Help the Coast Guard Help Kiteboarders

[ironben]

I run in to this article today. it has lot of useful info.
http://www.thekiteboarder.com/2011/08/help-the-coast-guard-help-kiteboarders/

for those who don't like to read please remember:

Put your name and a phone number on your kites and boards. This will give the Coast Guard someone to contact if your lost gear is found. You might even be able to get your kite or board back if your info is on it.
Learn to recognize conditions that are above your skill level and avoid them.
If you lose a kite or board, call the Coast Guard immediately and let them know. All you have to do is call 411 and ask for the Coast Guard. This small step could avoid an unnecessary search.
As a general rule, if you ever find yourself far from shore with your kite down, don’t ditch it and try to swim in. Your kite is much easier to spot than you are.
Avoid riding alone, but if you do, let someone know when to expect you back so that someone will call the authorities if you get into trouble and don’t make it back to shore.
Keep your gear maintained. Don’t ride far offshore on gear that isn’t in perfect condition.
According to the people I talked to, one of the most effective small pieces of gear that would help us be found in the water is a small signal mirror. If you buy one, make sure it’s plastic and not glass.
One of the most effective things you could carry is a waterproof VHF radio. The Coast Guard constantly monitors VHF channel 16 and has an idea where you are when you use it to call them (thanks to their network of radio direction finding towers). Realistically, most kiteboarders would not want to carry a VHF radio, but it is something to consider if you want to make sure you can contact help, especially if kiteboarding alone.

[Like To Kite]

Great post and very important information.

Please also be sure to know how to do a self rescue and occasionally practice the self rescue in the water as a refresher. That way, you can remain calm when under pressure because you will be confident that you can rescue yourself if the need arises. A lot of safety is in prevention, choose a safe location and check your conditions. Please also remember to never go out further than you are willing to swim given the conditions that day. Something to consider with the cold water temps that we generally experience. Kiting is a lot more fun when you feel prepared and confident.

Happy Kiting!

[snowball]

Great post everyone stay safe out there