KITESURFING SAFETY EQUIPMENT

SAFETY SYSTEMS
The Safety System is the sum total of al the components that make a kite safer to fly. They include: A detachable kite leash, Deadman depowering devices, quick-releases and Detachable harness lines. With Careful attention to the use of the "Safety System" the risk of rider injury is minimized and the degree of public safety is maximized. There are some variations but essentially the best system will be a "deadman" safety. That means that when you let go of the control bar, the kite stops instantly. This is an advantage after a wipeout or when a rider is disabled suddenly.

Thoroughly understand your Safety System before you even think of launching your kite!!

KITE LEASHES
The use of a leash to the kite will prevent it from flying away when you drop the bar. The risk of not using a kite leash is your kite may put others at risk from injury from the loose kite. Leashes and other kite-to-rider connections should incorporate a safety system that depowers the kite. The leash must have a quick-release that the rider can easily detach in an emergency. Kite leashes can attach to the wrist with a Velcro cuff, or attach to the harness (wrist-less). (Some riders insist on riding without a leash, they argue that in the event of the safety system failure they will be attached to the kite and may themselves be injured). Every rider is responsible for their own kite and the damage it can cause. Therefore it is irresponsible to ride without a kite-leash in any crowded situation or where any member of the public is at risk.

Wrist Leash

Described below are three different types of depowering safety systems.

TRIP-LINE SYSTEM
The Wipikaâ , Naishâ and Cabrinahâ kite bars are sometimes supplied with a trip line system. The trip-line is a line running from the top of a lead line to the rider's wrist, when the bar is dropped, the "trip line" pulls one kite line shorter than the other until the kite is fully depowered. The "trip line" length has to be sufficiently long to pull the kite fully flat (the larger the kite the longer the line). If the Tripline is too short, the kite can; spin violently, increase its power, twist the lines. To avoid this, The length of the lead-line (from the attachment of the tripline to the bar) doubled, will be the difference in the two control lines after the bar is dropped.

Trip-line Bar
Trip-line bar released.

SLIDING SYSTEM
Many of the Airushâ , Longhornâ, Cabrinahâ , Naishâ and Slingshotâ kite bars use a "sliding" safety system. The wrist leash (or kite leash) is connected to one line, which runs freely through the control bar. When the rider drops the bar, the bar slides up the line until the kite de-powers. A stopper is often used to prevent the bar sliding all the way to the kite. The length that the bar can slide up the line has to be greater than the kite's flat width (span). This system will fail if the line gets tangled, preventing the bar from sliding. (The name "RERIDE" is a trademark of Airush).

Re-ride 2-Line Bar

Re-ride bar in action

SNAP-SHACKLE SYSTEM (for two-line only)
The safest two-line safety system to date uses a quick-release snap-shackle to release one line from the control bar. A short leash from the rider's wrist to the shackle, pulls open the shackle when the bar is dropped. The shackle instantly opens and disengages one line from the control bar. A second (bungee) line is usually used to prevent the detached line from getting more then a kite-width away. The lead-line can be easily re-attached on the water for a quick relaunch. The "bungee line" length has to be sufficient to allow the kite to be fully flat (the larger the kite the longer the line) otherwise the kite will spin violently causing multiple line twists. The wrist leash has to be long enough to allow full arm movement. Otherwise the risk of unintentional or premature release is increased. If the rider releases the bar while still hooked in the harness line, the kite will not depower. In this situation, the rider opens the shackle manually by pulling on the wrist-leash near the bar. This is their secondary (backup) safety.
Snap Shackle Tips: The best shackle to use is one with a welded ring on the release pin. Cheaper inferior shackles can come apart at the ring under extreme circumstances. The control line connected to the shackle should have a ring on the end. A line connected directly to the shackle may get jammed. Caution: when the shackle is opened under load, the ring can shoot outward with force. Always use a bungee line to prevent injury, and to prevent the lines from becoming snagged on the reef. When winding Up, open the quick release (with snap shackle systems). Wind the lines onto the bar around the knobs or end fittings, asymmetrically so that one line is longer than the other by a kite width (approx. 12-15 feet).

Snap Shackle Quick release

QUICK RELEASES AND THE DEAD-MAN QUICK RELEASE
The use of a quick release in kitesurfing is essential. There are some variations but essentially the best system will be a "dead-man" quick release. That means that if you let go of the bar the kite comes down. This is an advantage when a rider is disabled suddenly.

WRIST LEASH
The most basic form of safety device is a leash connected from the bar to the wrist. This allows the rider to regain the bar after they drop it. The leash prevents a runaway kite which could be hazardous to other water users and anyone down wind (even on land). Some riders connect the leash to the middle of the bar to allow the kite to remain flying after a wipeout. Some riders attach the leash to the end of the bar in an attempt to steer the kite into a crash after a wipeout. A disadvantage is that the kite may keep pulling hard and cause injury to the rider. A wrist leash must have a Velcro cuff so that the pilot can take off the wrist leash in dangerous situations. The wrist cuff must be very strong because it needs to hold the kite at full power. Please note that almost every modern kitesurfer uses a wrist leash in combination with a quick release or trip line, which reduces the risk of injury to the rider.

TRIP LINES
One system uses a trip line from the top of a lead line to the rider's wrist, when the bar is dropped, the "trip line" pulls one kite line shorter than the other until the kite is fully depowered. The "trip line" length has to be sufficient to pull the kite fully flat (the larger the kite the longer the line) otherwise the kite will spin violently causing multiple line twists, making relaunching far more difficult. Also while the kite is spiraling down it still creates a pulling force and is not fully depowered. The (old) Naish bar system and the Airush (re-ride) Bars are examples of the trip line system.

QUICK RELEASE (2-line)
One system uses a quick release shackle to release one line from the control bar. A short leash from the rider's wrist to the shackle, pulls the shackle open when the bar is dropped. The shackle instantly opens and disengages one line from the control bar. A second (bungee) line is usually used to prevent the detached line from getting more that a kite width away, and allow for an easy reattachment on the water for a possible re-launch. The "bungee line" length has to be sufficient to fully pull the kite fully flat (the larger the kite the longer the line) otherwise the kite will spin violently causing multiple line twists. The wrist leash has to allow full arm movement otherwise the risk of unintentional or premature quick release is increased.

QUICK RELEASE LIMITATIONS
Both systems mentioned above cease to be automatic when the rider is hooked into the harness line. When hooked in, the rider has to manually operate the quick release. This will still work quite effectively with the shackle system, however the trip line will have to be brought in hand over hand. the effect is not instant.

BACKUP (emergency) QUICK RELEASE (2-line)
Naish and Wipika bars are equipped with as backup release. In the event of a trip line failure, the rider can rip open a Velcro closure releasing (disconnecting) one line.

QUICK RELEASE FAILURE
In the event of a quick release failure the rider can disable the kite by pulling one control line shorter than the other until the kite stops. riders usually use a thicker line (lead line) for the first 7-9 feet for a better grip.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In the event of dangerous line entanglement, a rider should carry a cutting device to cut the kite's lines if necessary. A suitable cutter should be sharp, readily accessible, rust proof and low profile so it doesn't get knocked off accidentally. Ideally a hooked knife like a parachutists safety cutter could be used.

HARNESS LINES
Harness lines that can be released under load are becoming available. These can be retrofitted to your control bar. Most serious accidents, have occurred when riders were unable to "unhook" from their bar. These devices are potential life savers, and their significance should not be underestimated. Fixed line, and "power loop" (chicken loop) versions are available.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The effective use of safety devices and safe flying techniques and self rescue techniques are part of the safety protocols that every Kite rider should know. Safe Kite flying not only protects the rider but the public (innocent bystanders) as well. Reckless and unsafe flying is dangerous to people, property and the image and reputation of the sport. To learn to kiteboard safely you should get some instruction from a Certified* kitesurfing school.

WARNING, Kitesurfing is an extreme sport that requires a high degree of water confidence and a good understanding of kite flying skills. The lightweight foils are extremely powerful and often overwhelm the novice and may place them in dangerous situations that can also endanger onlookers and innocent bystanders. A responsible attitude and Kitesurfing Training is essential for a safe entry into this sport.

I just updated this page. Be aware that safety systems are changing all the time.
You should consult your user manual for proper safety system function for your brand of bar.
For the latest safety systems and protocols. Please read my online manual.
No promises are made for the accuracy of the information in this page, or for any error or omission.
Things change, Get training from a certified kiteboarding instructor. Read a lot.
Practice using your safety systems (carefully) in non-critical situations. Ride Safe!