We will be adding to our site new 'How to's' every week and we will start at the very beginning for all the newbie Kitesurfers or wanabe kitesurfers, Ok well here we go!
This time we are going to cover location checks.
Getting Started - Location Check
Before you start with Kite Surfing you need to check first the wind Conditions and the location.
We will first discuss a few common terms that we will use throughout the instructions.
When we talk about onshore wind, the wind comes from the sea and blows towards land. With offshore wind, the wind blows from the land towards the sea, while side shore wind blows over the beach, parallel to the shore.
When we talk about a position or course relative to the wind, the terms upwind and downwind are used.
When you arrive at the beach, check first where the wind is coming from, feel it blowing against your hands or look at flags or trees around you. Look around the place and see if the area is large enough. There should be a safe distance from all obstructions. Should anything go wrong and you are dragged downwind, you will need time and space to correct your mistake. You need to check the shoreline as well. If you should end up downwind after a kite surf session, (and a beginner usually does end up downwind), this must be a safe place to land. Clearly, this is a dangerous situation you don’t want to end up in a jetty.
Kitesurfing Tips and Tricks
1. Most accidents happen while standing on shore. Whenever the area you’re standing on is flat, the wind will be constant and move horizontally but when it hits an obstacle, it will change direction and can produce some very dangerous situations.
Just like when moving water that goes straight up in the air hits a rock, the wind will also create turbulence when it hits an object. A kite surfer can be lifted meters high up in the air, can fly about 30 meters downwind and will end up against a steel fence. This accident is the result of the wind hitting the sand which causes it to change its direction and produce an upward current lifting everything in its path.
Do not launch or ride near rocks, trees, power lines or in a crowded area!
2. Offshore winds can be dangerous primarily because the wind is almost never stable, which makes it difficult to control the Kite Surfing Kite. Moreover, if you get into some sort of trouble, you will not be blown back to the shore but out to the open water. You will need a rescue boat to help you.
Learning how to check the wind condition and the location of your kite surfing session can prevent you from experiencing any accidents during kite surfing.
For more info on Kitesurfing or Kitesurfing Lessons please take a look at our website www.s2as.com
