
Square
equipment. Always practice in lighter winds clear before launching and NEVER FLY NEAR:
Loop
before you attempt to fly in strong winds. Edge Landing
Low Pass
NEVER fly your kite near power lines, in storms,
near airports, roads, railways, people or animals.
If you have any doubts about the safety of your
flying situation, don’t risk it! One slip, or a
broken line, and you or a bystander could be Insert spreaders into leading edge fittings and center T. Practice figure 8’s, loops, power dives, squares, horizontal
seriously hurt. Then insert standoffs into retainer fittings on spreaders. low passes and landings to learn the basics.
Check assembled kite for symmetry and tangled bridles.
F I R ST FL I G H T T I P S
Dual line control is easiest to learn in steady winds
between 8 and 12 mph.
Check that bridles aren’t tangled before connecting
flying lines to the red and blue bridle pigtails.
Lay the kite on its back and walk straight upwind as you
unwind ALL THE LINE off the winder. Hold the red wrist
strap in your right hand, blue in your left.
With arms outstretched in front of you, take a step
backwards while sweeping arms down and back briskly
to launch. Hold your hands even and the kite should
climb straight up.
E QUA LI Z I NG F LY I NG LINES
Lines can stretch unevenly over time. Our Equalizer finger
strap design makes them easy to adjust. Just slide the
attachment pigtail out from inside the webbing on
the side that’s too long. Tie a knot to shorten and
slide it back into the webbing loop.
Uneven lines
BRIDLE T UNING
Your kite comes with the bridle set to perform at its Lightest
best in moderate 8-12 mph winds. It can be fine- Winds Prussik knot
tuned for optimal lift in different winds by sliding the
red and blue line attachment pigtails up or down along
the outer bridle legs. Strongest
Winds
Two knots about 1-1/2” apart mark the limits of the
adjustment range on each side. In light winds, loosen
the prussik knot and slide each pigtail towards the Move the tow points UP for light
nose. In stronger winds, prevent shuddering and make winds, wider turns and lighter pull.
quicker turns by sliding the pigtails down, away from
the nose. Make adjustments in 1/2” increments. With Move the tow points DOWN for stronger
experience you’ll feel bridle adjustments more easily. winds, faster turns and to prevent shuddering.

Once airborne, pulling the right line slightly will turn the
kite clockwise, pulling the left will turn counterclock- Pull in pigtail on longer side
CARE AND REPAIR
wise. The kite will continue to turn in the direction of The materials in your kite are durable and designed Keep your kite out of hot car trunks and avoid using
your pull until you even out your hands. for a long life with minimal maintenance. Here are few solvents to clean the sail as they can dissolve the
tips to keep it healthy: adhesives in the seams. Water and a little dish
Keep arms together and in front of you. Don’t hold them detergent on a sponge works well.
over your head or outstretched to the side. Give your kite a pre-flight inspection before you
Tie a knot in the pigtail
launch to be sure everything is properly assembled, To fold up your kite, remove the spreaders and fold the
Use small hand movements so you don’t over-control. the frame is intact, and the bridle and lines aren’t worn. leading edges against the spine so all the spars are next
Expert pilots use mostly wrist and fingers for precise control. Beach sand is abrasive and will wear on bridles and to each other. Tuck the standoffs into the sail and roll the
fittings, so do what you can to dust off the sand after a sail neatly up to (but not around) the bundle of leading
Practice making figure eights in the sky with alternating session at the beach. Compressed air works great if edges and spine.
upward turns till you get a feel for steering. If you repeatedly ...and you’re done!
it’s available, and a freshwater rinse is a good idea if
turn in one direction, your lines will build up friction as they your kite has been swimming in salt water. Use only Prism replacement parts in your Prism kite.
twist around each other. Do some turns in the opposite Replacements for all parts are available online at
direction to untwist. www.prismkites.com

TR OU BL E S H O O T I NG
PROBLEM
Kite feels uncontrollable or
keeps crashing
USEFUL KNOT S
COMMON CAUSES SOLUTION
Double Overhand loop
Control movements are too big Sport kites take small, precise movements to control and
beginers often overdo it at first. Try keeping hands low For the ends of your flying lines
and close together. Don’t let them go over your head. Quick to tie and works without sleeving
Obstacles disturbing the wind Trees, buildings or hills in the area create turbulence,
making the wind gusty and inconsistent. Choose a
different location or wait for a different wind direction Blood Knot
that is less obstructed.
For fixing a break in your flying lines
Tangled bridles Check to be sure bridle lines aren’t snagged around Holds well in slippery lines like Dyneema
spreaders, standoffs or wingtips before each launch.

Kite turns to one side
Uneven flying lines Flying lines can stretch unevenly. Check that they’re
equal within an inch, and if necessary shorten the long Lark’s Head knot
one slightly by shortening the finger strap pigtail as For connecting flying lines to bridle pigtails on kite
shown in FLYING LINES.
Easy to tie and untie
Tangled bridles Check to be sure bridle lines aren’t snagged around
spreaders, standoffs or wingtips before each launch.

Kite is reluctant to fly upward Not enough wind Flying in light winds takes practice, especially with smaller
or feels sluggish more responsive kites. Wait for a windier day or try
adjusting bridles as shown in BRIDLE TUNING. OUR WORD Prism Designs Inc.

Kite shudders in higher winds
or doesn’t fly smoothly
Flying lines are different lengths
Broken frame part
Obstacles disturbing the wind
Frame is overpowered by strong winds
Lines can stretch out unevenly as the braid settles during
first flights
Hard unplanned landings, yanking on lines when the
kite is on the ground
Trees, buildings or hills in the area create turbulence,
making the wind gusty and inconsistent. Choose a
different location or wait for a different wind direction
that is less obstructed.
Adjust bridles for strong winds as shown in BRIDLE TUNING.
Wrist straps are designed for easy adjustment. See
EQUALIZING FLYING LINES.
Be gentle in stronger winds near and on the ground.
Parts are easy to replace and you can get spares on our
website at WWW.PRISMKITES.COM.
At Prism we’re confident you’re going to have a great 4214 24th Ave W
time with every product we make. But if for any reason Seattle, WA 91899
you’re not happy and your retailer is unable to help, let 206-547-1100
us know and we’ll do what it takes to make things right. 206-547-1200 fax
Damage due to normal wear and tear can almost info@prismkites.com
always be repaired at a reasonable charge. Spare parts www.prismkites.com
for Prism kites can be ordered direct from our web
store at www.prismkites.com.
C 2018 Prism Designs Inc. All rights reserved.