Text version of the page 
Text version of the page 
UNDERSTANDING WEATHER FOR YOUR SAFETYCHOOSING YOUR LOCATION TO KITE
KEEPING SAFEADVANCED RIDING TIPS ·Never kite in offshore or cross offshore winds. ·Onshore winds are also very dangerous as you can easily be dragged or blown onto obstacles. ·Avoid strong and gusty winds. ·Always keep an eye open for changing weather conditions. ·Avoid waves when learning and have full respect for their power. ·Always launch your kite next to the water so that you are facing the water. If you are over powered or dragged you will be dragged into the water which is better than buildings or obstacles! ·Always kite within your ability – If in doubt ask an instructor or an expert for advice. Use a wind speed indicator (Anemometer) if you have trouble judging wind-speed and always choose a small size kite if you are unsure of the conditions. · Never fly a kite in stormy conditions, in skies with dark cloud patches or possible electrical systems.
·Always check with the local riders for any rules or dangers for that particular area. For example, wind changes, currents / tides or reefs and rocks. ·Ideally the wind should be side shore or cross onshore and smooth. Gusty winds and changing directions are to be avoided. ·Choose a safe launch area that is free of all obstacles. You should have at least 100m clearance all around you and at least 200m downwind. Obstacles and over-confidence leads to accidents. ·Beginners should not launch from a narrow beach and should have at least 400-500 meters downwind in which to land the kite in. As a beginner you will end up downwind very quickly therefore you need a lot of beach area downwind. Never launch near power lines, buildings, cars, trees or any obstacle – Even experts can get caught out and hurt so play it safe and give yourself room. ·Seek expert instruction – Your skill level will rapidly advance and you will learn all the tips and tricks to stay safe. ·Never kite alone, its more fun and safer with friends. ·Make sure you take the time to master the kite skills needed with an Ozone IMP trainer kite. ·Fully test and re-connect your safety systems before launching – You should be able to use them instinctively. ·Learn how to self launch so if you get in trouble you know how to avoid getting tangled in your lines. ·Make sure you never leave a kite un-attended on a beach, use the Ozone sand marine bag to weigh down your kite. ·Never let anyone catch your kite that does not understand how to do safely. ·Never feel compelled to ride in conditions above your ability and respect and help your fellow kiters and other beach users. ·Never keep your kite directly above you when standing on a beach. Keep your kite low and towards the water. Then if a gust of wind or a thermal increase “lofts” you, you will not be taken into the air or towards landbased obstacles. Never kite in storm conditions or if there is lightening or thunder. ·UN-HOOKED RIDING: To ride the Instinct’s un-hooked you MUST apply the trim so the kite is accelerated and can not stall with too much backline tension during the un-hooked move. ·If you have a twist in your lines from either a crash or if you have been looping the kite or your body, the Instinct control bar un-spins like any regular inflatable kite. Just quickly release the bar so the bar can unwind the lines. 4
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