Safety

There is no substitute for getting lessons with a qualified instructor.

The information here is only to provide an idea of the dangers that kitesurfers face. We insist that you get lessons with a qualified instructor.

Dirty Wind

When kitesurfers talk of ‘dirty wind’ they mean the gusty and turbulent air flow which is a major cause of accidents. It is essential that you learn how to recognise where the wind will be dangerously disturbed.

When the wind passes between two objects such as buildings or mountains it speeds up dangerously and can become turbulent. You should always assess your riding spot: look all around for obstacles or hazards.

Obstacles such as trees, buildings and mountains create dangerous turbulence along with updrafts and downdrafts. This occurs not only downwind of the obstacle but also upwind. The general rule is that this effect occurs for seven times the height of the obstacle downwind and three times the height of the obstacle upwind. For example the wind shadow of a 10m high building will extend for 70m downwind and 30m upwind.

When a bay is lined with buildings or trees the wind can be forced to follow the line of obstacles, speeding it up and causing turbulence. You should take care especially when launching or landing to keep the kite out of turbulence.

Should you find yourself in this situation you should immediately use your quick-release to release the kite’s power.