As standard the kite is flown on 2 lines (20 to 30m) using a simple control bar. It is safer to launch the kite from the edge of the wind using a helper to hold the leading edge (standing directly upwind of the kite). In winds less than about 10-12 mph the 5m is fairly sluggish however in stronger winds the power and steering response is good- this is a kite which likes to be powered up and I'd certainly recommend flying towards the top end of the wind range (15-20mph). The power is not as strong as a conventional 3 to 3.5m foil such as the Blade 3.3.

Used on water the Wipika is equally good. Relaunching off water requires patience. If it lands towards the centre of the wind window you have to pull gently on the line closest to the water (lower line) and the kite gradually floats to the edge of the window at which point pull on the upper line and it relaunches. In rough conditions this can take some time but it works - simply wait. Upwind performance is not particularly good since the aspect ratio is low. The new Free Air kites are better in this respect.

In terms of safety the 2 line bar comes with a wrist leash. Simply letting go of ther bar causes the kite to depower and decend (crash !) but you can pull the bar back and relaunch. Converting the kite to 4 lines is possible as illustrated in the pictures if a little awkward since Wipika recommend a small pulley placed in a rope loop fixed between the standard 2 line fixing point and the rearmost fixing point. The bar set up is obviously different - the main lines are connected to a single point at the centre of the bar and the two rear lines to the ends of the bar. You can buy a "4 line conversion kit" from suppliers such as Bump & Jump or buy a Naish bar. Either of these systems allow the main lines to be pulled in which tips the kite forwards and reduces the power. It is tricky to get the set up right, its more complex and prone to tangles and knots but works well in higher winds. In many respects the basic kite is better on 2 lines since the set up time is quicker and the overall package is easier to use.

Wipika now have three ranges of kites - the Free Air with VARC, Airblast with VARC and the LTR. The LTR appears to be a development of the classic- the smaller sizes have an aspect ratio of 2.5 and the larger sizes 3.3. The prices are VERY competitive since the kites are supplied with a bar and lines and definitely worth looking at seriously. The airblast is a dedicated 4 line kite with performance to match ! Note that the classic 4 and 5m kites are still available at superb prices if you shop around !!