//Caution! Santa Cruz Kiteboards//
Caution Kites Santa Cruz was created in 1999 to address a void in the market for high performance kites that could withstand the daily rigorous condition unleashed on the Norther California coast. Howling gusty winds, rocky beaches, pounding surf and even Great Whites!

Their products endure all this and more on any given day.

Building on over 14 years experience in wavesail design and construction, we have transferred and applied this knowledge to creating the most durable, high performance kiting equipment.

From their entire line of kites and boards to their bars, lines and accessories, each product has been meticulously designed, and fully tested to be the most functional and durable product available!

This has never been more evident than the 06 product line.

At Caution Kites Santa Cruz, they have a passion for the sport and a love for the ocean, and this is embodied in every product they bring to you.

Kite surfing , also known as kitesurfing and kiteboarding, and sometimes as flysurfing in Europe, involves using a power kite to pull a small surfboard (on water), a wheeled board on land, or a snowboard over snow.

Generally, the first step of kite surfing is to fly one's >power kite into neutral position, in which the kite is straight overhead, and therefore not pulling except against one's body weight.

A safe way to launch involves lying down on ones back in shallow water, and strapping the board onto the feet. More experienced kiters can launch from dry sand or beach. Then, in a (hopefully) coordinated movement, the kite is flown toward the water, in the direction that the board points. If the board doesn't dig into the water or a wave, the kite pulls the surfer up into a powerful planing motion similar to wakeboarding .

It is generally held that kitesurfers should never venture onto the water in direct offshore winds (because of the possibility of being 'flown' out to sea) or direct onshore winds (because of the possibility of being thrown against beach objects, trees, rocks etc). There is an exception to riding in offshore winds, if you have someone with a boat or other watercraft which can assist you back to shore. Cross-shore wind directions are widely considered to be the best.

In a strong wind with flat water, it's possible to traverse at fifty km/h (30 mi/h) or more.

Basic Technique

To get going and to be able to stay upwind you need about 8 - 10 knots (15 to 19 km/h, approx. 3 Beaufort ) on a big kite (16 m²). In 8 - 10 knots (15 to 19 km/h) you can have a lot of fun by doing low jumps and freestyle maneuvers. 12 - 13 knots (22 to 24 km/h) on a 16 square meter kite will have you jumping high, while 17 - 20 knots (31 to 37 km/h) will have you flying with the birds on a 12 square meter kite. An experienced rider generally carries a 'quiver' of different sized kites, appropriate for each wind condition.

A beginner can turn by going to the shallows or another stopping place, putting the kite up into neutral, and then turning the kite in the opposite direction. A quicker, more skillful turn moves the kite toward the wind, to swing the surfer's path in a half circle, centered on the kite. As the turn ends, the kite is flown over to be in front of the surfer again. Turns away from the wind steal lift.

A poorly executed turn will "fly" the surfer, and is often followed by a tumble if the surfer can't put the board down at the right angle. It is important to use safety equipment like a deadman system where the kite lines can be detached from the surfer's harness quickly because the kite can (unintentionally) power up after tumbles and pull the rider under water or against objects at uncontrollable speeds. Saftey knives are a must to quickly cut lines in the event of dangerous entanglements. After a tumble, detangling and relaunching the kite can be difficult. Experienced kite surfers try to keep the kite in the air.

If the kite is only turned partially, or is not straightened at the right rate, a turning surfer can swing up and be dragged into the air by the kite, then get hurt when he recontacts the surface. Even in water, flying a power kite can be a brutal contact sport. The kite is usually twenty meters (sixty feet) in the air, and a careless turn in high winds can easily swing one five meters (two stories) into the air and down to an uncontrolled contact.

Controlled flying is possible and one of the biggest attractions of the sport, but more difficult and potentially dangerous. Flying occurs when the momentum of the surfer pulls the kite. Before jumping, the surfer builds up as much tension as possible by accelerating and strongly edging the board. Then in controlled, straight flight, the kite is flown quickly (snapped) to an overhead position, usually just as the surfer goes over a wave. The kite must then be quickly turned to glide in the direction of motion, usually into the wind. A large variety of maneuvers can be performed while jumping such as rotations, taking the board off one's feet etc. However, a kite surfer can also be flown into a nearby building, highway, or powerlines if the move is poorly executed. At least 17 people have been killed in kiteboarding-related accidents since 2000, according to a safety adviser for one of the sport's governing bodies.

Some kite flyers claim to be able to catch a "rotor," a horizontally cyclonic ridge updraft, when flying above large waves or ridges in high wind. This extremely difficult and not recommended technique occurs only in dangerous surf and wind conditions, or above land.

To fly the maximum distance, a flyer should reduce aerodynamic drag. Some people recommend laying flat in the air as long as one can't reach the surface. Others claim that attempting this maneuver adds more danger to the already dangerous maneuver of flying.

Locations & Restrictions

Essentially any locale where consistent, steady winds, calm surf, and large open bodies of water are available are suitable for kite surfing. Most kitesurfing takes place along the shore, but it can also be practiced on large lakes and occasionally on rivers. Since kiteboarding relies heavily on favorable, consistent wind conditions, certain geographic locations tend to become popular and sought out by experienced kiteboarders. Some of the world's top kitesurfing locations include (no particular order):

• Maui, Hawaii
• Cabarete, Dominican Republic
• Tarifa, Spain
• Cape Hatteras, NC, US
• Ibiraque Point, Brazil
• Safaga Bay , Egypt
• Chumpon , Thailand
• Santa Cruz, CA US
• Hood River, OR, US
• Australia (various)

Most of these popular kitesurfing destinations, have year-long kitesurfing training and provide equipment rentals.

In some locations kite surfing is restricted or banned. This is generally the result of accidents (and liability concerns), in which riders or bystanders were injured and property was damaged. The primary reason why many experienced kite boarders stress safety and proper training, is to keep their sport from being banned at their favorite location. Not all locations will have explicit bans posted, and usually, a simple warning from a park ranger, lifeguard or other official will let you know that kite surfing is not allowed. The general rule, if you see other kiteboarders on the water, it's probably permitted.

Equipment

In order to begin kitesurfing serveral pieces of basic gear are needed. These include:

• A Power Kite , these usually are available in two major forms:
  • Leading edge inflatables, simply called, 'inflatables', are large fabric kites, which have inflateable bladders on their leading edge. The inflated bladders give the kite it's shape and also aid in re-launching the kite from the water, because the kite floats on the surface.
  • A foil kite, is a mostly fabric kite (some models are semi-rigid) with air pockets (air cells) to provide it with aerodynamic lift. They are less popular because they are harder to re-launch when they fall in the water and become wet. Foil kites are more popular for land or snow kiteboarding, where getting the kite wet is a non-issue. Most "trainer" kites are foil kites. Foil kites are considered by some to be easier to learn on.
  • Kites come in various sizes ranging from 2 sq. meters to 18 sq. meters on up. The larger the surface area the more power the kite has. Kites come in a variety of designs, some kites are more rectangular in shape, others have more tapered ends, each design determines the kites flying characteristics. The term 'aspect ratio', relates to the tapering effect of the design.
  • Seasoned kite boarders will likely have 3 or more kite size(s) which are needed to accommodate various wind conditions. Smaller kite's are used by light riders , or in strong wind conditions, larger kites for heavier riders in light wind conditions.
  • Kite prices range from $200 (for smaller kites) to $2000+ USD. Prices generally increase relative to the kite size.
• Flying Lines ,are made of stiff, non-stretch material. They come in different sizes generally between 25M to 33M and they attach the riders control bar to the kite at its edges. Most power kites use a 4 or 5-line configuration. The 5th line is used to aid in water re-launching.
• Control Bar , is a solid metal or composite bar, which attaches to the kite via the lines. The rider holds onto this bar and controls the kite by pulling at its ends, causing the kite to turn (think similar to a bicycle). Typically a chicken loop from the control bar is attached to a latch (spreader bar) hooked into the rider's harness. Most bars also provide a quick-release safety-system, and a control strap to adjust the kite's angle of attack .
• Harness , usually a seat-type or vest-type harness that the rider puts on. The harness together with a spreader bar attaches the rider to the control bar. By hooking in, the harness takes most of the strain of the kite's pull off of the riders arms, and spreads it across a portion of his body. This allows the rider to do jumps and other tricks, while being remaining attached to the kite via the control bar. Some vest-harnesses double as flotation and/or impact vests.
• Kite Board (for land a snowboard or skateboard), a small composite or wooden board, similar to a wakeboard, There are mainly 3 types of kiteboards: directional surf-style boards, wake-style boards, and twintip boards. Twintip boards are the easiest to learn on and are the most popular. The boards generally come with sandle-type bindings, that allow the rider to easily come in and out of the footstraps, this is required for doing off-board tricks and jumps. These boards come in various shapes and sizes to suit the rider skill level, riding style, wind and water conditons.

Dangers and Safety

Power kites can be dangerous. Because of strong forces that can be generated by sudden wind gusts people can easily be lofted, carried off, dashed against water, buildings, terrain or power lines, resulting in what's termed a "kitemare" (kite + nightmare). Most fatalities are the result of being lofted, causing the kite surfer to lose control and to be dragged or thrown against hard objects.

To maximize safety, a few basic safety guidelines should always be followed.

• Avoid kite surfing in crowded areas, near rocks, trees, or power lines. In general there should be a minimum of 100M of safe distance from all obstructions.
• Try to ride with side-shore winds, avoid direct-offshore or direct-onshore winds.
• Pay attention to changing weather and wind conditions, particularly dangerous are storm fronts, which are often preceded by strong, variable wind gusts.
• Always use basic safety equipment. The most basic is a quick-release harness safety system. Harness safety systems come in different configurations, most allow the kite surfer with one tug, or push, to release the kite, leaving only one-line which is attached to a kite leash. This one-line ideally will cause the kite to loose its shape and fall from the sky, without power.
• Use a helmet, especially if you have a leash attached to a kite board. In certain conditions, when the rider falls and is dragged up and down, in the water (known as "tea bagging"), the board with a leash has a slingshot effect, and may become a dangerous projectile striking the rider in the head.
• Avoid being overpowered, by using too large a kite for the wind conditions or your experience level.
• Be extra careful when landing or launching the kite. Most accidents occur on shore or while a rider is entering or leaving the water. It's advisable to un-hitch your kite from your harness while on-shore, holding onto it with only your arms.
• Carry a knife attached to the harness for cutting tangled lines. Tangles are dangerous because an entaged rider in the water, may not be able free themselves quickly enough, in the event the kite powers up suddenly (catches a wind gust or suddenly accelerates). The tangled lines around a riders body, can cut and severe a riders fingers, toes, limbs or cause serious lacerations.

A more subtle hazard is that at fifty km/h (a typical speed for a skillful kite surfer), one can easily get tired, and then get farther from shore than an easy swim, which is the primary reason kite surfing in direct-offshore winds is discouraged. Still other general marine hazards include sharks, jellyfish, collisions with wind surfers, other kite boarders or water craft.

When practiced safely, with the proper training and gear, kite boarding is an enjoyable, and in many cases an addictive extreme sport. Like any other sport, respecting nature, paying attention to the weather and staying within the limits of the riders ability will provide the safest and most enjoyable experience.

Terminology and Lingo

• air time : the amount of time spent in the air while jumping.
• apparent wind : wind flowing over the kite generated by the kite's movements, faster kite movements increase the kite's pull exponentially.
• body dragging : being pulled through the water without standing on your board.
• de-power : to reduce the kite's power (pull), either by adjusting the angle of attack or releasing pressure on the lines.
• downwind : the direction the wind is blowing towards, windward.
• edge : tilting the board with its edge into the water. Used to control the direction of travel.
• luff  : when the air flow stalls around the kite. It may then stall and fall out of the sky.
• kitemare : a kiteboarding accident, dangerous mishap.
• heal side : the side of a board on the edge where your heels are (opposite of toeside). To ride heelside down is normal.
• power up : when the kite's power increases (suddenly), because of wind or its movement
• power zone : is the area in the sky where the kite generates the most lift (pull), this is generally between 0 to 60 degrees arc from the center of the downwind direction.
• side shore , winds blowing parrallel to the shore or at a 45 degree towards the shore, the most desirable.
• tack : The direction which is being sailed, normally either starboard tack or port tack. To sail (fly upwind), riders tack 45 degrees in a zig-zag pattern against the wind.
• tea bagging : the rider is frequently falling back into the water due to light or gusty wind.
• toe side : to ride a board on the edge where your toes are (opposite of heelside).
• upwind , opposite the direction the wind is blowing in.
• wind window Is the 120-180 degree arc of the sky in the direction of the wind, in which the kite can be flown.