- Safety hook knives are considered essential safety equipment. A curved hook made of plastic protects the stainless-steel blade from corrosion. This can be used to cut or release entangled or snagged lines or to free the kite from the safety release system. Kitesurfing harnesses may have a small pocket to hold the knife.
- Kitesurfers often wear a helmet to protect their heads from blunt trauma. Helmets can prevent head injuries and reduce the severity of head impact injuries. They also help to prevent injuries to the neck or spine.
- If the kitesurfer uses a personal flotation device (PFD), it may be necessary. For kitesurfing deep water, it is recommended that the kitesurfer use a personal flotation device or PFD in case he becomes disabled and needs to wait for rescue.
- An impact vest protects the torso from impacts. These vests can also offer some flotation.
- If the kitesurfer is in need of rescue, signaling devices can be useful. It could be as simple as attaching a whistle to the knife or retro-reflective tape to the helmet. Kitesurfers often carry a two-way radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch in case of an emergency. You can also carry a small Emergency Position-Indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), which can be activated to send a distress signal.
- It is essential to have a buddy to help you launch and retrieve your kite and in case of an emergency.
- An GPS is used to measure distance, speed and tracks during a session.
Kiteboarding does not allow the use of board leashes to attach the kiter to the board. These are dangerous and should be avoided!
This post was written by Aaron McClearnon, Owner of Elite Watersports. At Elite Watersports, We strive to provide exceptional service and genuine interactions with those interested in Kitesurfing St. Petersburg Florida. We hold dear our passion for being out on the water and maintain this as our foundation for all business practices.
