Water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and wing foil provide not only exciting experiences, but can also potentially be dangerous to health and life. In this article, we will discuss the basic rules that should be followed when practicing water sports.
1. Learn the basics
Before you prepare your board, unfurl your kite, rig your sail or inflate your wing, make sure you have the right knowledge, skills and experience. Kitesurfing, windsurfing or wing foil courses, held at an authorised school and led by experienced instructors, are a great way to gain knowledge about the disciplines you want to practice. The equipment must be functional and well-suited to the user and the conditions on the spot. You can find a list of renowned schools on the following websites:
Wing Foil – Polish Association
Wing Kite – Polish Kiteboarding Association
Windsurfing - Polish Windsurfing Association
2. Personal equipment
Remember about good personal equipment – each discipline has its own specifics. Before you go out on the water, you need to learn the safety rules that apply to a given sport. A life jacket, a safety vest or a BoVest safety shirt should be in every water sports equipment. In windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foiling, we also use: wetsuits, helmets, shoes, harnesses. There is a large variety of personal equipment, the choice of which will depend on many factors such as: weather conditions, season, condition of the competitor, etc. It is always worth having an Aqua Pack with a charged phone with you. Be visible on the water – a bright Bo Vest shirt, equipped with an approved whistle , will not only improve recognition on the water, but also increase the chances of a rescue operation.
3. Right of way on the water (according to the PSWing wingfoil instructors manual)
On the water, just as on the road, certain rules apply.
The basic safety rules are as follows:
• Collision avoidance,
• Limited trust in other users,
• Safe distance from obstacles,
• Providing help to those in need,
• Avoiding the waterway and swimming areas,
• Responsibility for yourself and others,
Detailed right of way:
• When sailing on opposite courses, those sailing on port tack must give way to those sailing on starboard tack,
• When sailing on the same courses, the one sailing on the windward side gives way to the one sailing on the leeward side. • The overtaking boat must give way to the one being overtaken.
• When making a turn, you must make sure that you have room to maneuver safely,
• You must give way to individuals who are performing professional work (fishing boats, water police, WOPR, fire brigade)
• Engine-powered units (motor boats) are giving way to wind-powered units (windsurfing, sailboat)
• Wind-powered vessels are giving way to vessels powered by muscle power (kayak, water bike),
4. Other elements that your safety depends on
• Check the forecast – wind strength and direction, air and water temperature have a huge impact on safety on the water,
• Choose a body of water that suits your skill level,
• Avoid: bathing areas, breakwaters, high-voltage lines, markings on the water and shore, piers, moored and anchored boats,
• In warm seas, check for dangerous animals living in the water,
• Avoid waters with large tides,
• Check if there are any reverse currents in the water,
5. Respect for nature
Remember that you are not alone on the water. Take care of the natural environment, do not litter and do not make noise. Respect other users of the water and the beach.
6. Don't swim alone. Swim in the company of others.
In case of an unforeseen situation, you will be able to count on mutual assistance. If you have to swim alone, inform the people on shore what time you plan to return. Take your phone with you in the Aqua Pack.
Remember!
Safety in water sports is not only about knowing the rules, but also common sense and a responsible approach. Wearing the right equipment, following the rules of the road, and training in a certified school are the basic principles of safe and enjoyable water sports.
