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SAFETY
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 schedule and the areas for rip currents.
RULE N°5: RESPECT AND HELP OUT OTHERS
Put away your material
.
Be careful not to unwind your lines on top of others. The same applies when you put down your kite,
be careful not to do it on top of someone else's lines. This can become hazardous if he or she re-
launches his or her kite without noticing your lines. If you leave your kite on the beach, to get some
rest or just waiting for better conditions, think of rolling up your lines on your bar to clear up the spot.
Disconnect the lines from the kite if you are going to leave the kite on the beach unattended.
Avoid the kite at the zenith
.
Avoid if possible staying with the kite at the zenith while you are still on the ground, better to take
it down in order to get some rest. This could be hazardous for you and the others: you are not safe
from a sudden lack of wind or a strong gust that could pull you away. On the ground or the beach,
falls are harder and they hurt. Your kite at the zenith can also disturb the others from landing and
launching their kites.
Help out others
.
Always keep an eye on your surroundings, and pay attention to others. Do not hesitate to help out
others launching and landing their kites, or going after a struggling kitesurfer.
Respect the priority on the water
.
When two kitesurfers are passing each other, the one closer to the wind origin should raise his kite
and the kitesurfer under the wind should lower his kite to avoid a tangling of the lines. When two
kitesurfers are facing each other, the kitesurfer riding with the wind coming from starboard (right
hand forward) according to the path followed has the priority over the kitesurfer who's wind comes
from port side (left hand forward). The kitesurfer riding starboard should maintain his or her tra-
jectory and the one riding port side should move further down the wind in order not to cross their
paths. Before any jumps or direction changes, make sure there is enough room and that you are not
going to cross anyone's path.
Respect bystanders.
Inform the spectators of the power of the kite and of the potential risk by staying downwind from
a kitesurfer. Do not lend your equipment to a none kitesurfer.
RULE N°6: LEARN TO USE YOUR SAFETY SYSTEMS
Do not fly your kite without a proper safety system allowing you to instantly kill the power of the kite
and without a safety leash connecting you to the kite once you have killed the power, this leash should
also be releasable in case of an emergency. Frequently check the wear and tear of your safety systems.
Do not wait for trouble to learn how to operate your safety systems. Chose a wide open area to
practice your release of the kite.
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WIND RANGE
The wind range are expressed in knots and the sizes in actual square meters.
TAILLE (m
SIZE (m
)
)
2
2
8
PLAGE DE VENTS (knts)
WIND RANGE (knts)
12 > 25
This wind range is given to you as an indication for a rider weighting 75 kg.
Wind range varies according to each rider. It depends on:
• The rider's level:
the more you progress the more you will be able to use the kite in the upper wind range.
• The rider's weight: the bigger you are the more you will be able to use the kite in the upper wind range.
• The board you ride: twin-tip, foil, surf.
You also must choose your kite according to: the aerological situation (the airflow quality), the weather
conditions (wind direction, speed, forecast) and the overall quality of the spot and the level of safety it
offers. When you get to the spot, measure up the wind speed. Take your time to figure out the condi-
tions, don't make any mistake, one minute is not enough, you need to check that the wind is steady
and free of gusts. Check out the other kites, their sizes, that will give you some indications on the
conditions. If you hesitate between two kite sizes always take the smaller one, you will have more fun
riding underpowered rather than overpowered.
If you cannot walk backward alone with the kite in the air, that means that you are overpowered.
Land your kite.
Force
Knots
Km/h
Description
Level
0
<1
<1
Calm
N/A
1
1-3
1.5
Light air
N/A
2
4-6
6-11
Light breeze
Beginners
3
7-10
12-19
Gentle breeze
Beginners
Moderate
4
11-16
20-29
Intermediate
breeze
5
17-21
30-38
Fresh breeze
Expert
6
22-27
39-50
Strong breeze
Expert
7
28-33
51-61
High wind
Expert
8
34-40
62-74
Gale
N/A
This table is for guidance only. You should also take into account the wind density.
Watch out also for unstable wind.
10
12
15
19
11 > 23
10 > 21
08 > 19
06 > 15
Conditions
Calm, flags don't move and smoke raises vertically.
Time for stand-up paddling.
Smoke and flags can show you which direction the wind is blowing.
It's coming, bring on the large kites!
You can feel the wind on your face, leaves are moving on the trees.
Easy session on earth or on snow.
Flags extended.
Good wind for beginners.
Flags are flapping, small branches are moving gently.
Getting serious! Bring on the jumps!
Small trees are moving.
Full-power, life is beautiful!
Bigger branches are now shaking as well.
Experts only!
All the trees are dancing.
Hard-core riders only!
Walking upwind is getting difficult!
Bad time for the riders. Better stay home.
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