Kitesurfing is an amazing sport; however, it is one where you can also potentially get seriously hurt should you not be focused or fully prepared. Therefore in order to assist you and everyone else out on the water in having a safe and fun experience, we have broken down a few essential tips for being safe while kitesurfing.
Get A Leash
Have a kite leash on your person at all times. This is extremely essential as the kite leash is what connects you to your kite. A key function of the kite leash is that it ensures that other kitesurfers will not be harmed by your kite flying off of you and into them. In addition, it is important to note that you do require a kite leash and not a board leash as board leashes are specifically designed for surfboards and surfers.
Be Your Own Hero
Learn how to self-rescue. This is imperative as it will ensure that you don’t have to do an hour or longer swim back to the beach and it is safer for others around you, as they don’t have to attempt to assist you as well. With this in mind, it is also worth mentioning that you should notify the search and rescue teams that you will be heading out to kitesurf in the event of an emergency.
Check Out The Safety Systems
Before heading out onto the water, be sure to doublecheck that you are completely aware of how your kite’s safety system works and if at all possible test that it is in working order. This tip is especially true if you are making use of a kite that you are not familiar with because different brands of kites have slightly different versions of chicken loops and you don’t want to be caught unprepared in an emergency.
Maintain Personal Boundaries
Do not fly over any other people out on the water. Not only is this rude, but it is incredibly unsafe because the kite could be filled by an overarching gust of wind and thus, potentially injure the person below you.
Jumping Rules
Before jumping, always be sure to look all around you, you never know someone may already be in the air and travelling towards you, or they may be preparing to jump near you. In addition, remember that jumping over obstacles such as rocks, because the risk of jumping over these natural obstacles is that you may crash into them and injure yourself.
Be sure to memorise this list before heading out onto the water, and you will be a whole lot safer while still having the time of your life.