Potentially Dangerous Defect, 2008 SLE Bar Front Line Swivel Assembly

This issue has affected less than 0.3% of all 2008 SLE Control Bar and Line sets sold thus far.

In the case of defective assemblies the swivel has broken, releasing the front two flying lines and resulting in the need for the kite flier to have to self rescue back to the beach.

In almost every reported case the swivel’s failure has occurred with an almost brand new bar and line set, leading Ocean Rodeo to believe that the issue occurs immediately if it is to happen at all.

In spite of the relatively small number of failures the potential consequences of such a failure are such that Ocean Rodeo has halted all shipments of 2008 SLE Bar and Line sets pending the complete replacement of the swivel assembly with a newly sourced heavier gauge swivel. We have also had rushed to our offices replacement swivel assemblies. We expect to resume normal shipping of our 2008 SLE Bar and Line sets by the end of the first week of May.

If you own a 2008 SLE Bar and Line set and wish to replace your front swivel assembly we ask that you contact the dealer from whom you purchased your bar and line set. Replacement swivel assembly units will be provided free of charge through your local dealer, including instructions to accomplish this 5 minute repair to your bar.

As a temporary safety measure riders can apply the modification shown here while they wait for their replacement swivel assembly.