Airborne Kitesurf

Some good advice for paddlers....

Are you a new 'paddler' or do you know someone who has recently taken up paddlesports? 👇

Although it has been great to see lots of fresh faces enjoying the water over the recent weeks, our Rangers have noticed that many people who are new to paddlesports (such as canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding) are inexperienced or not taking proper safety precautions.

In general, paddlesports are a high risk activity and it is important that those who are taking part make adequate safety considerations before going out onto the rivers.

The water does not judge - no matter how experienced you are, please always wear a buoyancy aid as it might save your life.

You should also remain constantly aware of your surroundings and always stick to the right hand side of the river where possible, paying attention to larger vessels around you.

Swimmers are also asked to wear floats, ensure they are visible and stay on the right hand side of the channel too.

What are your top tips for water safety?

You can find more information about safety on the water on our website: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/safety

Or see the British Canoeing guide to safe paddling: https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/guidance-resources/safety-1

Pre-season kit check in the sunshine at The Beach. Can’t wait to get back to teaching all you eager students again. 💨🌊🏄🏼‍♀️

Ok so here is the news many have been waiting patiently for.

PHASE ONE RETURN TO KITESPORTS - British Kitesports Association For BKSA Intermediate level kiters and above You have no doubt seen or heard of the easing of lockdown restrictions laid out by Government last Sunday. Kitesports are now a justifiable form of daily exercise for everyone who is competent and able to practice safely, from May 13th onwards. In respons...

Following on from todays government announcement on easing some restrictions on physical activities here is the update from
BKSA.

Updated Guidance on Kiting during the Coronavirus Pandemic - British Kitesports Association We will be reviewing the latest information given from government today, whilst communicating with other similar outdoor recreation, national governing bodies and emergency services over the next few days. The Covid 19 pandemic has lead to us currently recommending not going kiting inline with the g...

Latest news from the BKSA

An update from British Kitesports about a return to Kiting!!

I wanted to share with everyone where we are as a sport and an NGB (National Governing Body), and to update and reassure all our members, that we are doing everything we can behind the scenes to ensure the quickest and most sensible route back onto the water for us all.

The current situation
We are all aware of the lockdown across the nation and wider world. Here in the UK all forms of sport and active recreation other than running, walking and cycling have been suspended. This is being driven by government and being supported by national sport bodies like Sport England down to specific NGBs like ourselves.

The risks of the COVID 19 virus are real and has incapacitated or killed many across all ages, race and genders. To date there is no consistently effective treatment or indeed vaccine, and cases can lead to fatalities. The services and especially the NHS are stretched in certain regions to say the least, hence the current lockdown continues, as does our strong advice to not go kiting issued on the 3rd April.

What are we doing to help everyone get back on the water
We have been and continue to be actively engaging with other sporting bodies, both nationally and internationally sharing information on how a safe and sensible return to our activities could be implemented.
We are contributing and working with an Outdoor recreation stakeholders Group led by Natural England. We are working hard to ensure that kitesports are included in the first phase. The government is unlikely to consider a sport by sport return to activity. By working with other activity bodies such as British Canoeing, British Mountaineering Council, Outdoor industries Association, National trust and many more, we can ensure we have a consistent and clear approach that delivers a swift and safe return to activity for respective communities.
We are also working on guidelines for participants, schools, clubs to help safe practices. These will be released in the near future.

When and where can you go kiting again
The truth is we do not know this yet. We can all see that time is passing and with that will come easing of the current restrictions.
We can tell you that we will change our advice on participation as soon as it is safe and suitable to do so.

Kitesports are naturally compliant ‘social distance’ sports practiced exclusively individually. It is also a perfectly safe sport for competent and sensible practioners .
There are many other sports and activities in a similar boat (no pun) SUP, Surfing, Sailing, Kayaking, open water swimming to name a few.
Activities will not be itemised individually and clearly some are far more high risk than others. We are working hard to ensure we are right at the front of this curve in phase1 as a very compliant, safe and responsible activity.
There is likely to be a regional emphasis on the first phase, potentially allowing certain activities close to your home first, to reduce wider population mixing.

The fact remains currently however, that the government is not yet ready to make the move towards further relaxations at this time, as can be seen from the daily information issued when we watch or read the news.

In Summary
THANKYOU for your continued sensible actions as the great majority of us uphold the current guidance. I see and feel your frustration, I am a kiter too and can’t wait to be able to enjoy our sport again.
The end is in sight and as a very compliant social distance activity we are lobbying to lead not follow in terms of getting back on the water
Please continue to adhere to the guidelines. They are in place for a reason, and breaking them will only serve to prolong the restrictions and strain on society as a whole…..we are in this together, not as individuals.

Andy Gratwick
BKSA MD

FREE STUFF :-) We still have a bunch of these HM Coastguard approved and supplied 'Lost Item' stickers to put on any of your water based equipment in case it gets lost at sea. Ping us a message with your address and we'll get some sent out to you. We have Small or Large- Please indicate your preference. Just remember to clean the surface of wherever you stick it to preferably with an alcohol wipe to make sure you you get good adhesion. Could also place some strips of clear tape over for added security. If you wish to order your own they are free and available to anyone here: http://mca.ecgroup.net/Publications/Recreationandwatersport%C2%A0/Recreationandwatersport%C2%A0.aspx

For extra security and to enable proof of ownership I put one underneath a footpad, and another tip on kitesurf boards is to Sharpie pen your name/number on the base of a board fin so when its screwed to the board you cannot see it. If it ever comes up for sale by some rogue trying to sell your gear you could then prove ownership by removing the fin to show them as they may have gone to the effort of removing a visble sticker?

LOST- at Walberswick Sunday 16thJune. Last seen floating towards Southwold /Kessingland way. Posting for a local kiter who became separated from his board. If anyone sees or hears of it anywhere please contact Andre at Airborne Kitesurf and we will get it reunited with the owner.

Lovely sunny weekend predicted. Perfect for some paddle fun!

Hi all,

We have some good wind days approaching so we are offering the following days available for Kitesurf lessons.
Tuesday 9th April
Wednesday 10th
Thursday 11th
Sunday 14th
Monday 15th
Bookings taken on a 1st come 1st served basis.
If any of you keen kitesurfing students wish to pre book any particular days in the future,get in touch with the dates required and upon receipt of the £45 your lesson will be confirmed for that date.

Don't forget we also do SUP lessons and hire, sit on kayak hire and trips. And also drop off and collection service available.

See the website www.airbornekitesurf.com

For those of you considering purchasing kit we are also available to provide very competitive pricing on new kit from Ozone, Cabrinha, Airush, Core, Shinn, Liquid Force, F-One, Ocean Rodeo, and soon possibly Duo-Tone, Mystic, ION and North soon.
On most occasions we are also able to put together affordable starter packages with good used kit for kiters starting out.
For any specific enquiries get in touch to discuss your requirements.
We are also able to rent out wetsuits for lessons at £10 per lesson.

www.AirborneKitesurf.com kitesurf tuition, kitesurf, kiteboard, kitebuggy, kitesurfing, SUP, stand up paddle board

The beginning of the Watersports season is upon us. Time to get wet!!

It’s the start of the Kitesurf +SUP season for many of us. Lessons and hire has already begun. Don’t forget we rent SUPS and Sit On Kayaks too. All singles have dual rod holders and have stowage cubby holes for kit. Delivery and collection available. Contact us for prices or see the website. Www.airbornekitesurf.com