FAQ Safety

What follows is by no means definitive list it is a list of basic safety FAQ´s - your contribution is welcome please forward all suggestions for FAQ with ANSWERS to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . 

Training

Always get training at a BKSA approved school before doing any kitesurfing

What course should I do?

A two or three day kitesurf course depending on your flying kite skills and other sports you have done in the past such as wakeboarding/ windsurfing.

Equipment

Don´t launch an underinflated or leaking kite - relevant inflatable kites.

Why? Because an underinflated kite is much more difficult to control.

Make sure your quick release is working

Why do I need a quick release, can´t I just let go?

Sure you can let go but Kites have kept going for very long distances and you risk loosing your kite and hurting some one else who may be hit by the bar or become entangled in or cut by the lines.

Check your lines

Why? If rigged incorrectly it will seriously affect control . Not only can your lines be tangled in obvious ways they can be "inside out" which is not obvious but which nonetheless makes the kite at best semi- uncontrollable

Don´t fly a kite that seems sluggish or difficult to control

Why? Because the kite is probably underinflated or has twisted lines see above

Launching Observe kitesurfing zones

Why? Because even if you’re the best you still freak  out other water users.

Do not ask or allow someone who is not familiar with kites to help you launch or land

Why? Because they have no idea of the power of the kite, the risk of entanglement or the ability of the line to cut them.Learn how to self launch by weighting kite with sand and how to safely land by releasing the quick release near shore

Why because even if you usually fly with someone knowledgeable who can help you launch someday the weather will be perfect and you will want to self launch (same with landing)

Tell any new/ visiting kitesurfers about the launch/no launch zones

Why? Because we all want to keep our access to the beaches and shores

Ask some one knowledgeable to assist you.

Why? Because even if you want to self launch it´s a safer method.

Always use a quick release

See above.

Do not leave unattended kites attached to lines even if you have properly weighted the kite with sand

Why? Because either some little kid or a dog or a curious tourist or a giant gust will launch your kite and someone will get hurt

Whilst Riding - Maintain a safety buffer zone between yourself and others

Why? Safety and curtous.

Always assume that a crashed kite will relaunch unexpectedly.

Why? Because an amazing number of people have been absolutely amazed when their kite suddenly took off despite being tangled, inside out, partially inflated what have you.

If the kite appears hopelessly tangled or deflated never swim toward it

Why? Because if the kite takes off and you get tangled in the lines it could put you in a life threatening situation

If you need to swim in

1. Use the reride safety system on your bar

2. pull yourself to the kite while winding the uneven lines onto the bar

3. after deflating the kite keep clear of the bridal lines

Why? Because if the kite has two lines attached it can generate power. Even if it is so tangled it can´t take off with two line attached you can get tangled and it can generate power a very good way to get hurt

Carry a safety knife that will cut lines but not you

How come? Because even if you are good enough or lucky enough to never need it maybe some day you will

Outgoing kitesurfer has right of way over incoming kitesurfer

Why? Someone has got to give way.

Wear as much flotation as you can stand

Why? You will float better.

Never sail further out than you can swim

Assume that today will be the day you get to swim in from the farthest point out you go

Why? Because it does happen.

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