When practiced in a responsible manner, traction kiting is a safe and enjoyable sport. If practiced recklessly, like most things, traction kiteing can be a dangerous activity to participants and bystanders. As of now, traction kiting is relatively unregulated and allowed in most public places with a few restrictions. In order to keep it this was, we encourage the practice of safe, responsible traction kiting, placing participants and bystandards at minimal risk.
General Safty
These guidlines should be followed when participatinf in any form of traction kiting:
* Keep clear of people or animals. Dont fly you kite over people, Remeber that taut lines can cut skin quite easily. Keep this in mind when flying around people or animals.
* Dont fly beyond your ability. Know oyour limits and do not attempt winds, speeds, or tricks that you are not prepared for. Ask an exerienced pilot for assistance in these situations. Do not attempt to tration kite until you have mastered you kite.
* Do not traction kite alone. It is best to have a partner when traction kiting, just in case you are hurt.
* Stay clear of other vehicles. Drivers dont always know what they are going to do next. Give them room to get around you.
* Stay clear of overhead wires. High voltage power lines can really ruin your day and your kite. Remember you may have to let go of the kite.
* Do not attach yourself to the kite. Use a harness with an open hook or roller.
* Be sure to have a safe down wind recovery area. If you need to release your kite in a emergency so the kite won't get tangled.
* Keep fit. Fit people have fewer injuries
* Avoid other kite lines. Running into other kite lines can damage not only your lines, but also lines and kites.
* Learn in light to medium speed winds. Steady winds provide predictable conditions when learning.
* Avoid gusty and variable winds. These conditions are counter-productive when starting out and can be frustrating.
* Avoid areas with obstacles. It is helpful when the area you traction kite in is clear of ditches, logs, and other obstacles. Always check to make sure the area you plan to traction kite if clear of hiddin obstacles.
* Avoid certian areas. Thee should be no buggying in the stage-in or camp area, except to park yuor buggy and kite.
* Use caution around spectators or innocent bystanders. Approaach them with caution and give them the right of way, since they are unaware of the action of buggies.
* Use caution loaning you equipment. Avoid letting others use your equipment unless youa re absolutely sure of thier ability to use it in a safe and respectful manner.
* Be aware of your surroundings. Always know your surroundings when buggying, in order to avoin damage to your equipment or injury to yourself or others.
* Safty is important. Teach other traction kiters the importance of safty through actions, as well as words.
Personal Safty
* Wear safty equipment. A minimum of helmet, boots, long trousers and jacket can prevent injuries. In some situations elbow and kneepads are a must; consider useing them.
* Long hair or loose clothing can be disastrous. Tie hair in a ponytail and wear close fitting clothing.
* On the beach, be prepared to get wet. Wet suits keep you warm when you are wet. Rain gear or dry suits can prevent you from getting wet.
Check your buggy. Frequenly check for structural integrity, loose bolts, wheels, ect.
Group Safty
* When two buggies meet head-on they should both bear to the right in order to leave sufficient space between them.
* When two buggies are comming from different directions, the one comming from the right has the right of way.
* When crossing, overtaking or passing, the upwind buggy pilot should raise his/her kite, and the downwind buggy pilot should lower his/her kite. The overtaking buggy should show consideration to the overtaken.
* The turing pilot should look to the other buggy pilot and shout "Gybe" or "Tack" so that the other buggy pilots know he/she is about to turn.
