FLYSURFER SONIC4 User manual

w
USER
MANUAL
SONIC
EN

ENGLISH
2
SONIC ⁴ User Manual ENGLISH 06-2023
Änderungen vorbehalten / data subject to change
© FLYSURFER Kiteboarding 2023, www.flysurfer.com

ENGLISH
3
CONTENT
01 Release of Liability.................................................................................................................................. 4
02 Safety Notes............................................................................................................................................. 5
02.01 Do not fly with kites........................................................................................................................................................5
03 Overview of the kite ................................................................................................................................ 6
04 Handling ................................................................................................................................................... 8
04.01 Setting Up a foil kite.......................................................................................................................................................8
04.02 Sorting the bridle............................................................................................................................................................9
04.03 Securing a foil kite..........................................................................................................................................................9
05 Launching................................................................................................................................................10
05.01 Self launching a foil kite at the edge of the wind window....................................................................................10
05.02 Edge of the wind window with a helper on a foil kite ............................................................................................11
06 Relaunch .................................................................................................................................................11
06.01 Reverse Launch.............................................................................................................................................................11
06.02 One Line Relaunch........................................................................................................................................................12
06.03 Drainage .........................................................................................................................................................................13
07 Landing....................................................................................................................................................13
07.01 Landing with an assistant...........................................................................................................................................13
07.02 Self-landing by backstall............................................................................................................................................14
07.03 Self-landing using the Frontline Safety ..................................................................................................................14
08 Safety System.........................................................................................................................................15
08.01 Reactivating the kite....................................................................................................................................................15
09 Emergencies............................................................................................................................................15
09.01 Self-Rescue with a foil kite.........................................................................................................................................16
10 Packing up...............................................................................................................................................17
11 Kite Care..................................................................................................................................................18
12 Maintenance............................................................................................................................................18
12.01 Replacing the Sparepart Lines and Pulleys.............................................................................................................18
12.02 Little Connection Lines................................................................................................................................................19
12.03 Repairing the Cloth.......................................................................................................................................................19
13 Trimmen ................................................................................................................................................. 20
13.01 Mixer................................................................................................................................................................................20
13.02 Camber Trim System....................................................................................................................................................20
13.03 Bridle-Check..................................................................................................................................................................20
13.04 Profile Moment Adjuster (PMA‘s)................................................................................................................................22
13.05 Optimum trim of the flying lines................................................................................................................................23
14 Repair & spare parts ............................................................................................................................. 23

ENGLISH
4
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
01 RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Release of liability, claim wavier, assumption of risk
By assembling and/or using this FLYSURFER product, you agree that you have read and understood the entire FLYSURFER product
manual, including all instructions and warnings contained in that user manual, prior to using the FLYSURFER product in any way. You
additionally agree that you will ensure any additional or subsequent user of your FLYSURFER product will read and understand the
entire FLYSURFER product user manual, including all instructions and warnings contained in that user manual, prior to allowing that
person to use your FLYSURFER product.
Assumption of Risk
FLYSURFER product and any of its components involve certain risks, dangers, and hazards that can result in serious personal injury
and death to both the user and to non-user third parties. In using this FLYSURFER product, you freely agree to assume and accept any
and all known and unknown risks of injury and you and third parties while using this equipment. The risks inherent in this sport can
be greatly reduced by abiding by the warning guidelines listed in this user manual and by using common sense.
Claim Wavier
Release and waiver of claims in consideration of the sale of the FLYSURFER product to you, you hereby agree to the fullest extent
permitted by law, as follows:
To waive any and all claims, that you have or may in the future have against Skywalk GmbH & Co. KG and all related parties resulting
from use of the FLYSURFER Product and any of its components. To release Skywalk GmbH & Co. KG and all related parties from any
and all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense that you or any users of your FLYSURFER product may suer, or that your next
of kin may suer, as a result of the use of the FLYSURFER product, due to any cause whatsoever, including negligence or breach of
contract on the part of Skywalk GmbH & Co. KG and all related parties in the design or manufacture of the FLYSURFER product and
any of its components. In the event of your death or incapacity, all provisions contained herein shall be eective and binding upon
your heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns, and representatives. Skywalk GmbH & Co. KG-related parties have not
made and expressly deny any oral or written representations other than what is set forth herein and the FLYSURFER User‘s Manual.
If you have any questions (repair, replacement parts installation, tuning, etc.) the dealers you trust get faster help and correspon-
dingly cheaper support (e.g. by saving shipping costs).
You can find all dealers in your area via our partner map:
https://flysurfer.com/fs-partner/
If you need further help, you can reach us at headquarters by phone or email.
E-Mail: support@flysurfer.com
Phone: [phone]

ENGLISH
5
SAFETY NOTES
02 SAFETY NOTES
Read the entire online user manual thouroughly before using the product, and strictly confirm to the procedures noted. The
following safety guidelines are only guidelines and do not claim to cover every instance.
01. Kitesurfing is a potentially dangerous sport, that holds risks for the athlete or the people surrounding them. Incorrect use of this
product may result in serious injury or even death for the user or third parties. Every user should be qualified by a FLYSURFER
kiteschool or a FLYSURFER dealer.
02. The user carries the sole responsibility for themselves and third parties when using this product. The user must check their equip-
ment for wear, especially wearing parts, before each kite session. Do a test activation of your quick release before every launch.
This will ensure the system is working and reinforces the release instinct of the kiter.
03. The product may only be used with original spare parts, and may not be modified.
04. This product has been designed for riders weighing 40-120kg. We cannot guarantee the proper functioning of the product outside
of this weight range.
05. Never kite in unsuitable conditions such as storm fronts, lightning, or oshore winds. Check the weather and wind conditions
carefully and choose the according kite size.
06. Check out the kiting spot beforehand. Make sure you are aware of any risks and dangers such as obstacles, shallows, currents and
bans. Also be aware if a rescue craft can get to you in case of an emergency. It is always best to ask people (locals) who know the
area well.
07. Keep a safety margin of at least two line-lengths downwind of you, and never kite near people or obstacles. Kiting near powerlines,
roads, airports, clis, etc. is extremely dangerous.
08. Make sure that someone is looking out for you and that help is there if you need it. Never go out alone. Never kite further away from
shore than you can swim back.
09. The incorrect usage of lines creates a high risk of injury for yourself as well as others. Body parts that get caught in the lines of the
kite may suer from severe injury or burns.
10. Only use bars with a safety system that you can open in emergency situations. Use a quick-release kite leash so that you can
disconnect your body from the product in case of an unforeseeable emergency.
02.01 Do not fly with kites
A kite is not designed, tested or licensed as an aircraft or flying device. The use of a kite as a flying device is illegal and not covered
by insurance. Flying with this product can lead to death!

ENGLISH
6
OVERVIEW OF THE KITE
03 OVERVIEW OF THE KITE

ENGLISH
7
OVERVIEW OF THE KITE
STREAMLINED LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
Constructed from state-of-the-art, lightweight materials to ob-
tain an optimal power-to-weight ratio. The high-strength sail is a
triple-ripstop 34 g/m² TX-Light, and the leading edge features a
very durable 44 g/m² DLX+ fabric that protects against abrasion.
All SONIC components are designed for maximum performance
on any terrain. The streamlined construction ensures that the
kite remains agile and highly maneuverable while maintaining
peak performance.
Bridle Check Tool
The bridle check tool makes it easier to compare the bridle line
lengths. At each level (A, B, C, Z), on each wing side of the foil
kite, black markings make comparing front and back main line
lengths easy (see line plan). To restore the flight characteristics,
length dierences between B and C levels relative to A level
must be annulled by moving the rings on the mixer. To maintain
performance and stability, we recommend regularly checking
using the bridle check tool, if the product is used intensively.
Reflex Profile
The reflex profile keeps the foil kite stable at a low angle of
attack and at full acceleration. The counter-arching pushes the
trailing edge down and prevents a front stall. The reflex profile is
essential for controlling and depowering a foil kite.
High Pressure Air Intake
The air intakes are integrated into the leading edge and ensure
the optimal dynamic pressure in our foil kites. After the foil kite
is filled with air, the walls of the air intake are automatically
pressed together. The self-deflating is prevented, and the kite
holds its wing shape.
Deflation Velcro Fastener Valve
We rely on deflation valves with velcro fasteners. They are in the
middle of the trailing edge of our foil kites. Our freeride products
have additional loops sewn on the Deflation Velcro Fastener Val-
ve for opening them more easily with gloves. Warning prints are
attached to the pull-out cloth sections; you can visually check
the valve is closed.
Profile Momentum Adjuster
The PMAs are knot ladders that are sewn onto the profile in inside
the foil kite. They sit on the upper and lower sail between the A
and B levels. By shortening the knot ladders, the profile camber
can be adjusted, which gives the foil kite more performance or
stability. If a change is made, it should be made symmetrically.
We recommend the help of a FLYSURFER sales partner to ensure
correct settings of the Profile Momentum Adjuster.
Automatic Drainage System
The Automatic Drainage System hides in the internal construc-
tion of our closed-cell foil kites. Dirt, water and small objects
that got inside the kite slide automatically from the middle sec-
tion to the wingtips. They exit the kite through two big holes at
the trailing edge of the wingtips.

ENGLISH
8
HANDLING
04 HANDLING
A kite needs to be secured properly even if the
wind is light. A runaway kite can be a serious
danger to people or animals downwind. To
ensure a long lifespan of your kite, we recom-
mend that you do not leave the kite flapping in
the wind and sun for long periods
04.01 Setting Up a foil kite
Lay the kite out on a surface free of hard or sharp objects.
Unroll your kite upside down into the wind and secure it with
something that has no sharp edges and is heavy enough to hold
down the kite for the given wind. Place the bar far enough away
from all bridle lines on the trailing edge side of the kite. Make
sure that the bar cannot fall or be pulled into the bridles.
Open the kite and if necessary, close the deflate valves. Un-
roll the lines from your bar whilst walking away from the kite.
Check your bridle for tangles. Make sure that none of the
lines are caught around the back of the kite.
Start at the leading edge holding up the front lines to visu-
ally check the bridle step by step.
When the bridle is sorted out, lay the front lines to the inside
and the steering lines to the outside. If not, follow the tips on the
“Sorting out the bridle“ chapter.
Ensure your flying lines are connected correctly and clear of
any potential hazards. Check for any damage or knots.
Exception: There is a “stopper“ knot in one of the flying lines
that prevents the bar from sliding up too far when released.

ENGLISH
9
HANDLING
Lightly tension up the bridle again to check it. If necessary,
repeat the last step till the left and right bridles are separated.
04.03 Securing a foil kite
Fold your kite in the middle and let the tips flow out down-
wind. The bottom sail and the bridle will be facing inwards.
Weigh down the kite in the front third of the top sail. This method
prevents the tips from flapping in the wind. Opening the deflate
valve(s) can also help
Tip: The kite can also be secured using the same method as
the launch. However, it has been proven that the above method
keeps the kite more still in higher winds.
Make sure that the tips are not flapping too much. This can
lead to the bridle tangling. The tips can be additionally secured
with a bit of sand or other suitable object.
If the lines are still twisted, untwist them by turning the bar.
It may be possible (especially after not being careful when pa-
cking away or setting up the kite) that the bar has to be pushed
through the lines again to untwist.
04.02 Sorting the bridle
Even a badly tangled bridle can be quickly sorted out with the
right technique. If the bridle is tangled, it was probably caused
by mistakes made when packing or setting up the kite.
Roll up your lines onto the bar until you get close to the mi-
xer and secure the lines with a half hitch and/or the bungie cord.
Undo any loops, knots or bunches that may have formed. If
the bridle is tangled, lines from one side of the bridle may be
running through the lines on the other side. Stick the bar along
these lines through the bridle.

ENGLISH
10
LAUNCHING
Walk downwind a bit as the kite inflates.
Pay attention that the downwind wingtip does not fold over
upwind.
Release the kite from the sand or object securing it with a
step backwards away from the kite and carefully steer it.
Tip: You can prevent the lines getting caught around the bot-
tom wingtip by folding over the tip once more and securing the
second fold with e.g. sand.
Open the deflate valves. A deflated kite will flap around on
the ground less.
05 LAUNCHING
Please check not only the wind and weather conditions, but also
all your equipment, especially the safety system before laun-
ching. Do not use any kite outside of its recommended upper
wind range. When launching in strong winds, we recommend
that you have an assistant holding you from the back of your
harness. During launching, always pay attention that your brilde
lines do not get caught on anything or become tangled.
05.01 Self launching a foil kite at
the edge of the wind window
Lay the kite out 90° to the wind. Fold over the windward
wingtip and secure it near the leading edge.
Pre-inflate the kite at least half way, for more control during
the launch. The kite should be positioned 15-30° downwind of
you when you slowly tension the lines for launch.