The Waterfoil is a new water-relaunchable kite from Peter Lynn. The seams are sewn and taped which provides a excellent air seal and makes the overall construction much stronger. The leading edge has a number of air inlets which comprise a tubular "sock" about 300mm long. At each extreme corner of the trailing edge there is a small "vent" made from two pieces of rubber type material which can let water out (and air if the internal pressure is too great). The bridle is a full crossover type which is very similar to other Lynn designs such as the classic Peel.

Flying - The Waterfoil is fairly difficult to inflate - one method is to set the kite up as usual with the handles staked out, return to the kite then "pump" it forwards and backwards to get some air inside. Return to the handles and launch - at this point its like a badly behaved flying carrier bag however determined pumping on the lines does allow the air to fill the cells (an electric low voltage compressor from a car accessory shop works very well). Eventually the kite fills out and flies properly and the power really kicks in hard. The waterfoil is powerful for its size and turns very fast, particularly if the brakes are used and its fine on two lines. Landing is simple as with any quad line foil.

Models -There are currently 3 sizes: 2.4, 3.6 and 5.7 sqm. Experience suggests that the 2.4 is very similar in performance to a Blade 3.3 (in a strong 20mph wind) and the 5.7 slightly more powerful than a 4.9. Although the Waterfoil is primarily a kite for surfing, its very easy to use with handles for buggying. The 5.7's not too fast through the air but the handling and turning are very, very precise. Its superb to fly "statically" with quad line handles and produces good jumps ! Very occasionally the Waterfoil overflies directly overhead at which point it doesn't collapse but "floats" in an awkward position - tugging the lines usually sorts it out.

Deflating the kite to pack away is difficult - Peter Lynn suggests putting a plastic tube in one of the inlets, otherwise it does stay inflated for some time. Gently rolling the kite from one end usually works. In terms of construction -I would say only"OK" - very simple. Upon close examination the quality of stitching isn't too good and definitely not in the same league as Flexifoil. I've already carefully tied off a few loose threads where the bobbins have run out halfway down a seam ! Reinforcement is non existent so we'll have to see what the durability is like. For more detail see REVIEW