Almost all accidents that occur in kitefoiling have a 'wrong location' aspect to them.

Kitefoil racing is fun and a new avenue for your club to grow membership and participation. The resources required to run Kitefoil racing is the same as the club racing activities any dinghy club would have already. The approach to safety is not different at the basic level; the club will need to provide a safe environment for participants, taking into consideration known and unforeseen conditions.

If a club does not or cannot meet the basic criteria, it should not undertake Kitefoiling activities. However, the club may be well placed to host other foiling based activities and programs, such as Windfoil, Wingfoil or other foiling classes which can have more flexibility around certain factors, especially location.

Prior to hosting Kitefoiling, an on-site risk assessment should be conducted which considers any local hazards specific to the location used. The following list of location attributes are the basics which must be met to provide a suitable Kitefoil training and racing location for any level of Kitefoiler.

•    Clear launch/land location in prevailing wind direction
•    Clear race/training location in prevailing wind direction with minimal waves/currents
•    Accessible beach access suitable for emergency kite packdown or swim in scenario
•    Space for rigging and gear
•    2+ metres water depth
•    Minimal weed/foreign objects
•    Consistent cross onshore winds present in the thermal season (seabreeze partly onshore)
•    Easy access to water with appropriate beach/entrance zone and minimal waves/current

It is also recommended to create a code of conduct for all Kitefoil members to agree to. General safety standards and golden rules must be met on an individual level, but the sport can be made much safer and more enjoyable by having group standards and expectations for safety on a cultural level. “What are the golden rules?” we hear you ask:
1.    Be clear downwind. This is best practice for all kitesports and ensures minimal consequence if mistakes are made.
2.    Be clear upwind. This reduces turbulent wind and other negative control effects and maximises chance of maintaining control.
3.    Be able to eject. Safety release system must be working and familiar to sailor because ejection allows safe outcomes if golden rules 1 and 2 haven’t worked.

For more information on foiling initiatives go to https://www.sailing.org.au/news/foiling-initiatives-and-participation-pathways/

By Glen Stanaway https://www.sailing.org.au/about/ourstaff/