Nouman Khan

Dangers of overpowered kites Kitesurfing can be a dangerous sport, but some basic knowledge and awareness will help to keep you safe in the water. You will need to be aware of the weather conditions before you take your kite out. Offshore winds are not ideal for kiting since you could easily be blown away from the beach to a distance that is further than you can comfortably swim. Being out at sea can introduce other hazards; you might encounter marine life such as jellyfish, sharks and so on. Kiting in cross-shore winds are ideal because this will help you to keep moving in the direction you want to travel. Onshore winds mean you are more likely to be thrown onto the land or end up in shallow water. Choose a kite that is suitable for the wind speeds. The higher the wind speed, the smaller the kite you will need. If wind speeds are above twenty knots, it is highly inadvisable for beginners to attempt kitesurfing, and even experienced kitesurfers are recommended to not go out in winds above thirty knots. If you do go out in strong winds, use a small kite and shorten your lines, as this will make the kite easier to control in those conditions. Being lifted into the air, or “lofted”, is one of the most hazardous aspects of kitesurfing. Unexpected gusts of wind are the most common cause of being lofted, so if the weather shows any signs of being unstable, do not attempt to kiteboard. Wait for better weather, as it simply isn’t worth the risk. Whether you are new to kitesurfing or you are an experienced rider, wearing the correct safety equipment will help to reduce the risk of injury if you are lofted. A helmet should always be worn, and an impact vest is also highly recommended. This way, should you be unfortunate enough to be lifted out of the water, injuries should be far less severe. Another way to avoid potential lofting is to keep your kite well away from any vertical surfaces such as walls or cliffs. Vertical objects create significant uplift, even in very light winds, so there is always the chance of being lofted if you kite too close to them. Finally, make sure you test all the safety features of your kite and lines before you take them out onto the water. Familiarise yourself with how everything works, and then if you do get into trouble, you will already know how to depower your kite and reduce the effects.