Power Kite Forum

Recommendation for Kite-boarding safety equipment?

MadHungarian - 28-7-2017 at 04:15 PM

I am in the process of acquiring a mountain board so that I can try traction. So now I need safety gear. I'd like to know what others use/like and the best place to buy from.

I think I'll need a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and possibly wrist guards. It would be nice if the helmet could also be used for snow kiting (although I have a ski helmet that might work for that). Not sure if I should consider hip pads also?

Any advice is welcome.

Bladerunner - 28-7-2017 at 08:27 PM

I am skinny and very much like my Hillbilly A$$ Pads. Before them I got some major bruises on my hips. The tailbone protection is also nice. The way I ride ATB I am far more likely to be dragged on my butt than sent superman.

I have but don't use wrist guards.

Get a comfortable helmet so you won't think twice about wearing it. Once again with my style I have slammed the back of my head a few times but never face planted.

MadHungarian - 28-7-2017 at 09:16 PM

Bladerunner - Thanks for the tip on the Hillbilly pads. I hadn't considered tailbone protection but it makes sense.

If anyone else has brands they love (for any of the safety gear), I'd like to hear about it.

Windstruck - 29-7-2017 at 10:12 AM

First thread link below is a picture of me in tons of "Plastic Courage" to quote John (Cerebite). I strongly recommend the "jacket". The second thread link below is where you can buy all the stuff if you want to got that way.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=32153#pid31...

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=32153#pid31...

B-Roc - 29-7-2017 at 11:47 AM

Helmet is a must and knee pads are good. No need for elbow pads and I would advise against wrist guards as you need your hands. Landboarding is a balancing act and you should be leaning back. I wear crashpants longboarding and skating pools but never when kite landboarding. Triple 8 or 661 or protec or G shock are all fine brands.

IFlyKites - 29-7-2017 at 02:47 PM

I've been using a Bern Watts helmet since I started landboarding. It's a great, solid helmet!

It came with this warm liner which I take out during the summer months. For the winter months, it's nice & cozy with the liner. Online is probably your best bet for a helmet but they could definitely be found locally, (could always check classified websites such as Craigslist, eBay).

IMO, hip pads are a bit overkill. Don't push your limits when it comes to learning! I've seen/heard many stories of people trying to jump first time they are out on a landboard; it does not end well.. A simple helmet should do you well. For injuries, the worst that's happen to me was a gashed elbow & knee.


Bladerunner - 29-7-2017 at 04:37 PM

I think i pointed out that the A$$ pads work for me because I have bony hips and butt. Even for me they are extra padding for when I am pushing it.

Gloves are probaby second most important amd I don't go out without them. I have seen some major damage and actual amputation of fingers.

Helmet is a must. The rest is somewhat optional.

IFlyKites - 29-7-2017 at 06:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner  
I think i pointed out that the A$$ pads work for me because I have bony hips and butt. Even for me they are extra padding for when I am pushing it.

Gloves are probaby second most important amd I don't go out without them. I have seen some major damage and actual amputation of fingers.

Helmet is a must. The rest is somewhat optional.


Ken, I wasn't aiming it at you :P Was just saying in general. Definitely, having more armor/padding wouldn't hurt.

I just recently started wearing gloves. I use some weight lift finger-less ones. They work wonders and help prevent those nasty blisters, (especially when flying FB on handles). I've never found the full finger gloves comfortable. Not to mention, it's a hassle unwinding lines with them, (for me at least).

Having a kite knife could come in handy as well. Make sure to learn the safety system on whatever kite you're flying, (Kite killers/QR for depower kites).



adambweird - 29-7-2017 at 08:35 PM

I usually wear a helmet, knee pads and mechanics gloves. Im used to operating at a high level of dexterity with the mech gloves so unwinding/winding lines is no problem, plus they offer great protection!

MadHungarian - 29-7-2017 at 08:39 PM

Thanks to all that replied. You've given me a lot to consider. I'm hoping to take it slow in the beginning (i.e. no jumping or air), but I do want to have adequate protection. I'm sure I'll be taking some spills initially.

ikemiester - 29-7-2017 at 08:44 PM

Maybe not now, but when you start jumping hillybilly tailbone pads are a must. Almost as important as a helmet, at least for me, because that is where I'll fall if I do. For beginner I would say knee pads could be more important, especially depending on how much of a beating your body can take. But to reemphasize, I will literally go down a kite size if I don't have my hip pads, at that height, it is a must.