Here below the Techniques for Self Rescue and Techniques to solve critical situations.
Safe and easy manoeuvring with the kite down
In certain situations, it might be helpful to find unconventional solutions to continue riding or moving safely.
TIP: Try different solutions, approach step by step, be creative and move active towards the desired direction. Recognise limitations in your usuall routines early.
Swim Upwind with the Kite Parked
Park the kite on its tip on the water surface, let go of the bar and swim actively, directly upwind. The kite will swim with you, standing at its tip.
Swim with the kite released
After pulling the quick release, the kite will lay on its front tube, downwind of you. You are still connected with it through the kite leash and the safety system. Swim upwind and pull the kite behind you.
Walk with the kite released
In hip deep water, connected to the kite’s safety system, keeping an eye on it at all times and walk into the desired direction.
Swimming with the board fixed to the kite leash
Make sure, the board is connected securely to the safety leash. This way, you don’t need to worry about the board and therefore you can swim relaxed towards the beach.
Safely rolling your lines onto the bar after safety release
After using the quick release you are connected to the kite by just one safety line. Wrap up this line until you reach the bar. lf possible, roll up the lines normally and make sure the safety line does not slide through. At the kite, grab it and secure the lines so they cannot slip off again
TIP:
- ln critical situations roll up the lines like In the image to the right This way
there is enough space for knots in case there are some - Line spaghetti: When securing a kite leave the lines connected to reduce the risk of tangles and knots Back at the beach pump the kite leave the lines connected, sort them roll them up and at the end separate them from the kite
Kite as rescue device / floating device
Roll up your lines (see above), turn the kite around, make sure the front
tube always faces the wind, and roll into the kite over its front tube.
TIP: Safety always comes first. However, still remain careful on your kite, especially with the hook of the harness and the edges of the board.
Advantages of using the kite as a rescue island:
- Emergency situation: well visible from far.
- Floating device to help with swimming.
- Keeps you out of the water, protection against cooling off.
- The possibility to also rescue your gear.
Using the kite as a sail
- Roll up the lines (see above), secure the board, for example at the leash
- Grab the front tube, turn the kite around.
- Slightly deflate the kite so it can be bent (pic 1-2).
- Grab both tips
- The wind fills the kite. Let it drag you in your target direction (beach, boat, etc.).
TIP: Another possibility is to sit or lay yourself onto the bottom tip and use the bridles on the other tip to hold it.