Regulations & Location Analysis

Regulations & Location Analysis

Regulations & Location Analysis

Regulations & Location Analysis : Video Transcript

Choosing a beginner friendly location where you are allowed to kite is a fundamental part of your progression. A suitable location will allow you to progress safely without endangering yourself, other people or your own equipment.

Just because you see other kitesurfers going out doesn’t mean it is a safe place for learning.

There are thousands of designated kitesurfing Spots around the World. However, as a beginner, you will notice that many of those locations are unsuitable for learning simply due to the presence of waves. Large waves can be incredibly challenging and unsafe for learning, so it’s best to avoid any such location as a beginner.

Kitesurfing is very often regulated in populated areas around the World, which means that most of the time you cannot simply kitesurf anywhere you want. Make sure you always follow Local Guidelines

You Must avoid kitesurfing outside designated areas. Ignoring those rules can often lead to a permanent ban which penalizes your entire local kitesurfing community. So be sure to always respect local regulations.

Information regarding Kitesurfing Regulations in popular Kitesurfing Destinations are easy to find by doing an ONLINE search. You can also search for Local Kitesurfing Shops and Schools which will be able to provide you with plenty of useful local information.  You can also search for Kitesurfing Location Guides, which often give you detailed information about each location. Follow the advice about recommended skill level, Local restrictions and appropriate wind directions.

If you are NEW to any kitesurfing beach, always take the time to look around before you setup your kite. Ask local kitesurfers about the area. Local Kitesurfers and Schools will be happy to share useful information with you, such as the pros and cons of the location, the current wind conditions, and advise you on which kite size you should be using, so always consider their advice.

To Assess each kitesurfing location in detail, think about the S.H.O.E. Acronym. You’ll need consider the surface, the hazards, other people and the environment.

S – Surface

As a beginner, you need to use common sense and choose locations with a suitable surface with enough space to setup, launch and land your kite safely.

You need to avoid rough surfaces and beaches that are very narrow. Always pay attention to the warning signs at your local Kite spot.

It’s best to avoid beaches with lots of seaweed, which will easily tangle in your lines.

Next, you need to check the surface of the water.

Small waves are manageable for learning; however, larger waves must be avoided by beginners.

Shallow waters are easier to learn in, However, waters that are too shallow can be very dangerous.

As a general rule of thumb, when kitesurfing in shallow waters, ensure you have at least knee deep water.

Whenever relevant, look for tide information and avoid areas with shallow reef, especially at low tide.

Always wear feet protection when necessary

Most Kitesurfing Locations around the World are in deep waters. Kitesurfing in deep waters can seem challenging at first, however, with the correct training any beginner can enjoy these locations safely. To find out more about kitesurfing in deep waters, check out our blog post entitled ‘’are you ready for deep water’’?

H – Hazards

It’s important that you avoid kitesurfing close to any hazards. These hazards could be in the water, or on land.

Flying kites close to hazards like roads is very dangerous and have caused many accidents around the World.

Always avoid Launching or flying your kite close to obstacles like trees. Lines can easily get tangled in them and damage your equipment.

Ideally, you should always try to keep a safe distance from obstacles or people that is equivalent to 2x your line length. Since most kitesurfing lines measure around 25 meters, this means keeping a 50-meter distance from any obstacles or people DOWNWIND of you.

DOWNWIND means the direction in which the wind blows or simply the area in front of your when you fly a kite.

Upwind means the direction FROM which the wind is blowing, or simply the area behind you when you fly a kite.

You also need to consider wind Hazards around you which can affect the quality of the wind. We will discuss this topic further in the next video.

O – Other people

You also need to look out for Other Beach and water users. Beach and water users are often completely unaware of the dangers of kitesurfing so it’s your responsibility to keep a safe distance from them. Remember to Always share the beach, even if you are in a designated kitesurfing area, you must give way and keep a safe distance from other beach users.

In order to avoid collisions between kitesurfers, there are universal right of way rules which we will cover later in a separate video.

E- Environment

You also need to consider the environment, and ask yourself What’s the weather like?  How strong is the wind? What kite size should I use? We will cover this topic in the next video.

Here is a summary of what you need to remember about Regulations and location Analysis:

- Search for your Local Kitesurfing Regulations

- Always Respect Regulations in place

- Ask Local Kitesurfers/Schools and Shops for Information

- Take the time to Analyse Each Location

- Assess the Pro's and Con's using the S.H.O.E. Acronym

- Keep a Safe Distance from Obstacles and Other People

- If you have any doubts about your ability to go out in any location,  it’s probably best that you don't go Out!

In the next video we will talk about choosing safe and appropriate wind and weather conditions for learning.