GENERAL POWERKITE SAFETY

As with all sports activities there are risks involved with power kiting but fortunately accidents are few and far between.
Here are some tips to help you and your friends and family enjoy power kiting in safety and avoid silly accidents.
Firstly if you are unsure or confused by which kite to buy then seek advice from a reputable kite store. The biggest or the cheapest kite from bought from a discount high street chain store better know for selling jewellery might not be the best place to purchase a power kite. Make sure that if the kite is powerful enough to need kite killers that they come with the kite.

Once you have bought a kite you need to find a suitable location to fly it. A large open space is ideal. Bear in mind obstacles down wind of you may turn into hazards should things go wrong. Especially avoid buildings, power lines, cliffs, airports or roads and respect people’s safety in the immediate area to avoid third party accidents. Importantly large obstacles directly upwind of you can upset the wind and make controlling the kite difficult

So you have got your kite and found your local flying site, now you need the correct weather. If you have not flown a power kite before then you need no more than a light steady breeze to get you kite flying and become acquainted with the controls. Take care in follow the instructions and making sure flying and bridle lines are correctly connected and free from twists. Avoid flying your kite in strong and or gusty winds until you good control of your kite.

Always wear at least a helmet when power kiting. Boots with ankle support are perfect and something you may already own. Elbow and knee guards should be next on your list.

It is well worth purchasing insurance available through organizations like the British Buggy Club, which will cover you for a range of power kiting activities for a nominal fee.

As you become more confident be careful not to overestimate your power kiting skills and use a suitable kite for your power kiting activities. Pick an appropriate sized power kite for your own skill level and suitable for the day’s weather conditions. Always keep an eye on you equipment for any maintenance that may be necessary.

Consider taking professional instruction from a qualified power kite instructor when becoming involved in traction activities like landboarding, bugging and especially kitesurfing.

Our range of kite safety equipment is availble here.

BUGGY AND LANDBOARDING SAFETY

In addition to the above sections make sure that you are allowed to buggy or board on your chosen site as many beaches and playing fields have controls in place for wheeled vehicles.

Be aware of dangers on your flying site like trees, potholes, large rocks and other obstacles that may cause injury or damage to your kite. Make sure that you have enough room to safely turn round and be aware of third parties in the vicinity.

Always ensure your equipment is regularly maintained by checking nuts, bolts and wheels after every session and regularly grease or change bearings when they become stiff and squeaky.

Never use a harness when bugging and boarding until you are confident with your equipment and remember it is always best to have the option of letting go to begin with.
Strapping yourself to a buggy is definitely only for the very experienced riders!

Our range of safety equipment for buggies and landboarding is available here.

Make sure that you can fly a trainer kite and then seek out professional instruction. This helps you to avoid an accident or damaging your kite the first time out. It will also give you the confidence and knowledge to go and do the sport.

The sea is a dangerous place and mixed with a powerful kite the potential for accidents, should they happen is magnified greatly.

Using a buoyancy aid and a helmet is advised as well as a suitable wetsuit or drysuit depending on the time of year.

Always buy good quality gear as the sea is very harsh on equipment. Buying unsuitable equipment will spoil your enjoyment and potentially could put you at risk.

Our range of kitesurfing safety equipment is available here.