Kitesurfing is generally a fairly safe sport where risk mostly depends on the kitesurfer himself. After our lessons you’ll know how to control the kite safely and you’ll know how to perform effective board recovery so you can continue progressing on your own. However, a very small number of kitesurfers feels like adding a potentially lethal piece of equipment to the game – a board leash. Wearing one is a dangerous and stupid idea.
Different to surfing, in kiteboarding the kite is our lifeline. The reason you have to use a leash whilst SUP’ing for example is that it’s very often your only safety measure whilst on the water. If your SUP runs away from you after you fall off – you’re screwed. We’ve got kites that help us to drag ourselves out of danger. Twintip kiteboards have no more buoyancy than just to keep themselves afloat. Also, surfers aren’t attached to very powerful kites that drag them at high speeds after wiping out – especially if you’re just starting out:
When wiping out in kiteboarding the leash will spring back making the board fly straight back at you. At best, you will end up with bruises. At worse – with knocked out teeth. Sadly, there have also been kitesurfers who didn’t survive the impact. No matter what type of a leash you’ll choose, you’re still increasing chances of ending up in a hospital or sending one of your colleagues to A&E. The internet is full of daft conversations over this dangerous piece of kit so let’s summarise some of them below.
Kite surfing
lessons Scotland – Edinburgh Glasgow Dundee Aberdeen Inverness Body Dragging Kite surfing
Our student learning how to perform upwind body dragging and recover her board.
It’s my choice to wear a leash
Absolutely. You can also choose to ride a horse upside down for all I care. If you’ll get hurt on a horse it’s a bugger – but this wouldn’t typically affect anyone else, apart from yourself and your family. You’ll definitely make the headlines and possibly receive a Darwin Award. In case of leashes however, you can cause serious accidents involving other kite surfers. I really don’t want to be sent to a hospital, because someone doesn’t know how to body drag. We’re always happy to run clinics if anyone needs to polish these skills – just ask. Also, if you seriously hurt yourself or someone else at one of your local spots, chances are that your local council will get on the case. On top of everything you don’t want to be the cause of a local ban to all other kite surfers.
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