FAQ
What does BOW mean ?
"BOW" corresponds to the shape of the wing as seen from the top and from the front. At the beginning, it had been considered S-bow for Swept-Back Oblate Wing but it was simplified to BOW. For those who very much want significance, let's say: Banana Ocean Wing ;-)
The domain name BOWKITE.COM is registered but there is no trade mark, the name BOW KITE is free of rights.
The BOW: for whom ?
The BOW is for all gliding sports, obviously on water but also on snow, ice, sand, and grass. On snow, benefit from its simplified inflation, its resistance to turbulence, and from its enormous de-power which takes away the risks related to gusts.
For kitesurfing, it will interest the beginner for its unequalled safety, as well as the pro rider for its superior performance.
One says that the bar pressure is heavy on this type of kite, is it true ?
Yes and no, it depends on the control bar and bridle. Choosing between a bit too much pressure and more bar travel, this is a reality on the first Bow kites but no doubt a compromise will soon be found.
Does the BOW tend to dive like the other flat tube kites ?
No, it is even more stable than a C-shape tube kite because of its sweep. Sweep is one of the known means to stabilize a plane. The planes of the flying wing type all have a lot of sweep. More so, the sweep moves back the center of gravity. If your kite goes too far to the edge of the wind window, it will not dive, but move back while fluttering.
Is the re-launch difficult ?
The relaunch is in 99% of the cases much easier than with a classic tube kite for two reasons:
- The leading edge is much more rounded, the wing easily rocks
- The back lines are very moved back, thanks to the sweep, which contributes to the swing of the wing.
In light winds, one can reverse launch the wing while simultaneously pulling on the 2 rear lines, starting from only 5 knots of wind.
The only case where it is more difficult to re-launch, it is when the wing stays on its back. It flags and tends to remain stable in this position. It is then necessary to pull on a front line to rotate it then to proceed with a normal re-launch.
It is necessary to learn how to re-launch the BOW kite in shallow water before kiting in deep water.
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What occurs if the Bow tumbles around inside itself in the air or during a take-off ?
The bridles are so short that there is no risk of tangles. As on a classic wing, the front and back lines will twist, which does not prevent it from flying, and the kiter from returning to the beach.
Why should I buy a BOW when my classic kite has all the performance I desire ?
No one can be sure to avoid strong gusts; the first reason is for the safety, which is very drastically improved. Secondly for the wind range which makes it possible to have only one or two wings instead of 3 or 4. Practical, especially on a trip! Test it and you will understand.
Will the accidents disappear with the BOW ?
One can expect a significant reduction in the number of accidents but there will always remain unconscious riders, for example people who will think that they are able to learn by themselves. There is also the risk of riders who go over-powered while thinking that there is no limit to the BOW. It should be said as of now: it is not because you can sail in 35 knots of wind with a BOW 12m that it should be done. Come back to shore before an even stronger gust puts you in a dangerous situation. In any event, as in any human activity, there will always remain a risk.
Isn't a flat tube kite joining together the worst of both worlds ?
Until proof of the opposite, the inflatable tubes remain the best solution for kitesurfing, because of the obtained rigidity, which creates performance and responsiveness, and of the perfect ability to water re-launch. As for bridles, it has nothing to do with bridles of a ram air kite, there are only a few meters of lines and some tow points, only on the leading edge. No need to panic.
Is the BOW a copy of the previous flat tube or ram air kites ?
There already were some models of flat tube kites such as: Seasmik, Next, DaVinci, KiTech, Bic Airflow, Genetrix, Flexifoil Nexus, Gaastra G-spot, WindWing Rapture and even more ram air kite models. It is easy to make the connection because these kites have the same shape from a front view but there are two fundamental differences: the BOW has some sweep, creating a coherent and rigid kite with a well tightened trailing edge. Also it has a simplified bridle, on the leading edge, making it possible to divide the number of bridles by 4 or more.
The flatness and the tension of the trailing edge are obtained aerodynamically and not mechanically (bridles, tube, rigid spar). The result is a powerful wing which allures the market.
Isn't the success of the BOW only due to good marketing ?
What interest would the brands have to adopt and promote this concept when there are plenty of other good ones available, when it is the only kite protected by a patent? For the pleasure of paying royalties?