Speak to the locals: Think about the wealth of information you know about your local kiting location. Where rocks are, currents, reefs and local rules (e.g. No kiting near the pier in St Kilda) that you should be aware of. Who knows, it might save you from a nasty accident or damaging your equipment.

Obstacles upwind and downwind of launching/landing area: Be aware that downwind of an object the wind will be turbulent up to seven times the height of that object. This is very important especially for coastal riders with cliffs. Downwind of cliffs there will be turbulence and updraft up to three times the height of them. Make sure you have a safe distance downwind of you (suggested 50m) before launching your kite.

Wind Conditions: Even though at ground level the wind feels just like it does at 15 knots at your local spot it doesn’t mean that it’s 15 knots where you are now. Take into account anything upwind of you such as boat masts, break walls, trees, buildings etc. that might be breaking the wind up and making it seem a lot lighter than it actually is. Look at the kite sizes people are flying, ask a local, or check the local wind charts rather than just assume it’s the same.

Current effects: It’s very important you are aware of any strong rips, tides or currents that are affecting the area that you will be kiting in. Again locals are often the best people to ask and if it seems like there is a strong current and there is nobody out kiting there is probably a pretty good reason.

For further information on any of these areas please don’t hesitate to contact Chris and the Kite Republic Schools Team on chris@kiterepublic.com.au or 0418 583 233.