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(note: read our Learn Kiteboarding Safety Article first. We do not recommend kiteboarding without first getting proper lessons!)
When preparing to launch - learn to check all your gear. Make sure your equipment is functioning properly- especially the essentials such as your safety release system. Check your lines to ensure they are tangle free and attached correctly, and that all is in good safe condition to launch. It’s also a good idea to check your board ...making sure your straps are properly adjusted can save time if you had switched them from the last use.
Keep your kite away from sharp objects, even reeds/thorns that can puncture your bladder. Be careful not to over inflate your bladder and cause a burst. Busted bladders make a quick bummer of your kiteboarding day.
Try to keep sand away from your equipment .....simple! Ok, so kiteboarding typically involves a beach so this is impossible ....But when rolling and pumping, learn to keep as much sand free of the kite as possible. Sand causes wear and tear whether it be on or in your kite.
Be careful not to leave the kite sitting too long in the sun. Two things: this can cause kites to
‘spontaneously combust’ due to prolonged heat exposure and expansion of the bladder. Also any kite flapping in the wind for too long causes wear ....such as a flag over time.
(Learn the “walk of shame” back up wind)
It’s best to have the lines wound on the bar at this point. Hold the kite upside down and walk into the wind- hold the leading edge of the kite in one hand. I like to put the bar in line with the footstraps and hold my board and bar in the other hand.
If there are sharp objects (rocks shells) in the way of the kite or there is not enough wind for the kite to fly as you walk and keep it off the ground do one the following:
a) deflate the kite and loosely roll the kite enough to carry it under your arm
b) if you have a long distance to walk do the above and then wrap your harness around your
kite to help compact your load and carry the harness/kite over your shoulder.
