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SAFETY & GUIDELINES

Be Clear About Your Responsibilities

Kiteboarding is easy to practice safely with a little forethought and common sense. Ultimately we are responsible for minimising the risk to ourselves, and others, which will help protect the future of this great sport – be very CLEAR about your responsibilities.

 

CLEAR

CONDITIONS

• Wind strength

• Wind direction
• Always keep downwind area well clear
• Waves, tides and currents
• Consider possible changes

LOOK

• Look before you launch, land, jump, jibe, etc.

EQUIPMENT

• Always complete a pre-flight check
• Use a kite leash
• Use a quick release on anything you hook into
• Practise using your safety systems regularly so that it becomes instinctive
• Never exceed manufacturers specifications

ATTITUDE

• Always seek and listen to local advice
• Do not exceed your limitations
• Use judgement to prevent situations, do not rely on skill to try and get out of it

RESPECT

• Others – be considerate and courteous to all other water and beach users as well as;
• The law
• Fellow kiters – follow right of way rules
• The environment - maintain appropriate distance from protected marine life

 

Follow the Rules of the Road (when on the water)!

Common Sense Rules

  • Kiteboarders using the beach should give way to other water users and retreat to a safe zone outside of the navigational channel when other craft approach
  • Beaches can get exceptionally busy both on and off the water. No matters how competent you are, or good the conditions look, never risk the safety of others. If in doubt don’t go out!
  • Always maintain a 50 metre/2 x line length downwind safety zone between yourself and other craft/hazards
  • In the event of coming into conflict with other water users, stabilise your kite at the edge of the window or in the neutral zone
  • Never kiteboard in or too close to bathing areas, swimmers or boat moorings
  • Never practice jumping on land or too close to the beach
  • No rider must jump up wind of anyone within 2 kite lengths


Structured Rules

  • The upwind rider gives way to the downwind rider
  • The rider on the port tack gives way to the rider on starboard tack (if on a collision course)
  • When returning to the beach, give way to riders who are launched and heading out
  • Overtaking rider must keep clear
  • Riders heading out through surf have R.O.W until they gain riding speed and control to avoid wave riders on a defined break

 

Get Instruction

KA recommends that you seek out professional instruction when learning to kiteboard.

Visit a Kiteboarding Australia school to find out more information!