Hello all,
I'm sure it's been covered elsewhere but I can't find it anywhere. I'm thinking of going out next weekend and there is a good chance of rain. As I understand it, fresh water on a kite is a big no no as it causes mould.
I don't want to forever not go out because of the threat of rain (comon... I'm in Melbourne, there's always the threat of rain) but I also don't want to ruin my brand new kite.
So... If I get rained on this weekend, and I can't dry it until, say, next week. Will mould have set in? Is there any rule of thumb about how long it takes to set in?
I've seen the below which is about removal... but I'd like to know how long a wet kite takes (in the bag, up the corner in the house...) before it goes mouldy?
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/General/Removing-mould-from-kite/
Cheers tiger.
If you are really worried about it, at the end of your session, deflate it, put valve cap back on and dunk it in the salty brine then pack away wet with saltwater instead of fresh. 
Salts a good preservative for your bridle lines and stitching (if not all synthetic) I never pack my kite away when wet with fresh water, be it rain or a random clean.
I would not worry ,just pack it up.Even if it rains there will be plenty salt air going on it.I have done it for the past 7years and never seen mould.Your over thinking it.
I'm not quite so gun ho with my gear - I cant afford to replace it each year BUT rule 1 - Never forgo a kite surfing session - no matter what ( its the rule of life ....WTF ??) Rule 2 - attempt to dry your kite, bar and lines ( and wetsuit , harness and other bits) - its make rule 1 last longer without spending a **** load more money.
If I kite in the salt I try to wash the salt off - but that said if I know the kite was dry and I'm planning on a session very soon - stuff trying to wash off the 'presserving' salt - makes sense?? If I kite in freshwater ( which I do alot of) - dont pack up the kite until you are sure its perfectly dry !!
I always leave the struts pumped after a freshwater session and leave the kite loosly rolled and standing in the corner of the garage to make sure it has dried properly before folding it into its bag.
How many days until the mould sets in ?? Argh !! - buy the time you can see mould its now eating away at your kite - I dont even like the thought of that!!
dry them and/or wash em - or be the 'I buy a new kite every season' kiter!
If I'm wrong - shoot me down!
Lambie
Just dry your gear after every session whether its salt or fresh, takes 5 mins to hang your kite in the garage, and it can stay there for days if needed!
You won't get mould on your kite that quickly - you need sustained warm damp conditions. If you can't hang it out because you live in a flat just lay it out on the floor with the wing tips rolled to the centre - the kite will dry out enough. Kite fabric is synthetic so it is inherently mould resistant anyway.
I used to live in a flat in London and would leave the kite draped through the lounge for a day while I was at work. When I got home it was dry enough to pack again.
..what about bar and lines after a salt water session? Is it still best to wash them in clean fresh water once home or no need?
