Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding is a relatively new watersport that first gained popularity in the late 90's and is now called the fastest growing fun sport in the world. 

With an oversized kite and a small board kitesurfers are being pulled over the water and can jump up to 15 m high and 30 m long. Kiteboarding is a sport that offers an amazing variety and is dangerously addictive and, in contrast to many other action sports, it is amazingly female-friendly!

Kitboarding does no require much strenght or daredevilry at all and while it takes some instinct and finesse it has been told that females can learn the sport faster than males. The best part about it though is that kiteboarding is very empowering for females and has been life changing for many and if you are a woman but have not tried this amazing sport yet it is about time you get onto it!

If you want to learn more about the sport of kiteboarding you can read all about it on wikipedia!

KB4girls Safety Briefing (by David Dorn)

It is all about the wind: That is the real engine that drives our kites. The wind is the most important factor that we must consider. We are the “little guys” out there. And we must always respect the wind. Even the best kiter in the world using the very best kite does not control the wind. We must choose our conditions carefully.

Check the weather: Always check the weather forecast the night before kiting.

Check the wind: Check the wind before rigging. Reading the wind at this location is difficult because the trees block the wind near shore, so it usually looks lighter than it really is.  Check the water’s surface farther offshore to get a better idea of the wind speed. Check the kite sizes of other kiters already on the water.

Buddy Up: When we kite with friends in a group, we have to watch out for each other, and help each other out. But it is great to have one special buddy who will wait for you to launch and then sail with you on the water. Every one should pick a buddy who is about their same size. Get to know your buddy, their name, description, what kite they are riding, what color kite, type, & size. Because you may have to go look for them if they are missing, and be able to give a good description to lifeguards too. The buddy system means that that person is responsible for noticing if you are in trouble. If you loose your board, they can get it for you. If you a have to self-rescue they will keep an eye on you. If you need help they will make sure you get it, and they will keep always keep their eye on you. Generally your buddy will launch when you do, and should come in when you do. It is good to have a similar ride style to your buddy because one may want to ride in the waves, while the other may want to ride close to shore. Know your buddies safety system, how it works, and check over each others gear before launching too.

Independence: However even with a buddy, you will sometimes only have yourself to rely on, and you have to be independent. That means being; in control, being able to control your power, being able to stop at any time. And being able to; self launch, self rescue and self land.

Know your safety system well. How to release the bar, QRTL, and Kite-Leash function.

Ask yourself, how does your kite depower? How do you do a self rescue. Am I confident that I can stop and get myself back to shore by myself? Knowing that you have this level of control will give you more confidence than any other skill.

Safety Check Demonstration: how to check and test a kite bar’s safety system function.

1. Attach leash first, detach the leash last.
2. The leash must have a quick release positioned at the rider’s end.
3. Grab the chicken loop and reset it.
4. Put the CL into your harness hook and use the chicken finger.
5. Next climb the trim line to the bar,
6. Always grab the center of the bar,
7. Always red on the left.
8. Check the bar travels on the trim line, it should slide easily.
9. Position the stopper/slider far away for launching.
10. Check the safety line is free and clear to slide through the bar.

Do a physical check: Next step is to practice the safety steps in the correct sequence.

Step 1: Let go of the bar, the kite should depower.

Step2:  Release the Chicken loop with the quick release.

Step3: (as a last resort you may have to release the kite’s leash). Practice using the leash’s quick release.

Once you are satisfied it all works. Put the bar back together and check again.

Group exercise: Wear your harness and do a full dress rehearsal. And then test your kite bar together with your buddy. If you have any questions about your setup, ask the instructors now before you get on the water. You don’t know if your bar functions unless you have tested it yourself. Practice using all the safety features one at a time. And then practice putting the bear back together again. You should be so comfortable doing the steps that you can do it with your eyes closed!

Self rescue demonstration: Once you have your safety system dialed in: You should consider how you are going to get back to shore, there are several options:

1. Swim in with a flagged kite. This is the safest method, but slow and messy. Remember to keep tension on the lines and not to swim directly toward the kite.
2. Climb the lines: The fastest but messiest option is to climb the one safety line to the kite and self-rescue to shore. Only hold one line, climb back to the kite, do not touch the bar. Stay away from the lines.
3. Wind the Lines onto the bar: this is the most complex, but the best option when getting a ride in a boat. To wind the lines safely it must be done properly.

Firstly release the bar, and release the trim loop (chicken loop).

Let the kite flag out, so it is totally depowered.

Then climb up the safety line to the bar. Hold the safety line and the bar, and then secure the safety line to the bar, wind the loose part of the safety line onto the bar. Take care only to wind the safety line.

Once you have done that. You can hold all the lines together, and begin to wind them onto the bar, in a figure eight pattern.

When you reach the bridle, secure the lines to the bar. Then you are clear to self rescue in the normal way.

Calm thinking is Clear thinking: Remember that you always have choices, and should always use your judgment before doing any technique. In any situation you should: Stop, think and then act. Don’t panic.

Ok girls, thanks for your attention, I hope everyone has learned a little something that might increase your control and boost your confidence.

Aloha and have fun, Suzie & David Dorn

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Thanks to David Dorn, Kite Club Maui and Action Sports Maui for this amazing safety briefing!