In effort to help the kiting community, we've developed a spot safety rating system. Clearly no single safety rating system will satisfy everyone. The goal of these ratings is two fold:
We've used the common Ski-Trail system, because it's the most popular international standard rating system in use, and most kiters have done some type of skiing. The rating scale is intentionally very simple, to encourage riders to read the full description of any access, beach & riding issues.
Primarily the rating is based on someone's unverified opinion of the spot, and the skills required to launch / land / ride there in moderate wind conditions. The safety rating is based on the known, fixed conditions at a spot, as well as other hazards (rocks, strong currents, waves).
Current weather conditions, local riding restrictions (see below), kite flying etiquette, access issues (see below), beach crowds, swimming restrictions, parking, etc.
New riders should NOT attempt to teach themselves at beginner spots. Seek out qualified, certified instructors. You're buddy that is a kiter is not a substitute for a class or two with a certified teaching professional.
Spot Rating GuideHere's a quick description of how we've applied it to kitesurfing
| Beginner | This spot is a good place to learn with an certifiled instructor, or for those who have just completed instruction with a certified instructor. Beginner spots are characterized as those that have very simple, and easy to recover from consequences for kiter unable to stay on the board and stay up-wind. Many, but not all, beginner spots have shallow (waist deep) water for a considerable distance. | |
| Intermediate | These spots require the ability to stay up-wind, and asses wind conditions while riding. If you can't stay up wind at an Intermediate spot, the results are bad, though not likely fatal. For example, a long, long, swim, walk, or a boat / coast guard rescue. As a beginner, think twice about riding at an intermediate spot. Coast gaurd rescues create bad press for our sport. |
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| Advanced | These spots require advanced launching / landing skills, with very serious consequences for any sort of errors. | |
| Expert | Very dangerous launch & landing areas. Not recommended. These spots stay on our maps, only to caution riders about very real risks at a spot, and to prevent repeat accidents. |
Using a sking system for kiting can be a little misleading. The sports are really very different. Here's a couple of the major differences, as they relate to a rating system, and who rides at spots with a beginner classification.
| Category | Skiing / Snowboarding | Kiting |
|---|---|---|
| Skills | Advanced & Expert runs require advanced skills | Advanced & Expert runs require advanced skills, including outstanding kite handling, riding, launching and landing skills |
| Dependency on Conditions | Ski runs ratings are static, they don't change (much) based on conditions. | In kiting, a Beginner spot becomes an Expert spot in certain wind condtions. |
| Who Rides Beginner Spots | In skiing, expert skiers would never really spend much time at a beginner spot. Top skiiers only use beginner runs as a warm-up or to get to more advanced runs. | In kiting, spot ratings are based on rider skills, and even world class riders spend entire sessions at spots with a "Beginner" rating. |
| Where are the Best Spots | In skiing, the best runs are rarely 'Beginner'. Almost all of the best runs are 'Advanced' or 'Expert', or even out of bounds, or only reachable by hiking or helicopter. | In kiting, many of the best spots have a beginner rating. Beginners and Experts all share the same spot. Flat, shallow water, that is friendly for beginners is also friendly for experts working on advanced jumping and wakestyle tricks. |
In high winds, unexpected storms, significant acts of nature, even the safest beach becomes too dangerous to ride. The safety ratings above do not factor in current weather conditions.
Check the description for spot specific information, and local kite flying etiquette. A couple general etiquette rules apply to nearly all spots: