There are dangers to outdoor fun and adventure!

Some of the more extreme dangers will be discussed within our lesson packages though the most common types of accidents and injuries are rarely mentioned. Kiting can be dangerous and no one should attempt to learn to kite without expert instruction and practical experience.

Here are the most common types of injuries associated with outdoor adventure that you can take steps to avoid:

Sunburn:

Sunburn skin damage is among the most common dangers to kiters. Depending on where you kite, the sun can hit in the same place on your body daily, on your back, neck or your face. Use lots of sunscreen and reapply often. Use a head and hair sunscreen as well. Use sunscreen where your body is exposed including your feet. Areas with thin skin are the most sensitive, such as the nose, lips and some areas of your feet such as between your toes. Use waterproof 30 spf or greater. For example, Coppertone and banana boat make excellent products with spf 45.

Attitude:

Aggression and egomania plague outdoor adventure sports like kiting. Take patience and remind yourself of the pleasure and luxury of being outdoors kiting regardless of the weather or outcome of a trick. A bad attitude can take years off your life.

Diet:

Kiters exercise but often fail to eat healthy food. Use a diet plan that tracks your intake and be sure you get a well balanced diet with fruits and vegetables. Stay away from refined sugars.

Stretch:

Kiting is largely anaerobic. Take time to stretch daily and cross-train to increase muscle. Kiting tends to cause shortened muscles due to reduced movement of the arms under constant but slight pressure. A lack of stretching is the prime reason for muscle injuries.

Traveling to/from kiting:

Many injuries can occur on the way home from kiting when you’re tired, perhaps you had a beer. You're dehydrated. Tired and dehydrated is a dangerous scenario and is a setup for a car accident. Hydrate before driving home for safety. If you’re tired pull over and rest or grab something to eat.

Check your lines:

Attach your lines carefully, without interruption. Doublecheck your lines to be sure they are not crossed. Launch when an opportunity presents.

Uneven kite lines can cause very slight muscle strain. One arm has to work more than the other does. Muscle strain or aggravated repetitive stress is among the most common injury and once the damage is done it can take months to heal. Take the time to check the lines to be sure they are even lengths by tying the lines to a post and check for even lengths. While sailing check to see how they feel. Sometimes leader knots can slip causing a small change that can cause severe stress. If the lines are uneven or the kite pulls to one side, adjust the knots on the leaders to ensure more balanced pull. Lines must be fit to each kite in order to ensure the lines are proper lengths to fly the kite.

Uneven pumping of the kite:

Be very careful to use a straight back and bend your legs. Use both hands and even movements to pump the kite. Don't over stress yourself. Uneven moments can agitate existing injuries such as those mentioned above and increase repetitive strain disorder. Most commonly, people are stronger or more comfortable leading with their right or left hand. Few people are ambidextrous. This natural tendency leads people into injuries by favoring one side. The solution is to take careful efforts to balance your movements evenly to ensure full range of muscle development.

These are just a few of the most common dangers plaguing kiters. These situations happen every day, often imperceptibly until the damage is done. Take care, use patience, be safe and have fun.

 

Want to know more about nutrition?