Kite Line Length

Is there any way to shorten 30 meter kite lines to 20 or 15 meter? I am just beginning and the kite I bought came with 30 meter but I would like to get the feel of the new kite with a bit more control at first.

Thanks,

Dude,

My advice is to use the lines 'as is', generally longer lines give you more time to re-act, using short lines makes the kite fly faster and when things go wrong you have less time to sort it out. Also if your kite is 'Out of the Box' then the manufacturer has set it up this way for a reason. I have used shorter lines and think they limit what you can do and in some cases you can go backwards (btw depends on you locale, were I kite during summer we have 18-25 knots 5-6days a week on average).

If you are concerned about power then talk to the kite retailer for your brand, they can explain how to power up and de-power a kite or make it fly faster or slower. As to the going up wind issue for shorter lines, take it from me it's technique and kite tunning. While line length is a factor I have not found a huge benefit.

Me I have 4 Cabrina kites, on my bigest kite the (15.5 21.5m flat) I have the 3m extension lines plus the 27m lines plus longer leader lines of 6m giving a total line length of 36m, with this set up I can kite on a 170 twin tip in 8knots and go up wind (btw I weigh 120kg).

All Said & Done If you want to shorter lines go that way, kiting is about what you feel works for you so try everyting. Many retailers will swap your lines no worries. But you should buy set of 20m lines. Remeber your life depends on the quality of the lines so if you stuff around with them you may hurt yourself just to save a few dollars ?

Best Regards & Safe Kiting

KSurfer