Anatomy of an Inflatable Leading Edge Kite

A leading edge inflatable kite, LEI or C-Kite is a single skin kite with inflatable bladders providing structure. It is useful as a power or traction kite. These kites are flown using 2, 4 or 5 control lines and a bar.

A LEI is a great kite for water use because the inflated bladders cause it to float on the water surface. A LEI can sit on the water for an indefinite time and still be relaunched because unlike a double skin kite there are no chambers that can fill with water. Generally used for kitesurfing, leading edge inflatable kites come in many different sizes from approximately 8-20 metres.