6.4.3 Kitesurfing Safety

▪Be aware of local bye-laws. Do

▪Impact vest: An impact vest is

not foil in restricted areas or areas crowded by swimmers.

extremely useful to mitigate the impact from “catapulting” off the board.

▪Keep personal safety and that of

others in mind.

▪Boots/water shoes: Water boots

are recommended to keep your feet safe from the hydrofoil wings or anything sharp on the seafloor.

▪Be aware of your limitations. If in

doubt, don’t go out!

▪Dress appropriately, wear a

On the water:

wetsuit. Immersion in cold water can result in a life-threatening drop in body temperature. Hypothermia can also be caused by wind chill, rain and perspiration. Wearing your PFD/lifejacket affords additional protection against the cold.

▪Stay clear of commercial traffic

and shipping channels.

▪Ensure you are off the water well

before sunset.

▪Do not foil in crowded areas. Be

aware of your surroundings.

▪Watch the wind direction. Avoid

being blown out to sea by offshore winds.

6.4.3 Kitesurfing Safety

It is recommended that a person should not participate in kitesurfing unless the person has had Training from a recognised Instructor, is a competent swimmer and holds third party insurance.

▪Do not foil any further from the

shore than you can comfortably swim to get back if necessary.

▪Wear an appropriate leash.

▪Wear a Personal Flotation Device.

▪Carry a suitable and dependable

The following is a summary of some important safety advice:

means of communications.

▪Wear a Personal Locator Beacon.

▪Watch out for fatigue. Stay

Before you go out on the water – Always

hydrated and take breaks.

▪You should always stay with your

▪Wear a helmet, buoyancy aid and

board as it will keep you afloat and make you easier to find in an emergency.

quick release harness.

▪Check your equipment thoroughly

and regularly. Repair any damage.

▪Carry a flare or some other means

Other Safety Gear

of attracting attention.

▪Helmet: A helmet will protect

▪Carry a knife that can cut your kite

your head from any impacts from your board, hydrofoil, or anything that happens to be underwater.

flying line.

Never

▪Check the local weather

conditions before riding and ensure you can handle the conditions.

▪risk the safety of others.

▪kitesurf in or near bathing areas,

swimmers, boats, other craft, marked navigation channels, buoys or moorings.

▪Ensure you fully understand the

tidal currents and how they might affect the conditions.

▪kitesurf less that 50 metres

▪Use an effective kite leash and

upwind of any moored vessel.

safety system

▪practice jumping on land or close

▪Act in a responsible manner.

to the beach.

Further information regarding Kitesurfing, including setting up, launching and landing, is available in the Kitesurfing Safety publication on www.safetyonthewater.ie.

Never

▪Tether yourself to a kite in a closed

system – only use a quick release harness system.

▪Sail in offshore winds.

▪Ride so far away from shore

that you cannot swim back in an emergency.

On the water – Always

▪give way to other water users near

the seafront

▪retreat to a safe zone outside and

any navigation channels when other craft approach

▪maintain a safety zone of at least

50 metres between yourself and any craft or obstacles on the water

▪if you come close to other water

users stabilise your kite in the 12 o’clock position

▪when returning to the beach,

give way to other riders who are launching.