Sand in the seams

[ahofer]

I've been flying mostly vented kites lately, one of them new. I've noticed that the seams where the icarex is joined to the vent collects a lot of sand. It's finished with some sort of sticky glue around the stitching. The sand gets into the mesh of the vent and I can't get it out. I'm concerned that it will gradually wear the kite fabric and stitching in flying and folding.

Any ideas or techniques recommended to clear it out?

[Jim Foster]

That sticky stuff is the double stick seem tape used to hold the material together while sewing. Yes, it will collect sand. A stiff tooth brush will remove some, but really not worth the effort. Vented kites are made for higher wind, therefore, the added weight of the that little bit of sand should not make a big difference. We all have it.

[KiteLife]

My 2 cents, leave it be... A few good sessions, and the adhesive will break down, dropping any sand along with it.