How to land a kite safely on the beach
Learning how to land a kite is essential for beginners and advanced riders. And knowing how to do it by yourself on a public beach is critical.
You've ridden your kite for a couple of hours. You're tired, exhausted, and need a rest. Suddenly, the wind conditions change.
Gusts are hitting your kite like bullets, and you desperately want to land it as soon as possible.
In the best-case scenario, you've got a friend or relative to help bring the giant down. But are you aware of the safety procedures?
Assisted Kite Landing 101
Let's take a look at what you and your kite assistant should do.
- If your best friend is on the beach ready to assist you, then activate the international "land my kite" signal;
- Tap the top of your head with one hand and wait for your landing assistant to be prepared. Communication is key in kiteboarding, and you don't want to hurt yourself and others. Kite lines can kill;
- Now, try to bring the kite slowly towards the ground, in control, and hover it so that the assistant can grab and secure it;
- Once the kite is in a secure position, he needs to step forward downwind to remove tension in the lines;
- Then, your assistant should make sure the kite is weighed down with sand or a board;
And don't be shy. Ask for help anytime you need it. Helping others is part of kiteboarding. Today, it's us, tomorrow, it's them.
However, you're alone in the water and on the beach in many other situations. You don't have friends and family to help you land your kite.
Landing a Kite By Yourself Safely 101
What should you do? The answer, although a dangerous one, is self-landing (for advanced riders only):
- First of all, find a spot on the beach with plenty of space downwind. Make sure there are no obstacles or human beings nearby;
- Now, lower the kite slowly until its half-length is above the beach;
- Time to aggressively pull on the lower back line, forcing the kite to come down;
- Pull on the line quickly by grabbing the floaters above the bar ends;
- As soon as the kite hits the ground, release the line, grab the other line by the floater, and run downwind while pulling on it;
- The kite will turn its leading edge further into the wind and stop it from relaunching;
- Finally, get to your kite and turn it into the wind;
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com