Kite Safety
Are seams intact? This is probably one of the most overlooked items. Kites are just material sewn together by thread. Why the components are pretty tough, they still wear under tension, which happens every time you fly you kite. And, it triples every time you crash it. Inspect each seam above and below the canopy for loose gaps, misshaped lines, and stray threads. If you notice anything odd, get your kite fixed immediately.
Do pigtails show wear? Many kiters rush to get their next session. Often rigging quickly, getting sand and salt around kite pigtails. This will wear them down fast. See the side note “connections are the first to go.”
Look for holes & tears? Even the smallest pin prick hole will expand under pressure. While the canopy is more prone to rips (the Dacron in the Leading Edge and Struts is much more puncture resistant), be sure to inspect every square meter of your kite. If you notice anything has been compromised, get it fixed immediately.
Do the bladders keep pressure? Many times, bladders will hold 5 – 7 lbs. air pressure on the ground without failure. But as soon as the kite is launched, if a bladder or nozzle has become damaged or weak, the extra pressure from flying will cause them to leak. Be certain your nozzles are extremely clean. Always flush your pump hose before inflating. Never keep your kite in hot storage (i.e. one day in a hot car equals 6 months aging). Heat destroys bonds, glues, and synthetic plastics faster than anything.
Notice any cracking, peeling, fading or stretching? From single point inflation tubes to cable ties to graphics to________. If you notice that anything on your kite seems “aged,” get it fixed or replaced. It’s simply not worth the risk.
Kite Control Safety
Connections are the first to go Where ever there is friction, there is extreme wear and tear. Connections seem to wear faster than other areas. Many times, this is caused by a buildup of salt and sand where two lines come together.
Since line connections are often drug across sand, and are in the water least, the abrasive elements dry into the lines causing faster wear than other areas. Rinse them with fresh water after every session and you'll have less line breaks and more money for other kite stuff.
Are the lines in great shape? If they look discolored, frayed, or have any small knots, kinks or twists, replace them
Does the quick release work? Debris can clog a safety release, making it very hard to engage. Make sure it is clean. A worn safety system can release without notice under normal riding conditions. If parts seem loose or worn, replace them.
Will your power line hold? Like we mentioned, where ever there is friction there is wear. Only line connections get more abuse and friction than the power line (the line that goes from you chicken loop up through the bar to the depower controls). It takes more load than any other part. If you notice thinning, fraying or discoloration, replace it immediately.
Is your leash STILL strong? If you crash a lot, leashes can break down fast, especially if you’re working on those unhooked moves. Click here to learn all about leash safety.
Train to release! Know how to engage your safety system. Practice it in controlled conditions over and over again. Training this reflex just might save your life. Be sure to practice with your safety leash as well.
KiteBoard Safety
Are your fins stable? If there are any chips or cracks, you should replace them.
Are your screws secure? Many times, salt and sand can get into strap, handle and fin threading. Over tightening can strip the threads. Be sure everything is clean, tight and secure.
How’s the Velcro? Often, the first thing to wear on boards is the Velcro strap. Losing your footing while boosting huge air can cause serious body damage. Make sure your straps will hold their shape and keep you foot in.
Do the pads still grip? Overtime, especially after being in storage, pads can lose traction and become slick. This makes it tough staying in your board during simple maneuvers. Clean them thoroughly OR replace if slick from wear or mold.
Kite Harness Safety
Will your straps stay? Just like everything else, sand and salt get in and around the webbing straps on your harness. If not cleaned, they will wear. And, even if cleaned well, they will eventually wear. If your straps show ANY signs of wear or fraying replace them. Also, be sure the strap buckles have not worn. Even if your straps are in good shape, a worn buckle won’t hold and significantly increases risk levels.
Is your knife sharp? Yes, most kite knives are made of stainless steel. But even stainless steel breaks down over time. Most knives have keep a sharp blade for about a season. They should be inspected often and replaced every 6 months. If not, it won’t slice your lines should they get caught around your neck.
Does your quick release work? Many harnesses these days have a “handle pass” hybrid handle and leash attachment. Just like with your chicken loop, make sure it’s clean. If it’s loose, it needs to be replaced.
Will your handle hold? Most handles are simply sewn on to the harness. This means the threading can break down over time. This can be very dangerous, especially when someone goes to grab you and your handle breaks off. If it looks worn, get a new harness.
Is Your Body Kiteboarding Ready?
Stay warm! Cold water can kill you. Wear appropriate thermal protection for condtions. From simple neoprene tops to wetsuits & dry suits, if you want to ride when it’s less than warm, keep these on at all times.
Do you like ribs? Not the BBQ kind, we mean yours . . .The most common upper body injury is breaking ribs. Wearing an impact vest will protect your chest and back during crashes and decrease injury by 80%. Plus, you’ll have added flotation. Coast guard approved PFD’s also work, but tend to be ultra bulky and not suited for harnesses.
How smart do you want to stay? Your board, your bar, floating debris, and the ocean bottom can all knock you out. Leaving you helpless in the water. Even if you somehow stay awake after a blow, how much brain power do you think you’ll have left? Wear a helmet.
Kiteboarding Conditions Safety: Launch Area, Wind and Water
Predict your session. Know the local weather patterns and how to forecast the near term. NOT knowing can kill you (see Kiter Killed in OBX). Be sure to read all about wind and how to forecast in air's kiteboarding science series:
1-What creates wind?
2-What influences wind?
3-Observing Wind
Do you have room? Be sure there enough space to launch down wind. You should have at minimum two kite lengths of open area between you and ANY object you could hit. Also, if the water is crowded with kiters or swimmers, find another place to rid.
Do you know right of way rules? Kiting in popular areas usually means kite traffic. If you want to keep the other liking you, and reduce injury, then learn how to pass upwind, down wind, and know who has the right of way.
Do you know your limits? Learning knew tricks is fun, but don’t do it as the first thing after a winter break. And, just like with any exercise, always warm up for 15 minutes with easy riding before pulling big moves. If you're just learning, stay away from advanced areas. If you're skilled and trying the big stuff, do it away from others and in deep water. You're going to crash whether you like it or not.
Like to swim? Neither do we. Never kite out far from shore, or rather, never go out further than you would ever want to swim in. Always kite with others. Practice self rescue techniques often.
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