Topic 8
Core Safety SkillsSelf-Rescue
Self-rescue is one of the most important safety skills in kitesurfing, for situations where you’re unable to relaunch your kite in deep water.
The goal is to safely reach the kite and use it to your advantage by:
1. using it for flotation, and/or
2. using it as a sail to help you get back toward shore.
Practice the procedure first in light wind, on land or in shallow water, before trying it in deep water. Slack lines can create a serious entanglement risk in the water!
We also recommend carrying a kite knife / line cutter on your harness at all times in case you become tangled or need to cut a line.
A few resources
- How to Self-RescueSafe Kiting
- Self Rescue - (Quick Reminder)Kitesurf Experience
Checklist
- I have a kite knife / line cutter attached to my harness.
- I’ve practiced wrapping up the bar in light wind on land or in shallow water.
- I can self-rescue in deep water — including wrapping up the bar, using the kite for flotation, and using it as a sail.
My progress
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