Kite Surfing Safety - Launching & Getting Underway

• Start off by examining your kite lines thoroughly. Make sure that the lines are not twisted, tangled, or snagged. If your kites have birdles, ask the person holding your kite to re-check the lines before launching. Having twisted snagged or tangled lines pose risks that may lead to dangerous situations.


• Never kite surf without using a dead-man safety release system. This will allow you to disable the kite when needed.


• When launching, your kite should be perpendicular to the air stream. The launcher should be holding the kite upwind. Supply line tension and walk upwind gradually in an arc formation until your kite flies smoothly in the sky. Make one or two additional steps upwind if the winds are less than 15 mph.


• Move towards the water as soon as you have launched. Keep your kite away from the side and the launch area. Be 1.5-line length away from crowded areas or any obstacles.


• Do not permanently attach your safety leash to your harness or wrist. Instead, use any quick release mechanism such as Velcro tapes.


• Self-launching is not recommended when kite surfing. However, if you wish to proceed with self-launching, make sure that you have a trained assistant with you. Asking untrained individuals to help you launch should not be done at all costs.


• Self-launching should not be done in stronger winds. Anchor your kite properly to prevent premature launching.