Kitesoul Magazine #10 English Edition

154
WAVERIDING - SAFETY TIPS
Kite down in Surf
KITE DOWN
IN SURF
1. STAY AWAY FROM THE LINES: The last thing you want is to get hog
tied up in your lines and have the wave hit your kite and synch them
tight. If the kite goes down directing outside of you and the next wave
is going to push the kite over your head, do your best to get to one
side or the other, preferably upwind so you can quickly relaunch you
kite after it passes you.
2. BE PREPARED TO DITCH IT ALL: If the kite goes down in front of the
wave and you choose to hold onto the kite, be prepared to get a solid
dragging from the wave pulling the kite. Stay calm, hold your breath
and let it pull you, but have your hand on the quick release ready to
‘ditch it all’ if that pull is too strong or the wave is not letting the kite
go and you need to get a breath.
Holding onto the kite should only be done in smaller surf and does
have a high risk of damaging your kite either by ripping it or simply
stretching the stitching and material. Always use your best judgment
in the moment, and if you’re in doubt, just ditch it all and stay away
from the lines!
Text Reo Stevens | Photo Jason Wolcott