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Rule n° 3: Choose your practice spot
Observe local laws and regulations regarding kitesurf and the usage area.
Choose your spot according to your level:
The choice of a good spot is a prerogative for a safe learning. The best spot is not neces-
sary the spot where you find the most kites. If you just started or if you do not control your
kite properly, the best spot is the least crowded one. The water and wind conditions also
vary, advance kitesurfers often look for strong wind and good waves where beginners
should be looking for calm waters and softer winds. When first starting out it is recom-
mended to look for a place with fairly shallow waters.
Choose an obstacle free area:
Check that the space on your sides and under your wind is free of obstacle: no houses, no
trees, no cars or jetties. Under no circumstances should you be riding near electrical posts
and wires, or near an airfield or even near a harbor.
Wind direction:
Never ride in strong offshore wind. The wind can die at any moment or a line can break. In
offshore wind it is harder to swim back to shore, the wind and the current pushing away
from the beach.
It is not recommended to ride when the wind is on-shore especially for beginners as the
wind pushes directly onto the beach. This will make your learning harder: you will not be
able to do good runs and go up wind, and you will end up on the sand very quickly. This will
also be more risky the slightest gust could send you onto the sand and your kite may fall
violently onto the sand.
Therefore always ride while the wind is side or side-on, you in terms will be able to go
downwind while keeping a safe position in case of an emergency.
The area down the wind:
Be cautious and check that there are no obstacles going down wind. You should always
consider room for error. Keep in mind that the risk is to go down wind, beginner or not. You
are not free from breaking a line, losing your board, or breaking your harness… therefore
the beach down the wind should always be accessible. Think that you may have to walk
back alongside the beach (check that there are no rocks, cliffs, fences, or jetties blocking
your way).
If you are just starting out or if you cannot entirely control your kite, be careful as to where
you stand on the spot: if the spot is big enough, it is better to stand upwind from other kites
to avoid crossing your lines with theirs. It is less tricky for you and them, this will allow you
to concentrate on your flying and less on others.
Rule n°4: Check the weather conditions
Check with the local weather forecast, (radio, web, harbor crew).
How strong are the winds and from which direction? You must know how the speed of the
wind and the direction are going to evolve during the day.
You should not ride during stormy weather, the kite may attract lightning!
Also check on the tides schedules and the areas for rip currents.
SAFETY