Kitesurfing has developed a reputation as a dangerous and risky sport. Stories of injuries and issues spread quickly and can become exaggerated the more they’re told. Kitesurfing, like any outdoor activity, does come with risks, but with proper equipment and training, these risks can be mitigated.
So is kitesurfing dangerous?
The majority of kitesurfing injuries occur because of a lack of proper equipment, understanding of the conditions, or improper training. Kitesurfing may look fun and easy, but jumping into it without the right training and equipment is what leads to a majority of kitesurfing injuries.
How Dangerous is Kitesurfing?
In 2016, a study by the US National Institute of Health was published that documented a two-year period of injuries by kite surfers. Their findings were that for every 1000 hours of kitesurfing, 7 injuries occurred.
For comparison, a CDC study of high school sports injuries found that high school football injuries occur at a rate of 4 per every 1000 exposures (practice, competition, etc.). Expanded to include professional and recreational football of all ages, that number rises to 188 per every 1000 players. The rate of basketball injuries per 1000 players of all ages is 76, while for baseball it’s 58.
While comparing injuries of different sports can be difficult, it could be said that one is more likely to be injured playing football, basketball, or baseball than one is while kitesurfing. No matter which sport, though, a common area in regards to injury is how safety-minded the participant is. In this way, kitesurfing is no different than more mainstream sports.
The Dangers of Kitesurfing
Whether playing pickup basketball with friends or going kitesurfing, it’s important to know the dangers and risks involved so as to limit injury. Some of the most common risks
associated with kitesurfing include the following:
Physical Conditions
When talking about kitesurfing, the three physical conditions are wind, weather, and surf. It’s important to know the condition of each before you decide to kitesurf.
Wind
Both the wind speed and direction are important to take into account before you decide to kitesurf. Wind speed should be a minimum of 8mph in order to get your kite off the ground, but it is not uncommon for more experienced kitesurfers to go out in 35mph winds or higher.
What wind speed you’re comfortable with will depend on your experience. Never try to kitesurf at a speed that makes you uncomfortable, as this increases the risk of injury. The wind should also be relatively smooth, with gusts under 8mph. A blustery day with unpredictably large gusts makes kitesurfing more dangerous.
While the direction of the wind doesn’t matter as much as the speed, the best time to kitesurf is when the winds are either parallel to the shore or heading towards it. Kitesurfers should be able to ride both with and against the wind, but if the wind is only headed out to sea it can make it more difficult to stay closer to the shore.
Weather
Checking the weather before kitesurfing is always a great way to reduce the risks. Bad weather should be avoided when kitesurfing, such as storms, harsh winds, heavy rain, fog, or any other type of weather that will reduce visibility and safety.
You should also check the tides and currents before going out kitesurfing. Having a good understanding of what the weather and the water are going to be like when you’re out there is one of the best ways to reduce the risks.
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Surf
The surf is one of the most important aspects of kitesurfing. The size and strength of the waves are going to impact your ride nearly as much as the wind. Understanding the surf before you ride is important in mitigating injury risks.
The harsher the wind, the more choppy, and larger, the waves will be. For beginners or those with limited experience, kitesurfing should be limited to 3ft waves or less. A good tip to remember is that the faster you are going, the harder it will be to ride the waves. 3-foot waves may seem small, but when surfing them at high speeds, they can seem a lot bigger.
Marine Life
A multitude of creatures in the sea can pose a risk when kitesurfing. While sharks are the concern of many when it comes to the sea, other animals are more likely to be a threat, such as jellyfish, sea urchins, and even birds.
You should be aware of the active marine life in the area you are surfing, and take precautions accordingly. Wearing a full-body wetsuit is one way to avoid stinging jellyfish or urchins, for example. Avoiding any flocks of birds should also be done, as they can get tangled in the kite. And yes, kitesurfing should be avoided at dusk or dawn, when sharks are most active.
Other Craft and Swimmers
If you’re going to be kitesurfing in a crowded location, it’s always important that you remain aware of any other people in the area. Injuries through collision with other people or craft amount to nearly 20% of all kitesurfing injuries. Collisions with other surfers are the most common.
When kitesurfing, you should always be aware of any rules regarding the safe distance between yourself, swimmers, other surfers, and any boats in the area. It’s up to you to make your outing as safe as possible, not just for you, but for others as well.
Equipment
Nearly half of the injuries that occur when kitesurfing happen because of faulty or misused equipment. Many people choose price over quality when purchasing kitesurfing equipment, and this is nearly always a mistake. Proper equipment, and knowledge of this equipment, will lessen the risks of kitesurfing immensely.
The equipment you should have when kitesurfing is:
● Harness – The harness connects to the bar attached to the kite, and gives greater control, support, and reduces fatigue. Waist and seat harnesses are the two most common styles of harnesses.
● Flotation Device – A floatation aid such as a lifejacket should always be worn when kitesurfing. No matter how strong a swimmer the rider is, a lifejacket can provide lifesaving aid in unexpectedly rough conditions.
● Knife – An emergency hook knife is essential for cutting lines that may become tangled, either around you or around other objects or people. Some harnesses even come equipped with a place for your knife.
● Helmet – A helmet is another essential piece of equipment when kitesurfing. Just as with bikes, a helmet can protect you from unexpected impacts, either with other people or objects, or one’s own kite bar. Most areas mandate helmets for all kitesurfers.
● Glasses – Glasses, especially sunglasses, are important for any activity out on the water. They reduce glare and provide UV protection for your eyes. Even a pair of safety goggles can improve visibility by keeping water and debris out of your eyes. Lack of visibility is one of the greatest risks when kitesurfing.
● Gloves – A pair of durable gloves can improve your grip on the bar, reduce friction and blisters, and even protect your skin from cold conditions. If kitesurfing in cold water where there’s a risk your hands may go numb, you should always wear gloves.
Physical Health
As with all sports, your level of personal health will have a big impact on the level of risk associated with the sport. Just as a bad ankle can affect a basketball game, any small injuries or issues you have with your physical health can affect your kitesurfing experience.
Not only can small injuries seem bigger when kitesurfing, but so can fatigue and dehydration. Kitesurfing requires a certain amount of strength to maintain control, and your strength can be greatly affected when fatigued or dehydrated. It’s important to keep track not only of any minor injuries but also of how you’re feeling throughout the session.
Staying vigilant with regard to your physical health can play a big role in mitigating risks.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.