Yesterday I had advise from a kiter that waxing kite lines extended there life.
I've done a search and not found this being mentioned for some time.
Is it out dated or common knowledge as the thing to do?
I guess bee's wax would be the go if it's needed.
Never had a problem with my kite lines wearing out. Lines last for years, shouldn't have to worry about it.
I've heard of a few folk who do it using nothing more exotic than a candle! I guess chandlers wax would be good also.
Not sure I could be arsed with all that though...
I dipped my chicken loop line in candle wax once - it sets very hard and makes the line surface slippery so it doesn't wear out as quickly - it definitely makes a difference.
However these days with the below the bar depower setups using a cleat on the chicken loop I wouldn't be worrying about it. I wouldn't do it with the flying lines either.
The lines are made from stuff that is pretty slippery already so I doubt wax/lubes will help much, and if they attract dirt/grit they'll do harm. I suspect the best way to increase the lifespan of lines is to keep them out of the sun when not in use and rinse them in freshwater now and then too.
Also:
Unspin your bar after loops/rotations rather than ride for too long with steering lines wrapped around front lines.
Don't yank too hard when running your lines and the last 50cm are tangled. I know it can be frustrating but in my experience it only takes a second to carefully untangle the lines rather than pulling madly to try to get them separated.
The depower rope is the one that goes first. A relaxed woven line eventually migrates sand into it. A tip is to put your wet bar on the kite, it will at least quadruple the lifespan and make people on busy beaches happier.
Wax is for surfboards.
