NEW KITE SPOT - WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR?

FIND VALUABLE INFO ABOUT VIA THE SPOTS FEATURE 
The new SPOTS feature in the Academy App helps you every step of your journey to your first session at a new location. When you find the spot you'd like to ride on the map, you can choose to get directed there via Google Maps. As well as you're able to go through the content other App users have posted from the spot to get a better picture of what it looks like. Further, the new feature shows you marked the spot as their home spot and which App users are currently checked-in. 

RESEARCH LOCAL REGULATIONS
It’s crucial to inform yourself and to be well aware of the local situation before hitting the water. Please check: Where are you allowed to kite? Is there a particular kite zone (maybe separated from swimmers, windsurfers, boat users etc.)? Where is the safest place to launch and land your kite? Are there any specific local rules and regulations when it comes to kiting? Ensure you do your research into local regulations in advance!

REACH OUT TO A LOCAL KITE SCHOOL 
Jeremie Tronet: “When visiting a new spot, find the local school, be friendly, ask where to go and if there are things you should know about the spot before going into the water. I do that every time I visit a new spot.” 

Val Garat: “The kiteboarding community is really welcoming, everyone helps each other. This is one of the things I love the most about the sport. If you arrive at a new spot don’t hesitate to ask how the spot is working and any little tips or advice you might need to kite safely. On social media, there are schools at almost every spot and you can just reach out and ask before a trip."

CHECK THE FORECAST
It’s always good to check the forecast a few days in advance. However, often the weather conditions can change quite quickly, so make sure to keep checking the weather on the internet right up to arriving at the spot. What wind strength is forecasted, will there be any swell? What’s the wind going to do throughout the day? What direction will the wind be blowing from? Will the wind direction stay the same or change? Will the swell pick up? Is there any bad weather coming?

ASK LOCALS IF THERE IS ANYTHING TO LOOK OUT FOR
Matchu Lopes: “The most important thing is to go and talk to a local. See where and if you are allowed to kite at the spot. Ask where the rocks and reef are, where to get in. No matter what level you are a local will always know more than you on how the spot works and it’s good to show respect and reach out to the local community. In general, everyone is friendly and they’ll likely be able to give you a launch when you need it!”

ESTABLISH THE WIND DIRECTION & STRENGTH
You can quickly establish the wind direction with the help of flags, trees, flying sand or grass, rising smoke or wind waves. Different wind directions come with their own benefits and challenges. Some are optimal for new kiteboarders, and others are reserved for advanced kiteboarders only. Side-shore is the safest wind direction, perfect for kiting. Also, side-onshore and onshore are safe for all kiters, i.e. beginners, intermediate and advanced. 

Offshore wind, however, is a definite no-go for anybody! If things go wrong in offshore wind, it may be impossible to get back to land. Cross-offshore is suitable only for experienced kitesurfers. Further accidents often happen because people overestimate their skills or believe they are stronger than Mother Nature (“Yeah, sure, I can hold my 12m in 35 knots”…). Therefore, always choose your right kite according to the conditions. 

If there are other riders out, observe them for a while and try to determine what size kite they are using. This only serves as a reference; you will need to adjust your kite size based on your weight and board size, plus the differences between you and the other riders regarding riding style, skill level and gear. 

RISK ASSESSMENT 
Tom Hebert: “When arriving at a new spot, checking the surroundings is very important for many reasons, but also so you don’t collide with a coconut tree New Cal style hehehe. If there is no one there to ask, you’ll need to do a risk assessment yourself, and thus establish obstacles to avoid, wind obstructions from upwind of you and so forth. It only takes a few minutes and can make a huge difference to your session!

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER
Before heading to the spot, ensure you know the current weather and forecasted developments well. This way, you reduce the risk of being surprised by a sudden change in the weather, which can turn a pleasant session into a hazardous situation. Always watch the clouds around you before and during your session and immediately note any signs of a change in weather. Remember that thunderstorm fronts can move upwind! Also, avoid going out in super gusty conditions (and don't be fooled if there are many windsurfers out, as they can handle gusty conditions better than kiters).

HAVE AN EXIT PLAN
Whether you’re an experienced kiter or a beginner, and even if you use brand-new gear, there’s always the risk of both equipment failure and operator error (i.e. you actually mess up and get yourself into a kitemare). Therefore, it’s crucial to always have an exit plan. This exit plan must be established BEFORE you even start thinking about going out. If there is no safe exit strategy, DO NOT GO OUT !! 

MAKE SURE THERE IS SOMEBODY TO HELP YOU LAUNCH & LAND YOUR KITE
A high percentage of accidents in kiting happen during launching and landing. It is always safer to ask somebody to give you a hand than to perform a self-launch / self-land.

Lewis Crathern: “My advice would be to speak to the local crew. Don’t be afraid to engage with the local kiters, that’s what makes kiteboarding so unique, everyone helps each other, from launching to landing and way beyond.”