Safety Issues

Kiteboarding is growing rapidly and it is exciting to see so much happening so quickly. The kites we use for fun on the water can generate extreme power, accelerating you faster than a Lamborghini ! These kites will humble anyone who lacks respect. Many of us myself included have been witness to, or experienced close calls or worse.

The recent increase in serious kiteboarding accidents highlights the responsibilities to ourselves, others and our great sport. The pain and potential bannings can be mostly avoided just by practising common sense and being aware. Please make it your responsibility to be aware of and respect the following key points:

Your personal kiteboarding ability and limits

Over confidence is a major cause of accidents, and also fatigue which stems from over confidence in your stamina / ability to kite when tired. Don't think you are a hero because pride always comes before a fall, and that fall could really hurt, maybe even hurt someone else.

Your surroundings including other people / kiteboarders

Awareness of your surroundings means you know where the safe and unsafe areas are and who the safe and not so safe kiter's are at all times. Watch out for others and hopefully they will watch out for you. Also train yourself to watch the weather even as you sail.

Your equipment and particularly safety mechanisms

Wear a kite leash. A stray kite poses a serious threat to other kiter's, swimmers, boats, wildlife, etc. And always have a reliable quick release on your harness line and chicken loop. Practice using your quick release/s to train your reflexes and test their reliability / function.

The sustainable growth of kiteboarding can only be ensured by taking responsibility. Each of us can be responsible for practicing the safety issues above and spreading the word on these issues to other kiteboarders.

Keep the spirit
Traqua Team