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10.6. Kite doesn’t launch anymore, you start drifting away
If you are unable to re-launch the kite and you start drifting away, it might be
necessary to disconnect yourself from the kite before you drift too far and are unable
to swim back to the shore. Once back you can always get a boat and salvage the
kite. Main thing is that you are safe.
If you judge the situation correctly and early enough, whilst still close to the shore you
might be able to rescue yourself and the kite. In this case you wrap up the kite as you
would on land, but you must be careful not to get caught in the lines. First, activate
the Pull-Stop-System (if available, in any case pull the SAFETY-LEASH all the way
through) and keep the lines under tension, then start to wind them onto the bar. Once
at the kite, open the air outlet zipper and wind the kite around the bar. Don’t try to
throw the bar into the lines.
If the wind is blowing only slightly off-shore, direct the kite to the edge of the wind
window by pulling on the shore-side leader-line and see whether it has enough pull to
get you back. If you only have to swim a short distance to the shore against the wind,
it is enough to pull the kite with the activated Pull-Stop-System against the wind.
10.7. Being rescued with FLYSURFER kites
Experienced FLYSURFER riders can try to rescue others, who have got themselves
into trouble, can’t re-launch their kite (e.g. snapped line …) and drift out to sea. This
is always a little tricky and should only be attempted in safe conditions and from very
good riders. The rescuer should also have a line-cutter to free himself from tangled
lines.
It is important, that the to-be-rescued rider’s kite hasn’t taken on too much water, as
this makes a rescue almost impossible (anchor). The rider about to be rescued
should detach him/herself from the kite. The rescuing rider cautiously approaches
from upwind of the none re-launching kite. Whilst sailing past, the rescuing rider will
attempt to grab the wingtip nearer the shore and drag it behind him. If successful
he/she can sail back to the shore, dragging the kite behind him/her. Here it is very
important that the rescuing rider is extremely cautious not to get tangled in any lines.
Important: Look after yourself first. If you put yourself into danger when attempting
to rescue someone else, try and seek help from others.
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