This kite was developed by Flexifoil and represents the innovative use of state-of-the-art materials and a unique design, allowing a rider to safely release themselves from the kite at any time.

Air time and freestyle tricks are just part of the attraction of the extreme sport of kitesurfing, which combines features of other extreme sports such as windsurfing, wakeboarding and paragliding. A surfer is pulled along the water using the power of the wind in a kite to jump and fly through the air. The inflatable kite can be relaunched in the water, minimising down-time and maximising action.

Two brothers, Bruno Legaignoux and Dominique Legaignoux, from the Atlantic coast of France, developed kite designs for kitesurfing in the late 1970s. They patented the first inflatable kite design in November 1984, and it has since been used by many companies to develop their own products.

This kite and harness were displayed in the 'Sport: more than heroes and legends' exhibition (September 2003 - July 2004) at the Powerhouse Museum.

Written by Erika Dicker
Assistant Curator, 2007.

Flexifoil International is a leading designer and manufacturer of kite products. Started in 1972 by Ray Merry and Andrew Jones in Cambridgeshire, UK, Flexifoil has become known for its power kiting products. Flexifoil owes its early success to its original Stacker 6 kite, which became the first commercially sold recreational power kite. This kite could be attached to other Stackers to make a more powerful kite.

This kite is intended for intermediate to expert kite surfers and for use in 14 to 25 knot winds.

This kite and harness were displayed in the 'Sport: more than heroes and legends' exhibition (September 2003 - July 2004) at the Powerhouse Museum.

Surfing kite, 'Storm II', with harness, bag, pump, and brochure, polyester / dacron laminate / plastic / cord, made by Flexifoil International Ltd, China, kite checked and assembled in England, 2003

The total kitesurfing kit includes the following:

The control bar is red, grey and blue with a length of black cord attached as an alternate handle. The control bar is made from moulded carbon composite and is of ergonomic tapered design with an elliptical cross section to improve movement and end mouldings for line storage. Cords are attached at each end of the control bar, with their other ends attached to the kite. Also attached to the control bar is a fail-safe release for the rider. The lines are blue, white and red and made from pre-stretched Dyneema, a synthetic fibre that is 15 times stronger than steel.

The kite is predominantly red and grey and made from a rip-stop polyester nylon. It has Dacron laminate along one edge that fills with air to stop the kite sinking in water. This also assists a rider to re-launch the kite from the water.

The bag is of backpack style, black with grey trim. It is printed with text "12 Storm II" in white, 'www.flexiform.com' in red, and the flexiform logo in the middle of the bag.

The hand pump is grey and black and of upright design. Instructions for use are printed down its side. It has a horizontal bar and attached black hose.

The sales brochure is a white A4 folder containing 8 product specification sheets. There are 4 decals, 2 small and 2 large, with the text 'Flexifoil' on them.

Made: Flexifoil International Ltd; China; 2003

2007/181/1

2003

8700 mm