p i l o t ’ s g u i d e

The Prism Synapse series is the perfect introductory two-line kite that packs up small to take on all your adventures.

Available in three sizes the Synapse is smooth and responsive with exceptional stability at the edge of the wind. The elliptical leading edge profile and screened air inlets maintain a clean and efficient wing shape, making it easy to inflate and re-launch.

Read this guide carefully to be sure you set up your Synapse correctly before flying. Pay extra attention to the safety section: KITES ARE NOT TOYS AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF MISUSED. For more information on all aspects of sport kiting, checkout our website at www.prismkites.com.

— The Prism Crew

w h e r e t o f l yYour choice of flying field is the most important ingredient for success with your kite. It’s easy to choose a spot where the wind is turbulent and gusty from obstacles in its path. But like white-water in a river, wind that flows past trees, buildings and hills becomes gusty and choppy and can make controlling your kite difficult or impossible.

The best place to fly is a beach or field with wind blowing in from off the water. If you have such a place available, it’s worth the extra travel time to get there because you’ll learn to fly in a frac-tion of the time.

If you have to fly inland, look for wide open fields with no trees, buildings, or hills for at least a half mile upwind. With experi-ence, you’ll be able to fly in less than perfect conditions more easily, but when you’re just learning, a smooth, consistent wind makes a huge difference.

s a f e t yRemember, flying safely is YOUR responsibility. Your kite can fly faster than 50 mph and pull hard enough to hurt you, even in mod-erate winds. NEVER fly your kite in extreme conditions or winds that are too strong for your skill or equipment. Always practice in lighter winds before you attempt to fly in strong winds.

NEVER fly your kite near power lines, in storms, near airports, roads, railways, people or animals. If you have any doubts about the safety of your flying situation, don’t risk it! One slip, or a bro-ken line, and you or a bystander could be seriously hurt.

f i r s t f l i g h tMost sport kites perform best in a steady, moderate breeze between 8 and 12 mph. Leaves on trees will be moving and at 12mph you’ll see whitecapes just beginning to form on open water.

Soft parafoil wings like the Synapse must be inflated by the wind flowing past them to fly, just like a performance parachute or para-glider. Your first launches will be easiest with a helper, but after a little experience you can hold down the trailing edge of the sail with sand, small stones, or anything with a little weight to keep the kite from blowing away while you unwind your lines and prepare for flight.

1) Unfold your kite and lay it flat on the ground. If your flying lines aren’t already attached, tie the colored loop ends on your lines to the red and blue bridle pigtails using a Lark’s Head Knot (over)2) Check to be sure the bridle lines aren’t tangled by holding the kite overhead by the bridle pigails and letting it inflate.

Not intended for children under 14

f i r s t f l i g h t ( c o n t . )3) Have a helper hold the kite facing the wind and back upwind while you unwind the lines. When you reach the end, hold the red wrist strap in your right hand and the blue one in your left. 4) With your arms outstretched in front of you, take a step back-wards and sweep your arms down and back briskly to launch. Hold your hands even and the kite should climb straight up into the sky.

Once airborne, pulling the right line slightly will turn your kite clockwise, pulling left will turn it counterclockwise. The kite will turn in the direction of your pull and keep turning until you even out your hands.

Practice making figure eights in the sky by alternating upward turns until you get a feel for keeping it in the air. If you repeatedly turn in one direction, you will build up a series of twists in the line. After around 10 twists, your lines will have noticeable friction as they slide past each other. When friction builds, make turns in the opposite direction until the twists are removed.

Tips: •Expecttocrashmorethanoncebeforeyoucankeepthekiteintheair. Most people take at least half an hour in steady winds to get the hang of it.•Afteran“unplannedlanding,”avoiddamagingyourkitebyinspectingitclosely for loose parts or tangles before you re-launch.•DON’Tholdyourarmsoveryourheadoroutstretchedtothesideasyou fly. Keep your arms together and in front of you or you’ll lose control easily.•DOusesmallmovementssoyoudon’tover-control.Expertpilotsuse mostly fingers and wrist to feel and control the kite.

t h e w i n d w i n d o wLight Winds: Light wind flying takes extra practice. The trick is to keep tension on the lines at all times by constantly moving around on the field. Gain altitude by walking backwards, and regain lost ground by moving forward while the kite glides down and away. Use a shorter, lighter lineset to decrease weight and drag for light winds.

Strong Winds: In very strong winds (25+ mph), your Synapse can pull hard enough to break a flying line. They’re easy to repair with a Blood Knot (at right), but stronger flying lines - 200# or even 300# may be necessary. Longer, heavier lines also slow the kite down and give you more time to react.

c a r e & r e p a i rThe materials in your kite are durable and designed for a long life with minimal maintenance. Keep your kite out of the sun when not in use to keep the sailcloth from fading. Beach sand is abrasive and will wear on bridles, so do what you can to dust off the sand after a session at the beach. Compressed air works great for this if it’s available, and a freshwater rinse is a good idea if your kite has been swimming in salt water. Keep your kite out of hot car trunks and don’t use solvents for cleaning.

Sail Repairs: Your kite will last a long time unless you like to fly near cactus or barbed wire fences. Many tears and punctures can be invisibly repaired using a special transparent adhesive film which is unaffected by moisture or UV from the sun. Repair tape and other repair materials are available from the spare parts section of our website at www.prismkites.com.

To send in a repair, download our repair form from the website and in-clude it with your kite so we know who you are and how we can help.

Useful Knots:

Equalizing Flying Lines: Flying lines can stretch unevenly with use our “Equalizer”adjustableflight straps incorporate adjustable-length pigtails that you can shorten in seconds to equalize your lines. Just tie an overhand knot to shorten whichever side is too long – for an instant fix without even walking to your kites.

s p e c i f i c a t i o n s SYNAPSE SYNAPSE SYNAPSE 140 170 200Wind Range 6-25 mph 5-25 mph 4-25 mphKite Size 140 cm 170 cm 200 cmPacked Weight 8.5 oz 9.2 oz 9.7 ozLine Length/Weight 60’/80 lbs 75’/150 lbs 75’/150 lbsLine Material Polyester Dyneema DyneemaIncludes Flying lines, winder and wrist straps

... and you’re done!

WELCOME!

WHERE TO FLY

SAFETY

Not intended for children under 14

PREFLIGHT CHECKCheck Your Flying Lines

• Are your lines exactly the same length? If not, see Equalizing Flying Lines to correct them.

• Are your lines connected properly? Red loop clips to the right-hand bridle. Red wrist strap goes in your right hand, blue goes in your left.

Check for Tangles• Are your bridles tangled around any part of the kite?• Are your lines free and clear of any plants or tangles on the ground?

Check the Wind• How hard is the wind blowing? 8-12 mph is ideal to start.• From what direction is the wind blowing? If you are downwind from

trees, hills, buildings, etc., control will be difficult in turbulent air.

Check for safety• Are all people clear of your entire flying area? If you crash, what could

you hit with the kite? Are you clear of vehicles, power lines, storms, tripping hazards?

Step 1 Step 2

4”4”4” - 6” - 6”- 6”

”4”

Step 3

Double Overhand Loop:Used to finish the end of your flying lines.p:p:

Blood Knot: For joininga split in your flying lines.

Lark’s Head Knot: Secure flying linesto the kite and wrist straps.

Step 2: Tie a knot in the pigtail

MIN

IMU

M S

PEED A

ND PULL MINIMUM

SPEED A

ND

PU

LL

MA

Pull Leftto

turn left

Pull Rightto

turn right

Hold hands evento

go straight

Practice figure 8’s first!

Land here Land here

Low Pass

LoopSquare

Power dive

© 2014 Prism Designs Inc.

WWW.PRISMKITES.COM

OUR WORD At Prism we’re confident you’re going to have a great time with every product we make. But if for any reason you’re not happy and your retailer is unable to help, let us know and we’ll do what it takes to make things right. Damage due to normal wear and tear can almost always be repaired at a reasonable charge. Spare parts for all Prism kites can be ordered direct from our web store at www.prismkites.com.

FIRST FLIGHTMost sport kites perform best in a steady, moderate breeze between 8 and 12 mph. Leaves on trees will be moving and at 12mph you’ll see whitecapes just beginning to form on open water..

3) Have a helper hold the kite facing the wind and back upwind while you unwind the lines. When you reach the end, hold the red wrist strap in your right hand and the blue one in your left.

4) With your arms outstretched in front of you, take a step backwards

and sweep your arms down and back briskly to launch. Hold your hands even and the kite should climb straight up into the sky.

Once airborne, pulling the right line slightly will turn your kite clockwise, pulling left will turn it counterclockwise. The kite will

turn in the direction of your pull and keep turning until you even

out your hands.

Practice making figure eights in the sky by alternating upward turns until you get a feel for keeping it in the air. If you repeatedly turn in one direction, you will build up a series of twists in the line. After around 10 twists, your lines will have noticeable friction as they slide past each other. When friction builds, make turns in the opposite direction until the twists are removed.

TIPS• Expect to crash more than once before you can keep the kite in the

air. Most people take at least half an hour in steady winds to get the hang of it.

• After an “unplanned landing,” avoid damaging your kite by inspecting it closely for loose parts or tangles before you re-launch.

• DON’T hold your arms over your head or outstretched to the side as you fly. Keep your arms together and in front of you or you’ll lose control easily.

• DO use small movements so you don’t over-control. Expert pilots

use mostly fingers and wrist to feel and control the kite.

THE WIND WINDOWLIGHT WINDS: Light wind flying takes extra practice. The trick is to keep tension on the lines at all times by constantly moving around on the field. Gain altitude by walking backwards, and regain lost ground by moving forward while the kite glides down and away. Use a shorter, lighter lineset to decrease weight and drag for light winds.

STRONG WINDS: In very strong winds (25+ mph), your Synapse can pull hard enough to break a �ying line. They’re easy to repair with a Blood Knot (Below), but stronger flying lines - 200# or even 300# may be necessary. Longer, heavier lines also slow the kite down and give you more time to react.

VIDEOS AND MORE INFORMATION: Go to the website at www.prismkites.com/support for video tips on more advanced tricks, tuning, and flying sport kites.

EQUALIZING FLYING LINES: Flying lines can stretch unevenly with use Our “Equalizer” adjustable flight straps incorporate adjustable-length pigtails that youcan shorten in seconds to equalize your lines. Just tie an overhand knotto shorten whichever side is too long - for an instant fix without evenwalking to your kites.

CARE AND REPAIR

USEFUL KNOTS

LAUNCH

STEERING

BASIC MANEUVERS

CONTACT US4214 24th Ave. West, Seattle Washington 98199Phone: 206-547-1100 Fax: 206-547-1200 e-mail: info@prismkites.com

The advanced materials in your kite are durable and designed for a long life with minimal maintenance. Keep your kite out of the sun when not in use to keep the sailcloth from fading. Beach sand is abrasive and will wear on bridles, so do what you can to dust o� the sand after a session at the beach. Compressed air works great for this if it’s available, and a freshwater rinse is a good idea if your kite has been swimming in salt water. Keep your kite out of hot car trunks and don’t use solvents for cleaning.

SAIL REPAIRS: Your kite will last a long time unless you like to fly near cactus or barbed wire fences. Many tears and punctures can be invisibly repaired using a special transparent adhesive film which is una�ected by moisture or UV from the sun. Repair tape and other repair materials are available from the spare parts section of our website at www.prismkites.com.

TO SEND IN A REPAIR, download our repair form from the website and include it with your kite so we know who you are and how we can help.

The Prism Synapse series is big fun that packs up small to take with you on all your adventures. Available in three sizes to suit your mission, the Synapse is smooth and responsive with exceptional stability at the edge of the wind. The elliptical leading edge pro�le and screened air inlets maintain a clean and e�cient wing shape, making it easy to in�ate and re-launch.

Read this guide carefully to be sure you set up your new Synapse correctly before �ying. Pay extra attention to the safety section: SPORT KITES ARE NOT TOYS AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF MISUSED. For lots more information on all aspects of sport kiting, from kite tuning to the latest tricks, check out our website at www.prismkites.com.

— The Prism Crew

Soft parafoil wings like the Synapse must be in�ated by the wind �owing past them to �y, just like a performance parachute or paraglider. Your �rst launches will be easiest with a helper, but after a little experience you can hold down the trailing edge of the sail with sand, small stones, or anything with a little weight to keep the kite from blowing away while you unwind your lines and prepare for �ight.

1) Unfold your kite and lay it �at on the ground. If your �ying lines aren’t already attached, tie the colored loop ends on your lines to the red and blue bridle pigtails using a Lark’s Head Knot (below).

2) Check to be sure the bridle lines aren’t tangled by holding the kite overhead by the bridle pigails and letting it in�ate.

Your choice of flying field is the most important ingredient for success with your kite. It’s easy to choose a spot where the wind is turbulent and gusty from obstacles in its path. But like whitewater in a river, wind that flows past trees, buildings and hills becomes gusty and choppy and can make controlling your kite difficult or impossible. The best place to fly is a beach or field with wind blowing in from o� the water. If you have such a place available, it’s worth the extra travel time to get there because you’ll learn to fly in a fraction of the time. If you have to fly inland, look for wide open fields with no trees, buildings, or hills for at least a half mile upwind. With experience, you’ll be able to fly in less than perfect conditions more easily, but when you’re just learning, a smooth, consistent wind makes a huge di�erence.

Uneven lines

Step 1: Pull in pigtail on longer line to adjust

Synapse instruction sheet ingredients

X SPEED AND PULL

Remember, �ying safely is YOUR responsibility. Your kite can �y faster than 50mph and pull hard enough to hurt you, even in moderate winds. NEVER �y your kite in extreme conditions or winds that are too strong for your skill or equipment. Always practice in lighter winds before you attempt to �y in strong winds.NEVER �y your kite near power lines, in storms, near airports, roads, railways, people or animals. If you have any doubts about the safety of your �ying situation, don’t risk it! One slip, or a broken line, and you or a bystander could be seriously hurt.

SYNAPSE 140 SYNAPSE 180 SYNAPSE 200 Wind Range: 6 - 25 mph 5 - 25 mph 4 - 25 mph Kite Size (width): 140 cm 180 cm 200 cm Packed Weight: 8.5 oz 9.2 oz 9.7 oz Line Length/Weight: 65’/80 lbs 85'/150 lbs 85'/150 lbs Line material: Polyester Dyneema Dyneema Includes: Flying lines, winder and wrist straps

SPECIFICATIONS

Step 1 Step 2

4”4”4” - 6” - 6”- 6”

”4”

Step 3

Double Overhand Loop: Used to finish the end of your flying lines.

Blood Knot:For joining a split in your flying lines.

Lark’s Head Knot: Secure flying linesto the kite and wrist straps.

USEFUL KNOTS

... and you’re done!

WELCOME!

WHERE TO FLY

SAFETY

Not intended for children under 14

PREFLIGHT CHECKCheck Your Flying Lines

• Are your lines exactly the same length? If not, see Equalizing Flying Lines to correct them.

• Are your lines connected properly? Red loop clips to the right-hand bridle. Red wrist strap goes in your right hand, blue goes in your left.

Check for Tangles• Are your bridles tangled around any part of the kite?• Are your lines free and clear of any plants or tangles on the ground?

Check the Wind• How hard is the wind blowing? 8-12 mph is ideal to start.• From what direction is the wind blowing? If you are downwind from

trees, hills, buildings, etc., control will be difficult in turbulent air.

Check for safety• Are all people clear of your entire flying area? If you crash, what could

you hit with the kite? Are you clear of vehicles, power lines, storms, tripping hazards?

Step 1 Step 2

4”4”4” - 6” - 6”- 6”

”4”

Step 3

Double Overhand Loop:Used to finish the end of your flying lines.p:p:

Blood Knot: For joininga split in your flying lines.

Lark’s Head Knot: Secure flying linesto the kite and wrist straps.

Step 2: Tie a knot in the pigtail

MIN

IMU

M S

PEED A

ND PULL MINIMUM

SPEED A

ND

PU

LL

MA

Pull Leftto

turn left

Pull Rightto

turn right

Hold hands evento

go straight

Practice figure 8’s first!

Land here Land here

Low Pass

LoopSquare

Power dive

© 2014 Prism Designs Inc.

WWW.PRISMKITES.COM

OUR WORD At Prism we’re confident you’re going to have a great time with every product we make. But if for any reason you’re not happy and your retailer is unable to help, let us know and we’ll do what it takes to make things right. Damage due to normal wear and tear can almost always be repaired at a reasonable charge. Spare parts for all Prism kites can be ordered direct from our web store at www.prismkites.com.

FIRST FLIGHTMost sport kites perform best in a steady, moderate breeze between 8 and 12 mph. Leaves on trees will be moving and at 12mph you’ll see whitecapes just beginning to form on open water..

3) Have a helper hold the kite facing the wind and back upwind while you unwind the lines. When you reach the end, hold the red wrist strap in your right hand and the blue one in your left.

4) With your arms outstretched in front of you, take a step backwards

and sweep your arms down and back briskly to launch. Hold your hands even and the kite should climb straight up into the sky.

Once airborne, pulling the right line slightly will turn your kite clockwise, pulling left will turn it counterclockwise. The kite will

turn in the direction of your pull and keep turning until you even

out your hands.

Practice making figure eights in the sky by alternating upward turns until you get a feel for keeping it in the air. If you repeatedly turn in one direction, you will build up a series of twists in the line. After around 10 twists, your lines will have noticeable friction as they slide past each other. When friction builds, make turns in the opposite direction until the twists are removed.

TIPS• Expect to crash more than once before you can keep the kite in the

air. Most people take at least half an hour in steady winds to get the hang of it.

• After an “unplanned landing,” avoid damaging your kite by inspecting it closely for loose parts or tangles before you re-launch.

• DON’T hold your arms over your head or outstretched to the side as you fly. Keep your arms together and in front of you or you’ll lose control easily.

• DO use small movements so you don’t over-control. Expert pilots

use mostly fingers and wrist to feel and control the kite.

THE WIND WINDOWLIGHT WINDS: Light wind flying takes extra practice. The trick is to keep tension on the lines at all times by constantly moving around on the field. Gain altitude by walking backwards, and regain lost ground by moving forward while the kite glides down and away. Use a shorter, lighter lineset to decrease weight and drag for light winds.

STRONG WINDS: In very strong winds (25+ mph), your Synapse can pull hard enough to break a �ying line. They’re easy to repair with a Blood Knot (Below), but stronger flying lines - 200# or even 300# may be necessary. Longer, heavier lines also slow the kite down and give you more time to react.

VIDEOS AND MORE INFORMATION: Go to the website at www.prismkites.com/support for video tips on more advanced tricks, tuning, and flying sport kites.

EQUALIZING FLYING LINES: Flying lines can stretch unevenly with use Our “Equalizer” adjustable flight straps incorporate adjustable-length pigtails that youcan shorten in seconds to equalize your lines. Just tie an overhand knotto shorten whichever side is too long - for an instant fix without evenwalking to your kites.

CARE AND REPAIR

USEFUL KNOTS

LAUNCH

STEERING

BASIC MANEUVERS

CONTACT US4214 24th Ave. West, Seattle Washington 98199Phone: 206-547-1100 Fax: 206-547-1200 e-mail: info@prismkites.com

The advanced materials in your kite are durable and designed for a long life with minimal maintenance. Keep your kite out of the sun when not in use to keep the sailcloth from fading. Beach sand is abrasive and will wear on bridles, so do what you can to dust o� the sand after a session at the beach. Compressed air works great for this if it’s available, and a freshwater rinse is a good idea if your kite has been swimming in salt water. Keep your kite out of hot car trunks and don’t use solvents for cleaning.

SAIL REPAIRS: Your kite will last a long time unless you like to fly near cactus or barbed wire fences. Many tears and punctures can be invisibly repaired using a special transparent adhesive film which is una�ected by moisture or UV from the sun. Repair tape and other repair materials are available from the spare parts section of our website at www.prismkites.com.

TO SEND IN A REPAIR, download our repair form from the website and include it with your kite so we know who you are and how we can help.

The Prism Synapse series is big fun that packs up small to take with you on all your adventures. Available in three sizes to suit your mission, the Synapse is smooth and responsive with exceptional stability at the edge of the wind. The elliptical leading edge pro�le and screened air inlets maintain a clean and e�cient wing shape, making it easy to in�ate and re-launch.

Read this guide carefully to be sure you set up your new Synapse correctly before �ying. Pay extra attention to the safety section: SPORT KITES ARE NOT TOYS AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF MISUSED. For lots more information on all aspects of sport kiting, from kite tuning to the latest tricks, check out our website at www.prismkites.com.

— The Prism Crew

Soft parafoil wings like the Synapse must be in�ated by the wind �owing past them to �y, just like a performance parachute or paraglider. Your �rst launches will be easiest with a helper, but after a little experience you can hold down the trailing edge of the sail with sand, small stones, or anything with a little weight to keep the kite from blowing away while you unwind your lines and prepare for �ight.

1) Unfold your kite and lay it �at on the ground. If your �ying lines aren’t already attached, tie the colored loop ends on your lines to the red and blue bridle pigtails using a Lark’s Head Knot (below).

2) Check to be sure the bridle lines aren’t tangled by holding the kite overhead by the bridle pigails and letting it in�ate.

Your choice of flying field is the most important ingredient for success with your kite. It’s easy to choose a spot where the wind is turbulent and gusty from obstacles in its path. But like whitewater in a river, wind that flows past trees, buildings and hills becomes gusty and choppy and can make controlling your kite difficult or impossible. The best place to fly is a beach or field with wind blowing in from o� the water. If you have such a place available, it’s worth the extra travel time to get there because you’ll learn to fly in a fraction of the time. If you have to fly inland, look for wide open fields with no trees, buildings, or hills for at least a half mile upwind. With experience, you’ll be able to fly in less than perfect conditions more easily, but when you’re just learning, a smooth, consistent wind makes a huge di�erence.

Uneven lines

Step 1: Pull in pigtail on longer line to adjust

Synapse instruction sheet ingredients

X SPEED AND PULL

Remember, �ying safely is YOUR responsibility. Your kite can �y faster than 50mph and pull hard enough to hurt you, even in moderate winds. NEVER �y your kite in extreme conditions or winds that are too strong for your skill or equipment. Always practice in lighter winds before you attempt to �y in strong winds.NEVER �y your kite near power lines, in storms, near airports, roads, railways, people or animals. If you have any doubts about the safety of your �ying situation, don’t risk it! One slip, or a broken line, and you or a bystander could be seriously hurt.

SYNAPSE 140 SYNAPSE 180 SYNAPSE 200 Wind Range: 6 - 25 mph 5 - 25 mph 4 - 25 mph Kite Size (width): 140 cm 180 cm 200 cm Packed Weight: 8.5 oz 9.2 oz 9.7 oz Line Length/Weight: 65’/80 lbs 85'/150 lbs 85'/150 lbs Line material: Polyester Dyneema Dyneema Includes: Flying lines, winder and wrist straps

SPECIFICATIONS

o u r w o r d At Prism, we are confident you’re going to have a great time with every product we make. But for any reason you’re not happy and your retailer is unable to help, let us know and we’ll do what it takes to make things right. Damage due to normal wear and tear can almost always be repaired at a reasonable charge. Spare parts for all Prism kites can be ordered direct from our web store at www.prismkites.com.

4214 24th Ave. West Seattle, Washington 98199Phone: 206.547.1100 Fax: 206.547.1200 e-mail: info@prismkites.com