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 Safety issues for
Windsurfing near Kitesurfers and for bystanders
WINDSURFING
NEAR KITEBOARDERS:
Kiteboarding is a growing sport, attracting new followers daily. It is expanding all over the country, as well as here in the Gorge. Although many windsurfers may never try kiting, all windsurfers need to be aware of kiters for their own safety. Whether you like or dislike the new sport, it is important that we each know a little bit about it to keep people from getting hurt. Here are a few guidelines (pardon the pun) to keep in mind. 1. DON'T TOUCH THE KITE LINES! Kite lines are very strong. They have at least a 500 lb. breaking strength, and are capable of cutting skin. The power that a kite has is incredible, like a fully sheeted in sail, or a power boat. You don't want to get tangled in the lines. This is also important if the lines are slack, because a kite can suddenly catch wind and turn the spaghetti lines into the taught lines of a water-ski boat.2. STAY CLEAR OF RUN-AWAY KITES. If you see a kite blowing down wind, on the water or on land, stay well clear of it, and keep in mind that there will be kite lines being dragged behind the kite, which can grab unsuspecting victims. These two rules will probably keep you out of trouble as a bystander. Following are a few important issues with kites that may also interest you. RESCUING KITEBOARDERS: As one kite manufacturer suggested to me recently, "Don't rescue kiteboarders". Although this is easy to say, it may prove hard to do when someone is in obvious need. If a kiter is waving his or her arms in the distress signal, this may be a time to approach with caution, keeping in mind where the kite may be. Ask the kiteboarder (from a distance) where the kite is before approaching to determine your next move, all the time referring back to rule #1: DON'T TOUCH THE KITE LINES. The kiter may ask for a few minutes to wind in the lines before you give him/her assistance. FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN TRYING KITEBOARDING: 1.Take a lesson, and consult experienced kiters. 2. Watch a video. There are already a few good learning videos out there, which can be a big help in learning. 3. Learn to fly a trainer kite on land before attempting a full-sized one. Trainers are about 2 square 4. Have a spotter when launching a full sized kite. You seriously may need someone to hold on to you. I am not joking here. 5. Learn to fly a full sized kite on a light wind day. The ideal location is in shallow water (knee to waist deep) where there are no hazards downwind, like people, wires, buildings, boats etc.. Keep in mind that when learning you most likely will be dragged downwind for a while, so plan for it. Dragging on water, sand or grass is a lot more comfortable than dragging over boulders, uneven ground, or pavement. If you decide to fly the kite in the water, wear a wetsuit, and a life preserver. You may end up spending some time organizing your gear and/or swimming in. 6. If or when you are finally ready to actually try kitesurfing with a board, find a location where there are no hazards (OR PEOPLE) downwind. You most likely will be exiting the water downwind from where you started. Choose a light wind day, wear a life preserver, and a warmer wetsuit than you would for windsurfing (you will be in the water more). |
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