Main category: kitesurfing holidays
Subcategory: kitesurfing holidays portugal
How to rescue a Kite :
This tutorial is the easiest way for a free and cold beer after helping out someone in trouble
In this how-to we will elaborate about the question: how to rescue a Kite.
This post will start with some pre-assessment before doing anything.
After that we will of course explain to you how to rescue someone else’s Kite.
We’re quite sure that one day you will need this information, and we think you can count on a cold beer from the person you helped out getting back his / her board 😉
Read on, and enjoy!
“I believe that with simple steps a safer experience with Kitesurfing is easily achievable. Safety first.”
– Tiago Rocha, Owner & Founder of Kookproof
Just like in normal life: treat others the way you want to be treated 😉
How to rescue a Kite ?
Get in touch with the rider and make a game-plan
1 – First thing you should do is approach the rider and ask him if he is ok. If he is not, use your line cutter, release his kite, or just go get more help depending on your assessment. Usually, the problem will be with equipment. Maybe it tangled, and it’s not possible to relaunch. If this is the case, your help can be appreciated.
At kook proof activity center in Esposende, Portugal we have 2 boats on the water all the time. One just for rescue purpose but even dough we have it there it’s faster to get the kite out of the water using another kite and the fact that we are right there next to him already.
But you might find yourself in a place there is no boat for rescue, so you are the help your friend needs to get back to the beach in a more comfortable way and with his kite in one piece.
So after you checked with him that all is good and that he needs your assistance here is what I advise you to do.
2 – First ask him to release his kite into the safety leash.
Instruct him that once you grab the kite, you will signal him, so he completely releases the kite.
If he has already released the kite entirely, it’s not a problem but makes it a bit harder as the kite will be going with the wind and you will have to chase it.
Once he has released the safety, you go to the kite and grab the leading edge of the kite near the center towards the opposite side where you want to go if the kite is in the smile (beach transport) position.
2 ways to rescue a Kite: a step by step tutorial
3– Here there are 2 methods. You can either clip your safety leash to the kite and drag it behind you, this will lead to a bit of drag and the kite rotating and twisting behind you. You will also not have a leash making it more dangerous for you. Unless you have a secondary rope with you (it’s convenient to do so for several reasons). This is not the best method but does the trick.
Or, once you have grabbed the kite you ask for your friend to completely release the kite. You will come back for him after. This time you have your backhand occupied, so you have to steer the kite only with your front hand. I recommend you train this skill before when just riding. Try piloting with one hand and on the opposite side of the bar. If you don’t manage you quickly can change and regain control. Once you can do this without a problem, it should be possible to do with the backhand occupied by holding the kite. You just do the water start, and the wind will make the kite go to the smile position if it wasn’t already. Remember you can get to the kite, and he is in parked position or in smile position. The important thing is that your hand, in the end, holds by the leading edge further away from the beach in the smile position ( this is important to make it easy to transport)
Once you water start, you have to switch your hand to the opposite side of the bar to control your ride. Point slightly downwind to gain speed and the kite rescued will be flying behind you like when you are walking with it. The bar will be the only thing dragging. Since it has floaters, the resistance will not be substantial. Once you arrive at the beach, you can drop your board and keep the kite up at 12. Walk inland and put the kite at the parked position, so it is secure. You can even put your kite down and let go of the bar. The kite will just stay there waiting for your input.
Once the kite is secured, you can head back and get your friend or his board if you or someone else hasn’t rescued him already.
Again this is a skill we only teach on our evolution camps, on the beginner camps the students don’t achieve this level. Before trying this technique, I recommend that you are used to riding with hands in the opposite side of the bar and you are confident of your skills. I’m sure your fellow kiter will appreciate the gesture. Also when you do it like this, it becomes easier to sort the problem once back at the beach saving your friend session and allowing him to get back quickly to the water. If you are interested in this and other skills of similar level sign up for one of our evolution camps where we will teach you how to improve your skills and become a better kiter.
And ride on…
Rider: Tiago Rocha
Pleased to meet you!
PORTUGAL
Portugal is a destination that has deserved the attention of a fast growing number of travellers, which can be explained by the enthusiastic discovery of some of the most well kept Portuguese secrets. We are about to disclose one of those secrets, located in the northern littoral of this small south-western European country, with its 850km of Atlantic coastline, warm weather, and kind people. Set your adventure mode on, pack your summer clothes and jump on to the next plane to Portugal.
ESPOSENDE, A PRIME BEACHFRONT LOCATION
This well kept secret is called Esposende, a small fishing town located 45 kilometres north from the city of Porto. The natural features of Esposende gives this spot a uniqueness in all Europe for the practice of a great range of both on-land and nautical sports.
If you have a strong drive for intense moments and are open to building up some lifelong friendships outside your everyday life, you have all the good reasons to try this destination.
From the endless beach days, improving your kitesurf skills or learning new ones, to having dinner in the best local restaurants discovering the amazing Portuguese flavours. Toping that up with a night in the local renowned night clubs around, such as Pacha and Bib’Ofir, you have all the ingredients for some awesome vacations.
See you on the water!
Hello, we are Kook Proof! We offer a range of camps, activities and accommodation for all levels, all ages, and all genders!
Join us in Esposende, Portugal and progress while enjoying amazing surf lifestyle and the local culture together with riders from all over the world. No matter your style or level, here is something for you. We take great pride in our professional staff and we will do our outmost to make you feel like home during your vacation.
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