Refresh Your Safety Knowledge
Safety First
- Detailed safety advance planning
- Allow at least 3 line lengths for a landing space.
- Check for obstacles in the path of the wind.
- Examine the ground characteristics of the start area.
- Check unusual features on the shore or in water zone for possible dangers.
- Check that the downwind room is adequate
- Chose a big enough site for the wind strength.
- The start area should be well downwind of other water enthusiasts.
- Plan an alternative emergency landing place further downwind.
- Check the availability and access for rescue vehicles.
- Never kite alone.
- Check for movement on the strand and traffic on the water.
- Check for currents.
- Avoid areas with breaking waves.
Wind Check
Make a detailed assessment of the wind conditions on the shore and further offshore.
If the wind is gusting do not kite.
Check the wind direction.
First check out the condition when the wind strength does not exceed force 4-5 Bft max. Potential danger increases exponentially with the wind strength.
Kite-Check
- Be aware of the limited capabilities of your kite.
- Recognise in advance uncontrollable situations.
- Chose a kite size to suit the wind strength.
- Things to check for: Lines do not exceed allowed tension limits, primary lines materials and diameters "OK", knots, twists, equal lengths, mechanical ware ,and chaffing.
- The length of the lines should be varied to suit the ability and wind strength.
- Check line connections for proper knots and good holding.
- Balance lines must run freely.
- Check the steering bar for sharp edges, padding and low weight.
- Trapeze strap set to a max 20cm.
- Check the quick release works properly and cannot accidentally be activated.
- Check the inflatable tubing.
- Check and secure the valve.
- Know the water start capability of the kite.
Increasing Wind
- Get ashore quickly, head for your downwind landing site on the board, or body drag.
- Land the kite immediately, preferably with trained helpers.
- In gusting conditions keep the kite in the zenith position.
- When it is no longer possibility to reach the shore, pull the quick release, recover the kite and swim for the shore.
Stürze
- Use your kite and board as a life raft.
- Get feet free of foot straps before departing from board.
- Get the kite quickly in the zenith position.
- Body drag should be in a done in a stretched posture, let yourself be pulled.
- A back down position is to be avoided, should it occur, re-roll quickly, otherwise let go of the steering bar.
- In serious emergencies pull the quick release.
- If the steering bar is let go, swim to the crashed kite, and it is to be retrieved as quickly as possible.
