For the second year, experienced kitesurfer Damien Burnel, director of Kite-R Evolution, trained lifeguards from Merville-Franceville’s three rescue stations on how to assist kitesurfers in distress.
Eight participants refreshed their knowledge and practiced emergency interventions.
Specialized Equipment with Specific Terms
First, it’s important to understand the vocabulary related to the equipment. The lines connecting the kite to the rider are called lines—there are two at the front and two at the back. The bar is the component to which the lines are attached, and it is itself connected to the rider.
Damien highlighted the key concepts that every kitesurfer must master: “Handling all lines safely and determining wind direction correctly are essential. The kite should always be positioned facing the wind. To immobilize it, hold it by the center of the leading edge (the large inflated tube). The larger the kite, the harder it is to handle.”
Technique to stabilize the kite on the sand: “Grab the leading edge at its center, move toward the tip, and rotate the kite to face the wind. Secure it with sand—this is known as the ‘octopus position.’” Exercises were conducted to practice attaching and, most importantly, detaching from the kite.
Interventions at Sea
On the sand, handling tangled or uncontrolled kites is relatively easy. However, at sea, things become more complicated, requiring precise maneuvers. “Never forget that human life always takes priority over equipment.”
Source: Ouest France, 20/07/2015