Kite surfing is an extreme sport and is therefore potentially
dangerous to both the Kite Surfer and others. The BKSA
encourages responsible members.
We do not want to put anybody off or sound too officious, but,
many people are completely new to kite surfing and so we have
laid out a complete set of safety guidelines. The BKSA
recommend that Kite Surfing should not be attempted without appropriate
instruction.
Level 1: Kite Flying Skills
- Understand all aspects of safe handling of kites on land &
water. Able to launch and land (unaided) on a specified spot on
land.
Level 2: Basic Water Skills
- Body Surfing with kite along and back to shore.
Water launching onto board.
Level 3: Basic Kite Surfing Skills
- Getting on a board and travelling a distance under kite power.
Emergency stop on water - getting off the board quickly and stopping
with kite aloft. Returning to base on land either by kitesurfing,
paddling or body-surfing home.
General Safety Guidelines:
Stay clear of power lines and overhead obstructions.
Never fly a kite in a lightning storm. Always inform the Beach
warden, Life Guard or Coast Guard of where and when you will be
kitesurfing. (Kites crashing look like planes crashing to naïve
spectators). Britain's beaches, airspace and ocean environment
belong to everyone. Keep our beaches safe, clean and free.
If you can not walk backwards when the kite
is flying directly overhead the kite is too big and/or the wind
is too strong. Never tether yourself to the kite with a closed
system. Only use open quick-release harness systems, if at all.
Never kite surf if you do not have good Kite flying experience.
Do not lay kite lines across any ones path.
Do not launch or land in crowded areas. Always announce you are
launching a kite. Select a safe launching site.
Prevent kites from re-launching with sand (or other ballast) to
weight it down.b Disable unattended kites.
Never kite surf in congested areas with swimmers,
boats or other craft or obstacles.Never go out on the water without
telling another person where you are going. Always maintain a
downwind safety buffer zone. A Kite surfer must know the rules
of the sea including navigation laws and abide by them at all
times. Instruction must be taken from an experienced kite surfer
before surfing for the first time. A kite surfer must be fit and
healthy and over 18 years of age (under 18's should have parental
permission and supervision).
Never Kite surf without telling another person
where you are going. If going offshore, kitesurf in pairs or with
a rescue boat in attendance. Never Kite surf in conditions which
are too extreme for either you or your equipment.
All manufacturers instructions and safety guidelines
must be read and followed,
in particular the limitations of the product. Equipment must be
regularly checked for wear and tear and repaired accordingly before
going out onto the water. Always Kite surf with adequate safety
equipment.
Why not call in to our showroom. We
are official stockists of O'Neill,
Airush, Cabrinha,
plus many more. We also supply training. |
