Reason 1: Kitesurfing is a very powerful sport
The first reason why kitesurfing is dangerous is related to the amount of force that kite can generate. On a good day, kitesurfers can jump up to 35 meters up in the air (as of 2019 in 45Mph wind) and ride faster than 100km/h, and the main propellant for us is the wind. A wave can help with a jump a bit but the main power comes from the kite. Yes, this is one strong pull that can lift someone over 100 feet up in the air and this can be dangerous. On a bright side – you do not have to fear this power! First of all, if you spend enough time practicing kite control, flying a trainer kite, you’ll feel a lot more confident with the big kite. Just like with driving a car, the more you practice the more comfortable you feel, even though cars have way more horsepower under the hood than kites. The second point here – you should not go and practice in strong winds. Anything more than 20 Mph is not safe for a beginner kitesurfer. Just like with cars – you do not start on a highway, right? You should start practicing kitesurfing slowly in relatively low wind conditions. And another tip: use the kite that is smaller than experienced riders are using on a given day. When on a beach, look around, see what others are riding and step down a notch with your kite size.
Reason 2: Lack of training
Everyone who decided to learn how to kitesurf has this burning desire to start riding and jumping as soon as possible and this is one awesome feeling! Kitesurfing schools lure new students in with promising advertisements like “Start Riding on the First Day of Training With Us!” but this only adds fuel to the fire and many new kiteboarders end up on the water without proper training. You see, kitesurfing is one of the most complex sports out there. It’s more like two sports in one, yet it’s a fast-paced sport too and it requires quick response and proper input from the rider, which is mostly happening on a subconscious level, automatically, in other words, and to achieve this type of reaction one needs to spend enough time practicing and learning all aspects of this beautiful sport in a classroom. So, the main advice here is simple: do not rush things up, practice a bit longer with your trainer-kite, spend more time wrapping your mind around various details, watch that video once more. There will another day, another month, and another Summer. After detailed investigation here at Kitesurfing Academy we came to the conclusion that most of the kitesurfing accidents happened because a rider did not learn something. So, do yourself a favor, dear reader, educate yourself about kitesurfing, and when you do you will not see kitesurfing as a dangerous activity anymore.
Reason 3: It’s a watersport
Can you swim? You better! It helps a lot. Even though there are ways to enjoy kitesurfing even if you do not know how to swim, like wearing a life-jacket, a wetsuit, practicing on the snow or in shallow waters, you will feel much safer if you know how to stay afloat.
Reason 4: Kitesurfing is a novelty
Everything new looks strange and weird at first. When we grow up we observe a broad range of activities like bicycling, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, skateboarding, you name it. We see these activities live, on the news, in the movies, we may even try them because our neighbor has a bike or a skateboard. One way or another, our brain is familiar with these activities to some degree. Kitesurfing is different. First of all, it’s a new sport, second, it’s not that popular and we are not exposed to it and as a result, our brain needs some additional time to get to know it. Plus, and I think we mentioned this before, kitesurfing as one non-trivial sport! Here, in KSA we created almost 60 different topics worth discussing before going to practice with the real gear. I’ll use a car analogy here also. Before you get to even practicing driving a car you need to pass a written test, which means that you need to learn the theory first and only then proceed to the “hands-on” part. The same practice should be applied in kitesurfing. So, watch those videos again and again, learn as much as you can, research, dig in, learn the theory, become comfortable with the terminology, hang out on the beach with other kitesurfers, help them launch and land their kites, sign up for a class, fly your trainer kite until you can feel it and control it without looking at it. And only when you feel that you have grown to the next level, start practicing with the real gear, with your kitesurfing instructor.
Reason 5: Whims of Mother nature
Kitesurfing could be seen as dangerous because of the weather conditions. The weather can be stable… or not. It could be very tempting to go kitesurfing when your friend is heading out to kitesurf because strong wind finally came and he wants to go out and catch some big air and he is inviting you to come along. Well, go ahead and check the wind forecast first. For a beginner kitesurfer to much wind could as bad as too little. Beginners should practice in a very specific, limited weather conditions. You should be practicing only when the wind is right, not too weak and not too strong. And if the conditions are not ideal, then do not ride. Do come out, but the main agenda for you should be to observe and to assist others if need be. If you are still in your learning phase then wait for the right wind conditions to go riding. Conditions that are exciting for a seasoned rider, most likely are still extreme for you. Move on to the next step only when you feel confident. Do not rush things, when it comes to kitesurfing. Be safe! Oh, and no riding in a fog either. Our favorite place to check wind and weather forecast is WindFinder. More on this topic HERE.
Reason 6: Other riders
Some kitesurfing spots could be too crowded and heavy traffic could be potentially dangerous, so, find a place where you do not feel claustrophobic. Make sure there is enough clear space to your left and right and downwind from you when you are facing downwind. In the beginning, you need to have your full attention on your kite, not on those ‘other’ riders.
Reason 7: Offshore winds and rip currents
Sometimes things can go wrong with your kite and you may end up drifting in the water, so, it’s a good idea to learn about the environment at the spot where you will be practicing. Talk to the locals, other kiters, rangers, check online, join local forums, refer to nautical maps, be resourceful and find out about existing currents, tidal currents, water depth end everything else that may affect your kitesurfing session. Find at least two solid opinions from different sources and be safe.
Reason 8: Plan “B”
Only in the movies, they wait for the rescue to come and save them. Count on yourself. Always think a few steps in advance, like a good chess player. Be realistic and always have an escape plan BEFORE you try something new. If you want to go far, for example, calculate how will you come back if you lose your kite or board. In case you want to ride in the off-shore wind, think about returning in case things go sidewise? And when there are strong rip currents, have your plan “B” to come back onshore. Do not count on ‘that guy to come and rescue you, count on yourself, and be safe.
Reason 9: Solo rides
Have a partner. Always have a partner when you go kitesurfing. Always, always, always have a partner! Ideally, it should be someone who is more experienced in kitesurfing than you are, and not by a week or two, but someone who is on another level and who can assist you if need be. Well, if you do not have any experienced riders in your orbit, have at least someone who will be watching (not while reading a book) you and who will be able to make that 911 phone call for you in a dire situation. Kitesurfing solo is dangerous, period.
So, no solo rides. Ever! Deal?
Reason 10: Worn-out gear
Kitesurfing gear is very strong and durable, but there are some parts that are delicate and fragile, like the canopy of the kite and kite-lines. But even the strongest parts that are made of may corrode since they are exposed to the ocean water, which is very chemically aggressive. Even the thickest bolts can rust through, given enough time. Here is the moral: inspect your equipment. Especially if you bought it “used”. Replace and repair parts as needed. Be mindful and aware of the state of your gear. Using the same car analogy I’d say you have to become your own mechanic, so bring a screwdriver with you, have a repair kit, patches for the canopy and for the bladder, spare kite lines, and something is showing signs of wear and tear replace it as soon as possible. Do not wait until it fails when you are far away from the shore.
Reason 11:
I am glad you are still reading, dear kitesurfer! This means one thing: you are serious about this. Good for you! I am actually out of options answering the question “why is kitesurfing dangerous”, so, if you can think of something else or have a question, use the form below.
Be safe! (I think I mentioned this already…)
Truly yours, Kitesurfing Professor.
