Kiteboarding Self-rescue Technique

Self-rescue Technique

Self rescue technique is a life saving skill that needs skill and practice to master successfully. There are many versions of the self rescue. The classic bar /line wrap needs to be done correctly for the kite to remain in the depowered position. if done incorrectly the kite can power up and put the rider in a precarious situation. Do not just guess at this technique, learn the right way to do it, and make sure that you know how to do it on your own equipment. there are slight variations depending on your particular gear. The best time to learn this technique is in a safe supervised controlled situation, not in a critical emergency situation. The reasons for learning this technique correctly can be counted on both hands, literally!!

Winding the lines onto the bar!

Make sure that your gear is set up correctly, and that your leash is attached in the correct place. Keep a fair distance from any obstacles. As you prepare to release your bar. You should be at least two kite line lengths away from any obstacle.

This bar has been setup correctly and is ready to be released. In addition to knowing your kite bar's safety system, you should know the correct techniques for using it in emergency situations.

Step 1: release the bar, and allow the kite to fully depower. Make sure that the stopper or slider is all the way up so that the kite fully depowers.

Step 2: release the chicken loop, by releasing the QRTL, usually by pushing the collar away from you, and then let go with both hands.

Step 2: release the chicken loop, by releasing the QRTL, usually by pushing the collar away from you. and then let go with both hands.

Step 3: let the kite bar slide away from you, until the kite fully depowers in the "flagging" position. the kite should be depowered and lie flat on the water.

Step 4: Carefully climb up the leash and safety line, keeping the loose lines away from you.

Step 5: Carefully grab the bar and the safety line, and secure the safety line to the bar with about four wraps. This keeps the safety line tensioned, and the kite in the depowered flagging position.

Step 6: secure the safety line using a half hitch, to prevent it from unwinding.

Step 6: secure the safety line using an half hitch, to prevent it from unwinding.

Step 7: Wrap the loose end of the safety line around the bar to prevent it from dangling.

Step 8: Secure the leash end of the safety line to the bar with a few more half hitches..

Step 9: Wrap all the kites 4 lines around the bar ends towards the kite.

Step 10: Wrap the lines in a "figure eight" pattern around the bar, and keep the bar vertical and perpendicular to the kite. Do not swim toward the kite.

Step 11: Take care to wrap the lines around the bar, not around your hands. If the kite jumps, take the tension of the kite lines through the bar, not your hands. Make sure to wrap all lines at the same time together, so that the safety line stays shorter than the other lines.

Warning: Do not try to make all the lines the same length or the kite will power up!

Step 12: Before you get to the kite's bridles, wrap the lines around the end of the bar to secure them.

Step 13: Secure all the lines to the end of the bar with a few more half hitches.

Step 14: The end result should look like this. You should have a neatly wrapped bar and lines, and the kite is still in the depowered position.

Now you can grab the kite, for a self rescue or a complete pack down.

These techniques are just one example of self rescue technique. This information does not replace proper training from a certified IKO Kiteboarding Instructor. Any technique need to be practiced in a non critical situation, and correction and feedback given by a professional qualified instructor. Any technique can be applied inappropriately or incorrectly, so make sure that you are absolutely certain of what you are doing, so you can apply these techniques in an emergency. The details of this technique may vary depending on the type of equipment used. Consult your user manuals. Winding the lines onto the bar and climbing the kite's lines is always optional. Only proceed if it is safe to do so. This technique is recommended for light winds, when a rider is preparing to get aboard a rescue vessel, or preparing to do a long distance self-rescue body-drag. Do not attempt to do this technique in strong gusty winds. The larger the kite and the stronger the wind, the more difficult it is to do this technique. Even if you have done all this, you should know that problems may arise while doing this technique, so you should also know the correct procedures to follow in case there is a problem or complication.

Complications may include: Lines tangled around you or your gear. The lines slipping off the bar. The kite powering up partially, or unexpectedly, lines snagging on the seafloor, line breakage, kite deflation, quick release malfunction, safety line jamming, premature ejection, sudden wind squalls, entanglement with other kites or vessels. Always follow the manufacturers recommendations and specifications, wear proper safety gear, and carry a safety cutter device.

Thanks to our assistant instructor Dana for starring in these photos. Rider: Dana Burianova, Photos: David Dorn,

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