How to untie a knot in a kite line

Kiteboarding

When you're out in the water or getting your equipment ready for action on the beach, you might find one or more knots in your kite lines.

If it happens near the shore, don't stop riding.

Otherwise, you'll put your life - and others - in danger. If you're still rigging up, solve the problem before launching the kite.

A knot decreases the strength of the lines by up to 50 percent.

In the worst-case scenario, the knots will break the lines, your kite will start looping, and you're forced to self-rescue and spend the rest of the day untangling and replacing lines.

A classic technique is to hold both strings of a knot, twist them a few times, pull them, and repeat the process a few times until the knot is completely untied.

However, tight knots can be hard to untie.

The simple trick of tapping on it with a rock or untangling it with a plier might not be possible if you don't have tools or heavy objects next to you.

But remember that, in most cases, sharp items will inevitably tear or damage the lines.

Needles and knives are not a good idea; a hammer and a cobblestone can solve the problem.

Believe it or not, chewing on a knot can work wonders because you can control the pressure you make on the line loop.

Untying a Knot 101

Learn how to get a knot out of your kite lines:

  1. Soak the knot in water;
  2. Bite the knot with your teeth;
  3. Loosen the knot with your fingers;
  4. Repeat the process until the loop is untied;
  5. Check your previously tangled kite line for wear and tear;

Discover the five essential knots a kiteboarder must know.

Keep your kite lines organized and in good shape. Take a look at everything you need to know about kite lines.


Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com