TAKOON USER GUIDE
P03
Weather:
• Never underestimate the wind and sea conditions.
• Consult the local forecast before setting out.
> Never attempt to kitesurf in changing or stormy weather conditions.
> Never attempt to kitesurf if the wind is strong and gusty.
> Never attempt to kitesurf if the wind is off shore, blowing you away from land.
> Never ride in or near electrical storms as the flying lines will massively increase your risk of electrocution.
• Find out about tides and areas with strong currents.
• Beginners must sail in calm sea conditions.
• Take time to gauge the wind speed once you have reached your chosen sailing area.
• If you are not confident in evaluating the forecast, speak to someone who is competent in forecast
interpretation.
• Wear suitable equipment to avoid hypothermia-related accidents (wetsuits and drysuits).
>Safety helmets and impact vests are strongly recommended.
Beginners:
• TAKOON kites are high performance kites which are not suitable for beginners.
• We highly recommend practicing on a small traction kite before attending a kitesurf school as you will find this
dramatically reduces the time it takes you to learn the basics.
• Learn how to fly the kite on land in wide open spaces before venturing onto the water.
• Always choose the size of kite that corresponds to your weight and level of skill/competence.
Good conduct:
• Be respectful of other people out on the water: swimmers, surfers, windsurfers, jet skis, pleasure craft etc…
• Follow the rules of priority on the water.
• Make sure your flying lines are not laid out in an area used by pedestrians. Wind up your lines when not in use.
• Do not let anyone walk/stand between you and your kite.
• Help other kitesurfers with launches and landings. You’ll appreciate their help when it’s your turn!
• If necessary, explain the essential safety rules to other kitesurfers.
• Don’t touch other kitesurfers’ equipment unless specifically asked.
Usually check and test your quick releases
Appropriate clothing:
Neoprene / Wetsuit / Line cutter / Helmet / Impact / Vest Gloves / Boots.
Choosing which size kite to use:
YOU MUST ALWAYS USE THE RIGHT KITE SIZE FOR THE GIVEN CONDITIONS.
The weight of the rider is a major factor in choosing the surface area of kite.
Wind direction:
Make sure the wind direction is suited to the spot you have chosen for sailing.The ideal wind is a side shore
wind that is blowing parallel to the beach. NEVER launch your kite with an off shore or side off shore wind.
On shore wind can be good for the competent kitesurfer but is dangerous because of possible objects on land
down wind.
Obstacles situated upwind of you can create turbulent air-pockets, which often lead to your kite
stalling & depowering abruptly, falling from the sky, and suddenly, dangerously powering up again.
Turbulence is present for a down-wind distance equivalent to approximately 7 times the height of the obstacle
and for an upwind distance equivalent to 1 times the height of the obstacle.
For your safety and those of the others around you, NEVER stand on the beach with the kite at the
zenith. You must place your kite on an extreme right or left-hand edges at approximately 3m height.
That way the kite can’t lift you into the air (during a gust for example).
We recommend proper instruction from a certified kitesurfing school.
