| FAQ Safety |
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What follows is by no means a definitive list. Training Always get training at a BKSA recognisd school before doing any kitesports especially 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, kitelandboarding Observe kitesurfing / kitesports zones Zones have probably been set up so you have somewhere to practice your sport with the agreement of the local landowners , please observe local regulations and if unsure please ask other riders, beach users or local officals Check the Conditions and other factor such as Tides Because we all want to keep our access to the beaches and shores Beach etiquette Always wrap up your lines if you are not using or planing to launch your kite Launching Do not ask or allow someone who is not familiar with kites to help you launch or land - give them some training on how to do it. Members of the public have no idea of the power of the kite or the risk of entanglement . Learn how to self launch and land Because even if you usually fly with buddies, someday the weather will be perfect and you will want to self launch (same with landing especially in emergencies) Ask some one knowledgeable to assist you. Why? Because even if you want to self launch it´s a safer method. Equipment Kite Leash Always wear a kite leash and that it depowers the kite you are using satisfactory Quick Release Test your quick relase before each session and it is clear from foreign objects Kites Don´t launch an underinflated or leaking kite as an underinflated kite is much more difficult to control. Check your lines - VERY IMPORTANT Check and double check your lines - if you are unsure ask someone else to check they have been attached correctly. 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 uncontrollable Space Whilst Riding - Maintain a safety buffer zone between yourself and others users of the space you are riding in as they may not understand the sport Always assume that a crashed kite will relaunch unexpectedly. An amazing number of people have been absolutely amazed when their kite suddenly took off despite being tangled, inside out, partially inflated - so be aware at all times If the kite appears hopelessly tangled or deflated never move towards it 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 pack up- 1. Use the reride safety system on your bar If the kite has two lines attached it can generate power even if it is so tangled it can´t take off Know your rights of way We use the rules of the road taken from sailing Someone has got to give way !
Protection - appropriate to the sport Always wear the following taking into account where you are riding and your ability level Whilst on Water Wetsuit- This will keep you warm and extend your time on the water Never ride out further than you can swim Assume that today will be the day you get to swim in from the farthest point out you go as equipment failure while rare these days does happen If you are unsure or you have another question please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
| Last Updated on Thursday, 19 January 2012 16:19 |
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