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Kitesurfing Devon

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Kite Surfing is the fastest growing water sport in the world. It's not wind surfing, it's not wakeboarding, it's not surfing and it's not kite flying. It is the fusion of these disciplines mixed with other influences which creates the wildest new water sport for years.

The sport was originally popularised by French and Hawaiian stars in early 1999. The UK scene is now growing from a small group of about 12 kite surfers at the beginning of 1999 to approx 7,000 kitesurfers in the UK today.

The Devon coastline is excellent for kitesurfing, however the same area is also seriously important for wildlife. Much of it is designated as being of either national or international importance for wildlife, and in particular birds. This importance brings with it regulations that protect such areas, and a new sport such as kitesurfing can't fail to get the attention of those whose job it is to ensure the wildlife areas are protected from disturbance and damage. With this in mind please respect the coastline and only kitesurf in designated areas.

The British Kite Surfing Association (BKSA)

The association was formed in June 1999 to communicate information about the sport amongst the practitioners and other interested parties. The BKSA recommends that any person who wants to kite surf should first obtain minimum competence skills. Those are competent kite flying on land then water skills finally combined to basic kite surfing proficiency.

Kitesurfing must never be attempted unless you are a competent swimmer, hold third party insurance and have undertaken proper lessons from a BKSA/IKO qualified instructor. In addition you should always wear a helmet.

Voluntary Code of Conduct

• Be sure that you can handle the prevailing weather conditions and never sail in offshore winds - if in doubt don't go out!
• The upwind rider gives way to the downwind rider.
• The rider on the port tack gives way to the rider on starboard tack.
• Kitesurfers using the seafront should give way to other water users and retreat to a safe zone outside of the navigational channel when other craft approach.
• No matter how competent you are, or good the conditions look, never risk the safety of others. Again, If in doubt don't go out!
• Always maintain a 50-metre downwind safety zone between yourself and other craft. In the event of coming into conflict with other water users stabilise your kite at 12 o´clock. (Top of the wind window).
• Never kitesurf within 50-metres upwind of any moored vessel.
• Never kitesurf in, or near to bathing areas and swimmers, buoys and boat moorings.
• Never practice jumping on land or close to the beach.
• When returning to the beach, give way to riders who are launching.

Safety Guidelines

• The BKSA strongly recommends that a helmet or quality head protector is worn at all times while kite surfing.
• Check the local weather conditions before riding and ensure you fully understand the tidal currents and how they might affect the riding area. The currents off of many British seafronts can be more like a fast flowing river and are potentially dangerous.
• If you lose your kite or board whilst on the water always report you are safe to the rescue services so they do not waste time and money looking for you. It is recommended that you write your name, address and contact number on all your equipment.
• Always keep your lines away from people, animals and craft on land or water. Do not leave your equipment unattended on the beach and be polite to other beach users.
• Always act in a responsible manner. If new or careless riders show up, talk to them with your friends about what´s at risk. Take the time to explain how to safely get into the sport, and where to obtain adequate and professional instruction.

The kite surfing information on this site has been kindly provided by The British Kite Surfing Association (BKSA). If you are interested in taking up this exciting watersport please visit their website and contact them for further information.

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