So, it appears this kite is a water focused kite. I'm a land lubber. I live in the desert. Phoenix AZ to be exact. The kite appears to be brand new. In the backpack is the kite and the rope/towbar. No manual. Is there anything missing from this other than a pump/harness? What kind of pump is necessary. What kind of pressure do the inflatable portions need. Are there any poles for this kite and is this what is called a Leading Edge Inflatable?

I don't make it to the ocean much. I assume this could be used in a lake as well, we have a lot of those.

Could this kite be used on land? Say attached to some sort of low slung trike? I'm a metal fabricator and I love building stuff with wheels.

Is wipika still in business? Their website is blank. Any idea where I can get more information on this kite?

Thanks!

I have posted copies of the Wipika manuals for 2005 & 2005 on my website.

2004
2005

The 2004 manual seems to include the Matrix. The 2005 manual is a bit more general.

Pumps (figure $20-30 dollars) for LEIs generally look like this:


Wipika recommends 5-7 psi inflation pressure.

Shouldn't require any poles/spars... the air filled bladders give the kite structure.

Also a landlubber, so know nothing about the kite, but yes LEI's can be flown on lakes if the wind is cooperative.

Yes, it can be flown on land. Damage to an any of the bladders from impact/cell rupture, abrasion, punctures from ground debris will take you out of the air quicker than with an ARC or open cell foil kite.

It's doable (Power out in the DC area flies LEI's on land a lot if I recall). Learning mistakes can be hard on the kite though.

If should be attached to you (with a harness/safety release). Attaching it to a vehicle is called hot-wiring and NOT something you should be doing starting out.

As for a low slung trike, Google "Kite Buggy"

Do you know what year it is?

McDuck (Bryce) is in your area and I believe he's been getting out on the water either locally or during his summer travels... lakeside stuff.

I was pretty sure that Wipika was still in business, but could be wrong.

Last but not least. Have you ever flown a power kite before? If not, this probably isn't the kite to start with.

ATB,
Sam

Thx for the info. I am a complete n00b. It's black/yellow/gray. It appears to have never been used. The bar/ropes are still wrapped as if they came from the factory.

The tag in the bag states the serial # as KMAJ110 DJ68 W1S(or 5)7K1720002 (as best I can read it and this assumes 1's not I's), it's written with a fine point marker on a piece of the yellow ripstop that the kite is made from, not the best penmanship.

Info.NA@wipikakiteboarding.com
Support.NA@wipikakiteboarding.com

Phone:
Monday to Friday 8:30–5:00pm PST
Call: +1 (541) 386-7892

Haven't tried the emails. Phone rings through to John Burton's voicemail. John is/was the US Rep for Wipika.

Some posts on some other forums mention that they went out of business or moved on.... not details.

PBKiteboarding posted in that thread and is a PKF member (as well as a retailer), he might be able to give you a more definitive answer).

If the kite really is 5-6 years old, I would inflate the bladders and leave them sitting out of the sun for a period of time to make sure there are no slow leaks, valve damage, bladder damage, etc.

If you really haven't flown a power kite before, please start with a much smaller kite or meet up with someone in your area.

When a kite decides to backhand you, it's generally wearing weighted gloves and running with an attitude.... sort of like the ultimate worst first date. :o

ATB,
Sam

Yeah, I'm not going to just start kiteboarding with no help or knowledge. Thanks again for all the information. I will give the bladders a test. I may end up just selling if it's in good working condition and going with a beginners kite if I choose to get into kiteboarding.

With its age, you'll probably be selling the bar and lines and not expecting much for the kite. It might not be very far along the safety curve being that old as well. Meaning the bar might not have an advanced (or any) safety. Show us pics and knowledgable folks can guide you.

The kite appears to be brand new. It doesn't show any wear or dirt of any kind.

Here are the bar images:

Unfortunately you have an old school 4 line C kite there. Not a great choice for learning on at all. In 2005 most companies added a 5th line for easier relaunch and added safety. Many companies saw the 5th line coming and have a pump leash attachment front and centre that can be used. If Wipika did not have one you can have an attachment put on at a sail shop cheap. If I was to keep this kite I would upgrade it to 5th line.

As B'bob suggested , the bar and lines are probably more valuable than the kite as it is. Even as new the whole package would be a hard sell for $150. Bar and lines would sell for $100 alone? I paid $1,000 each used for my 1st 2 C kites and sold for $100. Everything changed in 05 - 06 and thes old 4 line C kites got sidelined.

If this kite has gotten you interested in power kiting then it is priceless !!!

That is one cool line organizer that came with that bar !!! NOT a normal part of kit.

I like the line organizer. I wonder if such an arrangement used when detaching lines would enable one walk setup of arcs? <Hijack ending>