How to pack your kite for maximum longevity

How to pack your kite for maximum longevity and best resell value. There are many ways to pack your kite but this is the best way I've found through many years of trial and error. I've had many kites last for a short time due to improper care. If you fold it the same each time it will keep its rigidity. Other notes that I didn't include in this video are to not leave it in a hot car, pump it up frequently when not in use and leave it in the shade when you're taking a break.

[@kshred3043]

Step 1: Fold the kite in half about the centre so that the two wing tips touch each other. Step 2: Fold as shown both the halves toward the centre starting from the tips. This is much faster because (a) only half as many folds are needed and (b) the air is is pushed towards, and expelled from, the centrally located valve. No more having end 2 unrolling as end 1 is being folded up. Maybe this variation does not ultimately end up being as compact as the state of perfection shown here but it is good enough for my to kites to fit in their bags. Fold, don't roll, so that there is less chance of inducing a kink in the bladder. I learn't that tip the hard way ! Good to see you back Blake 👍

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks for your insight, K Shred. 🤙🏽 I’ve always been a “roll to the middle” guy, but I should give the “roll both wings” style a try again. -Aaron

[@2007dalin]

notice nobody does these tutorials in 30 knots of wind.. lol that's the real challenge

[@vikingh3008]

Exactly +30kt and raining It’s a different story

[@MACkiteboarding]

LOL, for sure. We do these in lower wind so you can actually hear the audio ;) -Tucker

[@galzohar]

@@vikingh3008 Don't forget some rain. Nothing worse than folding your kite in pouring rain. The bag drips for a whole day afterwards, and then you need to unpack the kite to dry as soon as there's a sunny day (assuming you don't have the space to dry it indoors).

[@vikingh3008]

@@galzohar yep, usually always some rain on the most windy days in Northern Europe

[@dragonfist]

while looking at the video before I realize it was a joke "I need a leafblower", and my girl somewhere in the back"this is the only thing you havent bought yet, if you get one we break up" :D

[@BuZz6249]

Great vid, maybe next time try to make tutorial hot to pack your kite in 30 knots on a sand beach

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hahaah! 😂 Good call, my friend.

[@frbergkotte]

U then at least don't need a leaf blower 😂

[@muppetbrother]

Haha. I was about to change video when you brought out the leaf blower. 😂

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yeah, that got me too, man! 😅 -Aaron

[@sternokrat]

U should close the main valve after getting the air out of the kite. There ist always a little sand left somewhere

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for commenting. 🤙🏽 That’s definitely something that we usually overlook.

[@ChristianJohnsons]

I’ve always wondered if folding or rolling is better. I would think folding might repetitively crease the same spots over and over again. Thoughts?

[@MACkiteboarding]

The idea is that you are creasing the same spot so it doesn't crinkle and become soft like a paper bag. It's impossible to prevent wear eentirely but it's easier to lay flat when folding for most riders. -Tucker

[@DNNYZGLR]

The video i was waiting and searching for A LONG TIME!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you, DNNYSZLR. 🤙🏽 We’ll be sure to share that stoke with Blake for you.

[@kst157]

Haven’t tried small folds, I roll it, so will try this! Looked very neat! Thanks. 🪂👍

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you, KST. 🤙🏽 Folding works quite well, and allows you to pack your kite pretty small. -Aaron

[@nx9537]

Watching this ....I almost get the new kite smell....😂

[@MACkiteboarding]

Ha! 😂 That "new kite" smell is always awesome, right? Good winds to you, my friend. -Aaron

[@muppetbrother]

Also if you have some sand on the kite and it’s in a bag and the bag is not moving how does it abrade

[@MACkiteboarding]

Sand particles can be quite abrasive, and even if the kite is stored in a bag and the bag is not moving, the sand particles can still rub against the kite and cause abrasion. 🤙🏽 This is why it's important to always try to keep your kite as clean as possible, especially after a session on the beach. Good winds! -Aaron

[@peterheirmanster]

Maybe pay a visit to a beach in Western Europe. The moist kite from the moist air will 'glue' sand. If it has been raining there will be even more sand sticking to your kite. The only solutions is not to pack your kite but leave the struts inflated, transport is home in the trunk of your car and hang it to dry in your garage. Then pack it the next morning.

[@JeanPaulvanRijswijk]

Sorry, no garage

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great advice, Peter. 🤙🏽 Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, my friend. -Aaron

[@MACkiteboarding]

Maybe drape it over your tiki bar?? 😂🍹

[@galzohar]

My main issue is the main valve and the one-pump pipe clips rubbing against the kite and eventually puncturing a tiny hole in it (granted, after 1-2 years of use, but still). I'm not sure how to avoid it except being more gentle when taking the remaining air out of the kite after folding it.

[@kevinbradley9601]

Same issue. I put a 4" round piece of ripstop sailtape in the area the inflate valve hits for protection

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great point, Gal. 🤙🏽 We highly recommend Kevin’s suggestion below. Many kite manufacturers are doing basically the same thing. -Aaron

[@robinmordasiewicz]

Why I love kite folding videos, I don’t know, but I do.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hahaah! 😂 Perfect for those of us with OCD. -Aaron

[@ahmetcemturan]

Now the same again at 25kts...

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hahaah! 😂 OK-we’re going to have to shoot another in higher winds. -Aaron

[@cyberanswer]

I don't rub the kite because you are sandpapering the kite and removing the UV protection. Some guys use a dust brush which is equally bad. I give the inflated LE a whack with my hand where there is no sand to knock the sand off. I don't know how you roll on a beach except shaking the sand. Blowing is a great idea if available? I fold the tip over until the first strut then fold or roll from there. I don't stack kites so no abrasion. I dry at home and shake off the sand like you say. Don't rub kites, don't leave them in the sun, don't leave them flapping in the wind.

[@MACkiteboarding]

+cyberanswer Thank you for sharing your experience, my friend. 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@luccafrieri]

If you think I’m walking to my car to grab a leaf blower after kiting for 3 hours 🤣🤣🤣

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yeah, I was thinking, “dude-for real??” 😂 -Aaron

[@stokakrishna]

Leaf blower?? Wow. I'll bring hair dryer

[@grahampagden305]

I found vacuum cleaner works better for getting sand off!🤣🤣

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hahaahaah!! 😂🤙🏽

[@paulchilvers5032]

Bring a blower to the beach??? Really!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Only kidding, of course. 🤙🏽 Thanks, Paul-that one had me going as well. 😂 -Aaron