since i learned how to kite on my own i never bothered to ask how to self-rescueso if the local kite tender suddenly fell asleep waiting for my hand signals and am close to trouble and realize i still have enough time, what do you do if you are fully overpowered and wanted to save your kite..do you get the chicken loop off and hold the outer line and one hand after the other go towards the end of the kiteand swim to shore or is there a right way of doing it

Hi jp747,

Have a look on my website under tips and tricks. Better yet, here's a link to Self Rescue kiteboardingschool.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=52

And here's another to Winding your lines in the water kiteboardingschool.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40&Itemid=52

Good winds,

thnks kitehard..really informativei had a vague idea but deflating the kite to fold easily?i never thought of that

Top dog Kitehard. When I did my iko level 1 training in the UK we were taught the deflate leading edge type of self rescue, rolling kite up to make a large float as described on you website. This we had to perform in shallow then deep water. No other person that I kite with knew how to self-rescue, about 50-60 people. This should be taught by all kite instructors, as so many kiters do not know what to do if something goes wrong, ie line breakege etc. I have never had to do it but at least I know how.

Also jp747 if alone, never go out further than you want to swim in! And if poss carry a mobile in waterproof case. Safe kiteing.