Editing Leading edge inflatable kite (section)

{{short description|Single skin kite with inflatable bladders providing structure}}
{{refimprove|date=May 2020}}
[[Image:LEI-Kite.jpg|thumb|A leading edge inflatable bow kite]]
[[Image:Leikite.svg|thumb|Diagram of '''LEI Kite''']]
[[Image:Powerkytes045.jpg|thumb|Leading edge inflatable kite on a beach at [[Coche, Venezuela]]]]

A '''leading edge inflatable kite''' ('''LEI''') is a single skin [[kite flying|kite]] with inflatable [[Pneumatic bladder|bladders]] providing structure. It is useful as a [[power kite|power]] or traction kite. <!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:inflatable_kite.jpg]]  -->These kites are flown using 2, 4 or 5 control lines and a bar. (See also: [[kite control systems]]) 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 [[foil kite]], there are no chambers that can fill with water. Generally used for [[kitesurfing]] and kiteboarding, leading edge inflatable kites come in many different sizes, most commonly from 5 to 18 square metres.

Based on their design Leading Edge Inflatable kites can be broken down into four categories: C-kites, hybrid kites, delta kites, and [[bow kite]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kiteboardingevolution.com/kiteboarding-kite.html |title=The Kiteboarding Kite - Their Different Styles Explained |publisher=Kiteboardingevolution.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-22}}</ref>