Foil/Traction

Traction or Foil kites are open or closed cell kites without bladders. These are normally used on land, snow or water. Foil kites have no air bladder like the LEI kites. Instead they are composed of square cells of fabric that trap air and ‘inflate’ the kite. In addition, the front lines attach to various points across the bottom of the kite, so as the kite pulls the lines hold it in the correct shape. Some kites are considered RAM Air Foils. The kites have valves in the air cells that let air in, but does not let it escape. Because the one way valves trap the air in the kite, it will hold its air when crashed in the water and can be re-launched.