safety

WHY CHOOSE ACTION SPORTS MAUI? Not all schools are the same. So when you are comparing schools you should look at the quality of the instruction, their track record, reputation, and the teaching methods they use. The first few lessons and hours that you spend learning will either make or break your future in the sport. Kiteboarding is an extreme sport that requires accurate information and specific techniques to be done safely (Just like scuba diving) So you definitely want to seek out the very best instruction available. Originality When compared to other schools, our school should be your first choice. We were the original (first) kiteboarding school in Hawaii since 1996 and have been teaching full time since 1997′ (far longer than any other school). We have taught more people to kiteboard and have developed many…

Control Bar Technique Kite Bar setup and Kiteboarder Bar Technique needs your respect and undivided attention. Preparing to launch is a serious time, and can make or break your session. There are many basic mistakes that people make, that can easily be corrected. Here is a checklist of the Good and the Bad, so you know “What to do, and What Not To Do”!! Prepare to launch Preparing to launch is a serious time where you get to check over all your gear especially your control bar. The success of your launch and your session depends on your control bar setup and handling. There are many basic mistakes that can be avoided if you know the correct Kiteboarder Bar Technique. Sloppy Kiteboarder Bar Technique leads to accidents and loss of kite control. Do not rush the pre-flight check, it…

Kiteboarder Jump Zone When you want to jump you must look to see if the area is clear of people and obstacles. We move in four dimensions, left/right upwind/downwind, high/low, and time. You should always share the water with other kiters, and give way to others when jumping. Keep in mind how much room you need to jump, land and maybe crash without hitting anyone. Have fun, jump high, but be smart about it so you always ride safe. Jumping High and Jumping Long: Most decent kiters can jump fairly high but it is much easier to cover long distances when you jump. Many people are jumping well over 100 feet downwind when they jump. Example: This is especially true at Ka’a point, on Maui;s famous Kite Beach. This is a popular spot that can get crowded, so you have…

  Kiteboarder’s Blind Spot Learning to deal with traffic on the water is not just about knowing the ROW rules. You should also take into account that kiteboarders have a large blind spot. If you ride in someone’s blind spot they cannot see you and you could become involved in an accident. More than meets the eye: Most collisions occur because someone wasn’t looking where they were going. Beginners look at the kite, and intermediates look where they want to go, and surfers look at the waves. How often when you are riding do you look behind you? The Blind Spots: Behind and upwind of every kiteboarder is a large blind spot where they cannot see and where they do not normally look. This is made worse by kiters using helmets which may reduce their peripheral awareness. Also salt spray…

  Maui Ocean Safety – BE BEACH SMART SECURITY: Theft is a big problem at all beaches and parks in Hawaii. Thieves will break windows to get into cars. Always lock your car, do not take valuables to the beach, do not lose your car key in the ocean, do not lock your keys is your car. I would not recommend staying around any beaches after sunset. There are a few thug types that hang out there that will take advantage of isolated or solitary people. Numerous assaults have happened at beach parks to unsuspecting tourists. Even if a local appears friendly and offers to sell you some “weed” (Called “pakalolo” in Hawaiian) in the privacy of the bushes, Don’t go with them. SUN SMART: Most visitors do not realize how strong the sun is in Hawaii. Many people will…

IKO Kiteboarder Handbook The New IKO Kiteboarder Handbook goes hand in hand with your lessons from your instructor. It follows the same Kiteboarder Program that your lessons are based on, and includes very important information on Equipment, Weather, Tides, Safety, Riding Techniques- as well as lots of other very useful information. At the end of each Section, there is a short test to make sure you have understood the information. You will use this as a way of checking your progression. The IKO has released a NEW AND IMPROVED 6th Edition! The handbook covers the first 3 IKO Recreational Kiteboarding Levels: Discovery, Intermediate, and Independent . This new Edition has now been expanded to 92 pages with more full-color pictures for demonstration along with updated quizzes and answers designed to test your knowledge ensuring that you know safe kiteboarding. This…

Ocean & Outdoor Safety on Maui If in doubt, don’t go out! Don’t feed anything that will bite you Look before you leap! Dangerous Weather & Climate Dangerous Surf Dangerous Creatures Other Dangers Maui is a paradise, but it is also an isolated island surrounded by ocean. There are many adventures and experiences to be had, but there are also hidden dangers here too. These tips are some information intended to make you aware of some of the hidden dangers, and to help keep you safe. Ocean and Outdoor safety should be important to everyone. This advice may be second nature to some people, but other people may be hearing it for the first time. Not everyone knows these dangers exist and they may get into danger without realizing it until it is too late. Maui Lifeguards…