Self-Rescue Technique - Every Kitesurfer Must Know
If your kite drops in the water 500m from shore, this is what you do. Practice in safe conditions before you need it.
Why self-rescue matters
Kites drop. Wind dies. Lines tangle. Every kitesurfer ends up in the water unable to relaunch eventually. Self-rescue is the technique that gets you and your kite back to shore safely without external help.
Step 1: secure the safety
Pull your safety release. The kite depowers and flags on one line. Your bar becomes inert. Take a breath.
Step 2: gather the bar and lines
Reel in the safety line carefully, gathering bar then lines. Don't yank - lines tangle. Wind them onto the bar as you go. Aim to reach the kite.
Step 3: drift back with the kite
Once at the kite, fold the kite back onto itself (this is called 'packing down'). Now use the kite as a sail or float to drift back to shore with the wind direction. Lie on the kite, paddle with your hands.
Step 4: don't panic, don't ditch
Never abandon your kite in the water and try to swim to shore - the kite is your flotation device and visibility marker. Stay with it. Conserve energy. Wave for help only if you've drifted seriously offshore.
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