Flexifoil Strike 2 Instruction Manual

Instructions and Safety Manual
Thank you for purchasing your new Flexifoil Strike 2. Before flying your kite, you
should take time to read and understand these instructions and safety warnings.
You can download this manual and any updates from www.flexifoil.com/downloads

2.1 Contents
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Strike series kites have been designed for
kiteboarding and other water use only. They are not
recommended for land-based activities.
Kiteboarding is an extreme sport that can be
both exhilarating and dangerous. You must read
and abide by the following instructions and
safety warnings to ensure that you have a great
kiteboarding experience.
This information is for your own safety and
protection. If you do not agree with these
instructions and warnings, do not use this
product. Please return this product in perfect
condition to the point of purchase and you will
receive a full refund.
ESSENTIAL DO’S AND DON’TS
If operated and looked after properly, your new Strike
will serve you well. To ensure that your kite lives a
long and happy life, you must follow this advice.
NEVER kiteboard in conditions that are too extreme
or winds that are too strong for your skill level or your
equipment.
DO NOT over inflate your kite.
DO NOT push the valves into your kite after inflating
the bladders.
NEVER store your kite wet.
ALWAYS dry your kite before storing for long
periods.
When packing away your Strike kite, DO NOT
scrunch up, fold or crease the kite. ALWAYS roll it up
carefully from one end to the other.
DO NOT leave your kite fully inflated for long periods,
especially in hot conditions.
If in doubt about which size of kite to take on to the
water, ALWAYS start with a smaller kite and work up,
as necessary. NEVER start with a larger kite.
Flexifoil strongly recommend that you take lessons
from a fully qualified instructor before kiteboarding
with your Strike kite.
Flexifoil strongly recommend that you take out
third party civil liability insurance before you start
kiteboarding and abide by all safety guidelines and
conduct yourself in a safe manner.
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2.2 Safety First
Flexifoil strongly recommend that you abide by ALL safety guidelines and conduct yourself in a safe manner at all times
2.1 Contents
2.2 Safety First
3.1 Bag Contents
3.2 Strike 2 Overview
4.1 Wind Window
4.2 Wind Speed Table
4.3 Kite Size Information
5.1 The Lark’s-Head Knot
5.2 Strike 2 Setup
6 Strike 2 Setup (Continued)
7.1 Pre-Launch Preparations
7.2 Launching the Kite (Assisted)
7.3 Launching the Kite (Solo)
8.1 Landing the Kite (Assisted)
8.2 Landing the Kite (Solo)
8.3 Water Re-launching
9.1 Packing and Storing the Kite
9.2 Bladder Repair
10 Bladder Repair (Continued)
11 Bladder Repair (Continued)
12.1 Care and Maintenance
12.2 Repairs Service
12.3 Warranty
GENERAL
Use extreme caution when using kiteboarding
equipment. Improper, incorrect or careless use of this
equipment can cause serious injury or death.
Strike kites are not parachutes, paragliders or
personal flotation devices and are not to be used as
such.
A kiteboarder must be fit, healthy, be able to swim
and be over 18 years of age (under 18’s should have
parental permission and adult supervision).
A kiteboarder should know and abide by the rules of
the sea, navigation laws, Coast Guard requirements
and local rules and regulations.
Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or mind
altering drugs.
LEARNING
Always learn to fly with a smaller traction kite, such
as a Flexifoil Bullet, before attempting to fly a kite
intended for kiteboarding.
Do not attempt to kiteboard until you have
completely mastered control of the Strike kite on
land.
Instruction should be taken from an officially
recognised kiteboarding instructor when going out
onto the water for the first time.
Beginners should learn to kiteboard in lighter winds.
Practise water launching/ landing procedures and
self-rescue techniques before going out onto the
water for the first time.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
NEVER kiteboard in an offshore wind.
NEVER kiteboard in conditions that are too extreme
or winds that are too strong for your skill level or your
equipment.
NEVER kiteboard if you cannot safely handle the
power of the kite (you are overpowered). Use a
smaller kite or wait for a lighter wind.
DO NOT fly in thunderstorms, electrical storms or at
night.
LOCATION
DO NOT fly your kite near overhead power cables,
roads, airports, cars, railways, people or animals.
ALWAYS select safe launching and landing areas free
of people and obstacles. Stay away from unsecured
kites and lines on the ground as a kite can re-launch
itself at any time. Disable kite and lines on the
ground when not in use.
NEVER kiteboard so far away from the shore, that
you cannot swim back in an emergency.
ALWAYS maintain plenty of clear space around you
in all directions when flying on land and in the water,
especially downwind. A kite can pull you downwind
for a considerable distance.
NEVER kiteboard in congested areas with swimmers,
boats, watercraft, solid obstacles or other water
users.
NEVER kiteboard alone or without a rescue craft on
hand. Always have someone watching out for you.
EQUIPMENT
YOU MUST always check all your equipment for
wear and tear before going out onto the water.
Do not fly with damaged or worn flying lines or
equipment. Repair or replace equipment accordingly.
ALWAYS kiteboard with appropriate safety
equipment - helmet, knife to cut flying lines, officially
approved buoyancy aid, waterproof flares, protective
eyewear, gloves and kite retaining leash. Never
attach yourself permanently to the kite.
Kite lines and bridles under tension can cut like a
knife and can cause serious injury or death. Always
keep your kite lines away from people, animals and
crafts, both on the water and on land.
NEVER allow inexperienced kiteboarders to use your
equipment.
REMEMBER, you are always responsible for the safe
operation of your kite, boards and equipment. Use
common sense.
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3.1 Bag Contents
3.2 Strike 2 Overview
Left to Right: Strike Bag, Strike 2 Kite, Kite Instructions, Heavy Duty Pump, 2 x Sail Repair Sheets, Bladder Repair Kit, Registration Card, Flexifoil Stickers
Inflatable ribs
Dacron leading edge strip
Leading edge tube
Leading edge valve
Rib valve
Front toggle point
Multiple rear toggle points
Wingtip deflation valve

4.1 The Wind Window
4.2 Wind Speed Table
Weather conditions can be unpredictable and can change very quickly. ALWAYS be vigilant and respect the power of the wind
Ripples with no appearance of
scales; no foam crests
<1
1-5
6-11
12-19
20-29
30-38
39-50
51-61
62-74
75-86
87-101
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
<1
1-3
4-7
8-12
13-18
19-24
25-31
32-38
39-46
47-54
55-63
<1
1-3
4-6
7-10
11-16
17-21
22-27
28-33
34-40
41-47
48-55
Calm
Light Air
Light Breeze
Gentle Wind
Moderate
Wind
Fresh Wind
Strong Wind
Near Gale
Gale
Strong Gale
Storm
Smooth as glass Not enough wind to fly kite
Small wavelets; crests of
glassy appearance
Large wavelets; crests begin
to break, scattered whitecaps
1-4ft waves;
numerous whitecaps
4-8ft waves; many whitecaps;
some spray
8-13ft waves forming whitecaps
everywhere; more spray
13-20ft waves; white foam
blown in streaks
13-20ft waves; edges of crests
beginning to break;
foam in streaks
20ft waves; sea begins to roll;
dense streaks of foam
20-30ft waves; white churning
sea; rolling is heavy;
reduced visibility
DescriptionForce MPH Knots KPH At Sea
0-0.2
0.3-1.5
1.6-3.3
3.4-5.4
5.5-7.9
8.0-10.7
10.8-13.8
13.9-17.1
17.2-20.7
20.8-24.4
24.5-28.4
Metres/sec The Flying Experience
Difficult to fly kite - very low wind
Good conditions for
large kites or beginners
Ideal flying conditions
Ideal flying conditions
Good conditions for smaller kites
or experienced flyers
Experienced flyers
Very small kites or very
experienced flyers
Dangerous winds
Do not fly
Do not fly
Smoke drift indicates wind
direction; vanes do not move
Calm; smoke rises vertically
Wind felt on face; leaves rustle;
vanes begin to move
Leaves & small twigs in
motion; light flags extended
Leaves & loose paper raised up;
flags flap; small branches move
Small trees begin to sway;
flags flap & ripple
Large branches in motion;
whistling heard in wires
Whole trees in motion; resistance
felt in walking against wind
Whole trees in motion;
resistance felt in walking
against wind (again)
Slight structural damage occurs;
shingles blow from roofs
Trees broken/uprooted;
considerable structural
damage occurs
On Land
Before going out on the water it is important that you have a basic understanding of the wind as well as the terminology used in describing the different
conditions. You will find that these terms are frequently referred to in warnings and instructions, so please take some time to familiarise yourself with them.
4.3 Kite Size Information
Which size of kite should you use for which wind conditions?
Generally speaking, you should use smaller kites in stronger winds and larger kites
in lighter winds. You must not fly large kites in strong winds!
IMPORTANT: If in doubt about which size of kite to take on to the water,
always start with a smaller kite and work up, as necessary. Never start with
a larger kite.
Tip: In stronger winds, the smaller kites will re-launch easily as the wind will easily
lift the kite out of the water.
In lighter winds, more skill is required to re-launch the kite as sometimes the
wind alone is not strong enough to launch the kite from the water. Technique and
practice are required.
Flexifoil strongly recommend you take lessons from a fully qualified
instructor before kiteboarding with your Strike 2 kite. You should be skilled at
flying a traction kite on land before you take a kite on to the water. You should be
able to launch from the edge of the wind window and be able to fully control the
kite through the power zone of the wind window.
Wind strength numbers do not allow for gusts and lulls, but refer to average
wind speeds at a height of 2 metres from the water.
Wind and water conditions can change quickly and even the smallest kites
can cause serious injury or death. Make sure you watch the wind and weather
carefully. If the wind increases or conditions become stormy, stop kiteboarding.
Exchange your kite for a smaller one or, if conditions become too extreme for
your skill level or your equipment, it’s time to pack up and go home. All kite flyers
should fully understand that kiteboarding can be a dangerous sport.
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Minnimum power
Maximum power�
DOWNWIND
Wind direction
OFF WIND
LEFT
OFF WIND
RIGHT
Kite Flyer
Minnimum power
Minnimum power
Water
Land
On-shore wind
Off-shore wind
Cross-on wind
Side-shore wind
Wind direction
Upwind
Upwind
Reach Reach
Downwind
Downwind
The Wind Window Terminology Conditions

5.2 Strike 2 Setup
IMPORTANT NOTE ON INFLATION PRESSURE
The heavy duty pump that comes with your Strike 2 kite can produce a
maximum pressure of about 13 psi. Do not inflate to this pressure, only
inflate the tubes until all are firm to the touch. You should stop pumping
well short of the maximum pressure. This may take some practice but it will
soon be easy to gauge the correct inflation pressure as you become familiar
with your kite and its performance.
WARNING: Never leave an inflated kite unattended. Wind conditions can
change and cause your kite to blow away causing damage and injury to
others.
IMPORTANT: Before fully inflating your Strike, it is strongly recommended
that you partially inflate all ribs and the leading edge bladder to ensure all
internal bladders reach all corners of the tubes. Failure to check this can
cause damage to your kite.
Inflating the Strike
1. If Battens are not already inserted, push
them into the batten pocket and close the
velcro end.
2. Note, Large kite sizes have battens that
can be broken into two for smaller pack
down.
3. Place Sand on the wingtip to secure
kite.
4. Inflate the struts. All struts are equiped
with a one-way valve for easy inflation.
5. Once the Strut is pumped up insert the
valve cap.
6. Fasten the velcro over the valve. This
secures the valve in place.
7. Ensure the LE tip dump valve is closed. 8. Connect the pump leash to the kite,
turn the kite so it is downwind and inflate
the LE tube.
9. As you remove the pump tip, quickly
place your thumb over the valve to stop air
from escaping. Quickly insert the valve cap to
seal valve and prevent air escaping. Do not
push valves into kite after inflating bladders.
5.1 The Larks-Head Knot
Larks-head knots can pull very tight during use. However, pulling on the tags should undo them easily
All line to kite connections are made using the larks-head knot. The diagrams above show you how to make one in the loops at the end of the flying
lines. Connect the lines to your control gear before attaching the lines to your kite.

6 Strike 2 Setup (Continued)
Secure the kite on the ground
Place the kite on the beach wih the leading
edge facing into the wind.
To secure the kite place sand onto the sail
behind the leading edge tube.
1. Unwind your flying lines while walking
away from the kite.
2. The kite has toggles on the wing tips.
The front toggles carry the main power of
the kite and the rear are used for turning.
3. The front lines are grey, and have a toggle
extender pre attached to the flying lines.
4. Attach the front lines to the front
tow point.
5. Connect the rear lines to the rear
toggle * . The left and right are colour
coded (red for left and blue for right).
6. The kite is now ready for launch. Check
again that the lines are connected to the
correct locations, and the lines are not crossed.
Attaching your flying lines to the Kite
Toggle extender
Front flying line
* The Strike 2 has two toggles, choose the toggle that suits your riding requirements. The rear point will give the lightest bar pressure and
faster turn. The forward tow point will increase the bar pressure for turning and slightly reduced turn rate.

7.1 Pre-Launch Preparations
Pre-launch Preparations
Before you launch your kite, make sure you have a good clear area around
your launching zone and at least 100m of clear ground space downwind.
You will then need to put on your harness (not supplied) which will allow
you to use the power-up / de-power system on the control bar and which
will also allow you to fly for longer by absorbing the forces of the kite
through your body via your harness and not through your arms. Flexifoil
recommend the use of a good quality seat or waist harness.
Using The Variable Power System
The variable power system allows you to adjust the power of your kite
while on the water. (Riders tend to fly de-powered and then power-up
when they want to boost big air.) With experience, you will find the flying
set up that suits you best.
Hook the Chicken loop on to your harness.
Fine-tuning Your Strike Kite Before Flight
Check all flying lines to ensure there are no tangles before preparing your
kite to fly.
Whilst all your flying lines need to be of equal length to start with, this
does not mean your kite will instantly be tuned to your personal preference
and every wind condition.
The Flexifoil Strike kite comes complete with a front line trim system which
allows you to fine-tune the kite’s power before and during flying. Adjusting
the trim system allows you to vary the difference in the angle of attack
of the kite between the power-up and de-power mode and therefore the
amount of power that you will have on the water.
Note: You can also tune your kite by adjusting the rear line lengths by
connecting to different points of the leader lines on the control bar or by
making small adjustments to all line lengths at the toggles on the kite.
1. Ensure you are launching from the
minimum power area at the edge of the
wind window. Face the kite to the edge
of the window, and fold the wing tip over.
Keep the wingtip inplace by adding sand.
2. Apply tension to the lines by pulling
the control bar towards you and take a few
steps backwards if necessary
3. Turn the kite away from the ground. The
kite will take off and the sand will spill off
from the kite.
7.3 Launching the Kite (Solo)
If you want to launch on your own, you should never attempt to do this in strong winds and you should always launch from the edge of the
wind window.
7.2 Launching the Kite (Assisted)
The safest way to launch your Strike 2 kite is with somebody helping you. Make sure that your helper is fully briefed and understands what you
want him or her to do before attempting to launch your kite.
1. Get you helper to remove the sand from
the kite, and lift it into position. Handle the
kite by the centre of the leading edge.
2. Get your helper to walk the kite to the
edge of the wind window, (which is the
point where the kite does not wand to fly
forwards, but still pulls)
3. When you are ready to launch signal
your helper to let go (Use clear hand
signals!) and steer the kite up the edge of
the wind window.

8.1 Landing the Kite (Assisted)
8.3 Water Re-Launching
Fly the kite to the edge of the wind window. Get your helper to catch the kite To secure the kite, place sand on the sail
behind leading edge tube.
The safest way to land your Strike kite is with somebody helping you. Make sure that your helper is fully briefed and understands what you
want him or her to do before attempting to land your kite. Flexifoil recommend that you do not attempt to land your kite on the ground on your
own. However, if you get into difficulty on the beach and there is nobody available to help you land the kite, activate your safety leash system
to de-power the kite.
8.2 Landing the Kite (Solo)
Fly the kite to the edge of the windwindow Hold the landing handle, and unhook from
the chicken loop.
Let go of the bar. The kite will spin to the
ground with minium power.
The kite can be landed solo. before attempting to land the kite in this mannor, ensure there is plenty of space downwind of you (at least
50m). The technique works by letting 3 of the 4 lines go free and holding onto just one outside line. This means the kite cant hold its
requried shape, so does not generate much power, and will spiral to the ground.
When the kite lands on the water
you will need to slide the kite to
the edge of the wind window. It
helps to swim the opposite way.
Bring the bar towards your
body, then, quickly push away
allowing the Strike to roll onto
its back.
Turn the bar pushing one
wingtip away into the wind. Turn
the kite onto its side. Hold the
bar in this position until the kite
is at edge of wind window.
Slowly the kite will rise as the
water falls off the back of the
sail. Take the kite slowly up the
wind window to the top.

9.1 Packing and Storing the Kite
9.2 Bladder Repair
Open the 2 valves on the LE tube Open the tip dump valve. Open the Strut valve
The sticks can be used to deflate the kite.
Deflate all the struts in turn.
Roll the kite up from wingtip to wingtip As you get to the other tip the remaining
air should be expelled throught the dump
valve. Now its ready to put it in the bag.
Important Note: Do not store your kite wet. If you put your kite away wet, especially in a hot environment, it can lead to colours bleeding.
Like bicycle tubes, sharp objects can puncture the air bladders in your kite. With the enclosed bladder repair kit, you can repair small punctures as
follows. Bladder removal/repairs are best done with the assistance of a partner.
When repairing the leading edge bladder, you will need to attach two lengths of flying line (at least 2m longer than half the length of the leading edge
tube), one to each end of the leading edge bladder.
When repairing a rib bladder, you will need a length of flying line approx 1m longer than the rib tube.
Important note: You will use this line to pull the bladder back into the tube after the repair has been completed.
Removal of leading edge bladder
Lay the kite on its back with ribs facing up.
Ensure the leading edge bladder and all ribs
are deflated. When repairing the leading
edge tube, open the end flap by pulling back
the Velcro from under the securing loop.
Larks-head a suitable length of line around
the end of the leading edge bladder. Push
both the centre valve and the wingtip
deflation valve into the tube. Remove the
bladder via the Velcro opening near the
centre of the leading edge tube.

When repairing a rib bladder, open the end
flap by pulling back the Velcro from under
the securing loop.
For a rib bladder repair, larks-head your line
around the head of the valve. Ensure your
line is of a suitable length. Then push the
valve through into the tube.
Remove the rib bladder, allowing the
attached line to be pulled through the tube.
It is best to get a helper to hold one end of
the tube to keep it under tension to ensure
easy removal.
When the rib bladder has been removed
from the tube, the line should be left running
through the inside of the tube. Untie the line
from the valve.
Removal of rib bladder
10 Bladder Repair (Continued)
Bladder Repair
Inflate the bladder and submerge into water. Small air bubbles will
indicate holes. This method is the same as repairing a bicycle inner tube.
Small holes may be hard to locate.
Ensure the bladder is dry and clean; use a marker pen to mark the hole
to be repaired. Deflate the bladder.
Use the sandpaper enclosed within the repair kit and lightly rough the
area to be repaired.
Peel the backing off the repair patch and press it evenly onto the bladder
to cover the hole.
Tip: When all holes have been repaired, completely dry the bladder and
close all air valves. Put the dry bladder in a plastic bag with a sufficient
amount of talcum powder. Close the bag and shake it until the talcum
powder completely covers the bladder. This helps to prevent the bladder
from twisting or sticking when re-inserted.

Re-insertion of bladder
To begin the re-insertion process, fold the bladder so the air valve(s) are lined up to the valve opening(s) in the tube. If repairing the leading edge tube,
re-tie both lines that are still inside the leading edge tube to each end of the bladder, using a larks-head knot. If repairing a rib bladder, re-tie the line
that is still inside the rib to the valve, using a larks-head knot.
1. For rib bladders, the front of the bladder
must be turned inside out.
2. Use your hand to push the front of the
bladder, back inside itself up to the valve.
3. The rib bladder is now ready for
reinsertion. (this process, helps the bladder
fit back to the front of the tube when it is
first inflated.
Inflate the bladder until it is half full with air. Push air around the tube to ensure the bladder has been inserted correctly and that there are no folds or
twists in the bladder material.
Important note: If you notice a twist in the bladder or the air valve appears misaligned, remove the bladder and repeat insertion process. Failure to
correct any problems at this point can cause severe damage to the bladder when it is fully inflated.
11 Bladder Repair (Continued)
4. Have your helper pull the line so that the
bladder is reinserted into the rib or leading
edge tube. The rib or leading edge tube
should be kept under tension to ensure that
the bladder is inserted properly.
5. Once the bladder is completely inserted
into the rib or leading edge, make sure the
air valve is properly exposed and secured in
the special groove around its base.
6. Carefully push the excess bladder
material into the tip of the rib and reconnect
the Velcro strap under the securing loop.

12.1 Care and Maintenance
AVOID flying your kite near trees, hedges, stone walls, barbed wire fences or other obstacles that
could damage your kite.
DO NOT drag your kite across the ground when trying to launch or land, especially in stubble fields,
on stony beaches or on other abrasive surfaces that could damage your kite.
NEVER store your kite wet. Always allow it to dry before packing and storage.
Your kite can be hand-washed with care in warm NOT HOT soapy water. Use a mild detergent, i.e.
washing up liquid, and a soft sponge.
DO NOT use aggressive detergents or abrasive materials to clean your kite.
DO NOT use a washing machine or tumble dryer!
ALWAYS check your equipment for wear and tear before using it and repair or replace accordingly.
Taking good care of your kite will prolong its life
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12.2 Repairs Service
Damaged your kite? Flexifoil kites have been designed to be strong and durable. However, they are
not indestructible. If they are crashed hard into the ground or dragged they may get damaged. For
this reason we have a repairs service available.
STANDARD REPAIR SERVICE
Flexifoil offer a quick and inexpensive repair service to all its customers. We also stock spare parts
and sails for both current and discontinued kites.
Flexifoil undertake most repairs at our factory but overseas customers should contact their local
distributor for assistance. Please visit www.flexifoil.com/repairs for the latest information.
12.3 Warranty
At Flexifoil we believe in designing and manufacturing our products to the highest possible
standards. We pride ourselves on our outstanding quality control but if any of our products fail as
a result of defective workmanship or faulty materials, we will replace it free of charge. This is in
addition to your statutory rights.
Products will not be replaced which have been:
damaged as a result of normal wear and tear, misuse or neglect
repaired or modified without the authorisation of Flexifoil International Ltd
returned to Flexifoil International Ltd without a valid receipt
If you live in the UK, please return faulty products to your local dealer or Flexifoil International. If you
live outside the UK please return faulty products to your distributor. A list of dealers and distributors
can be found at www.flexifoil.com
Important note on flying lines
Flexifoil will not replace flying lines that have been improperly used, have become worn through
normal use or have failed as a result of knots in the line. If kites are flown on flying lines of
insufficient breaking strain, the lines will break. Always follow Flexifoil recommendations to ensure
that flying lines of an appropriate breaking strain are used when flying one or more kites.
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Flexifoil International Limited
27 Regal Drive, Soham, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5BE, UK.
tel [phone]
fax [phone]
email [e-mail]
web www.flexifoil.com Version 1.0 © FLEXIFOIL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 2005