1. Respect

Everyone is out at the lake to have a great time and while we will be using kites, others will be enjoying the wind, water, and sun in other ways. Treat others as you would want to be treated.

2. Your Gear

When it's crowded, try to keep your kite lines wound up as this will make it easier and safer for those on the beach or those that are in the process of launching. The best time to do this is after someone has caught your kite or you have self landed and properly secured the kite. Please put the proper amount of wieght on your kite to keep it from blowing away. This way one can easily avoid damaging gear or injurying bystanders. Usually a board, sand, or rocks will do the trick.

 

5. Beginners

All beginner kiteboarders need to seek professional instruction before riding on Central Texas Lakes. Talk to the local riders before riding, as they will be more than willing to explain launching/landing procedures at that particular site and may even be able to point out possible hazards in the area that you should avoid.

*Stay 200 feet from roped off swim areas. If you can not avoid the swim area and find yourself inside the roped off section, get out as quick as you can or down your kite. This area is usually full of swimmers most of which are small children.

 

6. On The Water

* Assisted launching and landing is recommended.

* Kiteboarders must give right of way to all swimmers or persons on the beach.

* Incoming riders must give right of way to those that are launching.

* When two riders are approaching each other, the rider most downwind has the right of way. During this crossing, the downwind kiter should fly their kite as low as possible while the upwind kiter should fly their kite as high as possible.

* A kiter who is overtaking another kiter must give right of way to the kiter being overtaken. The kiter being overtaken should maintain course while being overtaken until the other rider has safely passed.

* Please don't ride futher from shore than you are willing to swim and please Wear a Lifevest while riding to ensure that you will float incase something goes wrong while riding.

* While jumping, any riders downwind of you have the right of way, so please make sure there is sufficient distance between you and others riders, boats, or obstacles before launching your jump.

3. Safety

Keep an eye on others as they are launching and landing to keep yourself safe and/or to assist in case launching/landing does not occur properly. Beginners to advanced riders should speak up to anyone, no matter the ability level, if they see something blantantly wrong with kite set up or launching and landing techniques. This should keep our riding areas safe and prevent someone from ruining their day.

4. Leashes

The use of a kite leash is required at all times when the kite is in use. While we can't make you wear a leash, it is strongly recomended that you use one to prevent the loss of your kite while out on the water. A lost kite in busy areas not only could endanger you, but others as well.

* When launching, slowly bring your kite to the neutral position and then quickly proceed to the water. The kite should be launched with your body closest to the water. If conditions are gusty have another rider hold onto you to avoid being lifted off the ground or dragged. Do not shackle or hook in until you are in the water. If you are unsure you will be able to hold the kite in the conditions that are present, ask for asistance or wait until asistance is available.

* Beginners should body drag 200 feet away from shore before starting on their board. All members must wear a kite leash with a quick release system.

* Ask questions!!! The more questions you ask, the less chance there will be that you or someone else could get hurt, damage your gear, or get a kiting spot banned. No jumping or moonwalking with kites on the beach. The beach is for launching and landing only. If you want to jump, practice out in the water. Water is softer and more forgiving than our rocky Central Texas shorelines.

* WEAR A LIFEVEST!!! Learning to kite brings new adventures and experiences every time you ride and it is going to be easier to deal with these experiences if you don't have to worry about keeping your head above water.

Before You Ride...