Hi guys,
we always talk about shackles, leashes and helmets. I totally agree that these are very important, but by far not sufficient. Here are some things I have noticed and would like to discuss with you:
- Coloured bar ends: Almost all bars have a red and a different coloured end. A lot of people don't use them in the original (nautical) sense. I don't understand why people use the blue end of the Naish bar on the left side, when all colour coding (on the bar, the line ends, the pig tails) is RED = LEFT. It is safer when you ALWAYS use the red end on the left. It's as simple as that. I have seen enough people crash the kite on the beach because they held the bar the wrong way
- Use colour coded lines: So many people have crashed their kites because right/left and/or back/front lines have been swapped. Use different colours for front and back lines and different coloured back lines (e.g. red left back, blue right back, white front lines)
- Don't keep the kite in zenith on the beach: beginners are always told it is safest to keep the kite in zenith: Bulls**t!!! I have seen so many kites stalling from zenith, but hardly any if you keep it at 45 degrees to one side.
- Don't pull the kite up too quickly: a lot of people pull up the kite super quickly and wonder why they get pulled down the beach. Stupid and risky again
- Make sure the kite is in the right spot when launching: so often, you see people's kite launching too far up or down wind. Either they get a massive pull or the kite may fall to the ground. Stupid again
- Launch out to sea if possible: for example in Cabarete, most people launched their kites towards the land, standing near the water. If something goes wrong, you will be dragged into the trees or houses, damage your kite, and worst of all, risk taking somebody out
Open for discussion