OK, so a couple weeks ago I tomahawked my 2010 North Evo and tore it down the middle and the leading edge deflated. I assumed it popped and after a heroic body drag back (if I do say so myself, as the kite was ripped and deflating in the air), I noticed to great relief that the valve had merely popped open due to the force of the hit. So, relieved, I repaired the rip (ripstop tape and zigzag stitch - not pretty but it works) and used the kite again. Couple sessions later, another tomahawk and the kite does not rip but the valve pops open again. I assume I didn't seat the velcro good enough and try again. Next session, same thing.

The velcro is getting loose, but what happens is that the whole thing lifts up. The velcro is still attached and the little bungy is still around the whole thing but the valve stopper is up.

Anyone change out the little velcro straps that hold the valve stopper on?

Would a one-way valve help this?

Can I switch it out for a Cabrinha style screw on valve?

TIred of swimming in (and, yeah, don't tomahawk the kite is not helpful advice).

The valve should be a tight fit. Take the cap part, soak it in hot water, and then jam a pen in the underside of it to stretch it wider. Cool it, try it again.

Also, is there a stopper ball in there? That should also help with some of the back-pressure from a crash landing.

Once it is holding, I store my kites with all the valves open. That way they are not under any compression when not in use through various storage/travel temperature extremes.

The velcro or a hard plastic valve clip(slingshot uses it on their kites) should help, but first you need a snug fit to begin with.

This has worked of me every time I have a loose or leaky valve. It is simple method and I dont need to remove anything to make it work. You might want to try it before attempting a bladderendectomy.

Take a coffee cup of water and heat in in your microwave for ~ 1 minute.

Female end
1. Take a very small wire tie and put on the end near the opening (not the base) and pull it as tight as you can.

2. Stick the female end in the hot water until it is brought up near the water temp which is no more than 30 seconds.

3. Give the wire tie one more tug to make sure it is putting pressure on the valve.

4. Let the valve cool or dip it in cold water and you have a visibly tighter female end.

5. Using a small pair of dykes, I clip off the wire tie. You could leave it on but the wire tie heads are sharp and could cause damage.

Male end
1. The Male plug should be hollow on the end that goes into the valve.

2. Using a heated cup of hot water, put it in the water and submerge for 30 seconds

3. Take a cheap straight plastic pen (This is the straight Bic type with the squared off end) and put the pen in the end hollow end of the male plug. this will slightly enlarge the circumference of the male plug while it is warm and more flexible.

4. Leave the pen in the plug until it cools.

You are done. Go kite

I just use a zip tie, cable tie, tie wrap, what ever you want to call them. Snug it up with the plug in so you can still plug it and remove the plug. That is it nothing more to do.

Tried expanding the plug but not cinching the valve. Has worked so far. We'll see. Good advice. Thanks.

I did the same. Works like a charm.

Why not just replace the valve, all the above methods sound great for temp fixes but you will likely eventually crack the valve it's self. Replacing valves is easy, max 15 minutes if you do not have to take out the entire bladder.... 30 mins max if you do and it is good for the life of the kite. And yes you can put a Cabrinha style valve on provided it will fit through the hole in the leading edge fabric.

Another idea that has worked in my first kite, still in use, velcros too old to stick together:
With a burning thin screwdriver open a whole through the two velcro surfaces while they are stuck together. Be careful not to burn the kite or the valve. Through the hole you can pass a bit of old kite line and tie the velcros together to avoid separation and keep the valve closed. Choose a knot that can be easily done and undone as you will have to do it every time.