Kitesurfing is an extreme sport and is therefore potentially dangerous to both the Kitesurfer and others.

Please take the time to read these kitesurfing beach use and safety guidelines:

Non kiters


General details and safety advice for non kitesurfers.

If you wish to avoid kitesurfing / kitesurfers:

•Come to the beach when it’s not windy – Kites need around 10 mph+ wind to be usable.
•Use a beach with an offshore wind. Kitesurfers generally don’t use beaches with an offshore wind.
•Use a beach we can’t use, such as those with lots of sharp / hard obstacles or a lack of space.

The main beaches used by local kitesurfers in Sussex and Cornwall are listed in our kitesurfimg beaches section.

What to be aware of when Kitesurfers are using the beach
Many beach users love to watch our sport. It’s fast, looks fun and some of the tricks (and crashes) look great. As a spectator, there are things you should be aware of.

Kite Launching / Landing & Rigging
Kitesurfing kites are usually flown on 4 x 30m + lines. They are very thin and can be hard to see. Please keep well clear when kites are launching and landing.
When a kite is on the beach these lines will often be laid out on the beach. If you are walking near kites please be aware of this and look closely to avoid tripping over them.

Stay upwind (behind) the rider
If the wind is blowing on your back and you are facing the kitesurfer, you should be safely upwind of the rider. This is the safest place to be in relation to a kitesurfer.
Kites always fly downwind of the person they are attached to.

Kite Equipment
Never grab hold of a kite line when the kite is flying – especially when a rider is launching or landing. This will cause an immediate loss of control of the kite. Also avoid holding the kite or the rider, you may inadvertedly cause the kitesufer to lose control of the kite.

 

Kitesurfing code of conduct


Code of conduct

Kite surfers are solely responsible for their own safety and that of affected bystanders. Just because we have taken the care to publish this voluntary Code of Conduct we cannot be held liable for your actions.

•This is by no means a final and definitive list of safety guidelines.
•Please contact the beach safety officer if you have any suggestions as to this code of conduct.

General:

•All Kiters must have up to date third part insurance. Up to date BKSA membership will ensure this.
•All beginners must seek professional instruction. After your initial lessons we advice that you only go kitesurfing when other kitesurfers are at hand to help if required.
Give yourself more space than more experienced kitesurfers.
•Kiteboarders yield right of way to all other beach and waterusers.
•Conduct your own risk assessment of the beach and conditions.
Check the local weather conditions before riding.
•Keep aware of the changing weather conditions during your session. A storm cloud or squall could make it advisable to land your kite while it passes.
•Check and understand the tidal currents and how they might affect the riding area. Not only on the water, but how this may reduce or remove the safe landing and launching area. Many Cornish kitesurf beaches are not safe to kitesurf on within 1 or 2 hours of high tide.
•Wearing a helmet is recommended.
•All kiters must use a proper safety leash (kite to kiter).
Never tether yourself to the kite with a closed system. Only use quick release harness systems and practice activating such systems under tension.
•While you are setting up pay attention to incoming kiters and assist in landing their kites.
•If you can not walk backwards when the kite is flying directly overhead the kite is too big and/or the wind is too strong.
•If in doubt about what size kite to put up, use your smaller kite.
•Stay clear of power lines and overhead obstructions.
•Never fly a kite in a lightning storm.
•Never kite surf if you do not have good Kite flying experience.
•A kite surfer must be fit and healthy, a competent swimmer and over 18 years of age (under 18s should have parental permission and supervision).
•Always act in a responsible manner. If new or careless riders show up, talk to them with your friends about what´s at risk. Take the time to explain how to safely get into the sport, and where to obtain adequate and professional instruction.

 

Simple check list


Pre flight check list;

Before you even dip a toe into the water and during your on water session you should check the following seven common senses:

1. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back

2. Sail with others (it’s safer and much more fun too)

3. Consider other water users

4. Obtain a forecast for the local area

5. Are you capable of handling prevailing conditions? Be honest with yourself about your level of skill.

6. Avoid strong tides, offshore winds and poor visibility

7. Is all your equipment seaworthy and suitable? Check your equipment – the most common need for rescue is component failure.

Overall……If in Doubt, don’t go out!

 

Launching


When Rigging, Launching and Packing Up:

•Secure kite (Usually by putting sand or other ballast on the kite which is placed face down into the wind).
•Return your kite lines to the kite(s) when not in use. Do not lay kite lines across anyone’s path.
•DO NOT ATTACH BOARD LEASH until kite is launched and in the neutral position. Attach your board leash as close to the water as you can.
•Make sure that beach area is clear, including enough space for any difficulties you may get into. We advise at least 200m clear downwind of you whilst launching/landing.
•Assisted launch and landing is recommended.
•Always launch / land your kite facing the water.
•Do not launch or land in crowded areas.
•When launching make sure that kite is free of sand or all other beach users are well clear so that you do not drop sand on other beach users.
•Launch kites only from designated area.
•Never ask an inexperienced member of the public to assist.
•SLOWLY bring kite up to neutral position (11 or 1 o’clock).
•BEWARE OF KEEPING YOUR KITE AT 12 O’CLOCK – THIS POSITION CAN LOFT YOU UP IN A GUST – AND HAS CAUSED MANY BAD INJURIES.
•ABSOLUTELY NO BEACH JUMPING!!

 

On the water


On the water

•Never kite surf in congested areas with swimmers, boats or other craft or obstacles.
•Never go out on the water without telling another person where you are going.
•A Kite surfer must know the rules of the sea including navigation laws and abide by them at all times.
•Starboard tack has right-of-way (right shoulder forward is starboard, left shoulder forward is port)
•The upwind rider gives way to the downwind rider.
•Jumping kiters sacrifice right-of-way
•Incoming kiters let launching kiters go out first before landing
•Always maintain a downwind safety buffer zone.
•Ensure you know how to do a deep water pack down. If you don’t know how – seek a lesson from a qualified instructor.
•When risk assesing a session consider kitesurfing in pairs or with a rescue boat in attendance.
•Never kite surf in conditions which are too extreme for either you or your equipment.
•Never kite surf at a distance from the shore, or in conditions where you cannot swim back in an emergency.
•If you lose your kite or board whilst on the water, always report you are safe to the rescue services so they do not waste time and money looking for you. It is recommended that you write your name, address and contact number on all your equipment.