In an attempt to make buggy pilots seem like less than 'cheap thrill adrenaline junkies'. Here is a general list of Safety GuideLines to practice in order to protect your access and keep the general public safe around our sports!


Safety Guidelines for Buggy Pilots
When practiced in a responsible manner, traction kiting is a safe and enjoyable sport. If practiced recklessly,
like most things, traction kiting can be a dangerous activity to participants and bystanders. As of now, traction
kiting is relatively unregulated and allowed in most public places with few restrictions. In order to keep it this
way, we encourage the practice of safe, responsible traction kiting, placing participants and bystanders at
minimal risk.
General Safety
These guidelines should be followed when participating in any form of traction kiting:
· Keep clear of people or animals. Do not fly your kite over people. Remember that taut lines can
cut skin quite easily. Keep this in mind when flying around people or animals.
· Do not fly beyond your ability. Know your limits and do not attempt winds, speeds, or tricks that
you are not prepared for. Ask an experienced pilot for assistance in these situations. Do not attempt to
traction kite until you have mastered controlling your kite.
· Do not traction kite alone. It is best to have a partner when traction kiting, just in case you are
hurt.
· Stay clear of other vehicles. Drivers don’t always know what you are going to do next. Give
them room to get around you.
· Stay clear of overhead wires. High voltage power lines can really ruin your day and your kite.
Remember you may have to let go of the kite.
· Do not attach yourself to the kite. Use a harness system with an open hook or roller.
· Be sure to have a safe downwind recovery area. If you need to release your kite in an
emergency so the kite won’t get tangled.
· Keep fit. Fit people have fewer injuries.
· Avoid other kite lines. Running into other kite lines can damage not only your lines, but also other
lines and kites.
· Learn in light to medium steady winds. Steady winds provide predictable conditions when
learning.
· Avoid gusty and variable winds. These conditions are counter-productive when starting out and
can be frustrating.
· Avoid areas with obstacles. It is helpful when the area you traction kite in is clear of ditches, logs,
and other obstacles. Always check to make sure the area you plan to traction kite in is clear of hidden
obstacles.
· Avoid certain areas. There should be no buggying in the stage-in or camp area, except to park your
buggy and kite.
· Use caution around spectators or innocent bystanders. Approach them with caution and
give them the right of way, since they are unaware of the actions of buggiers.
· Use caution loaning your equipment. Avoid letting others use your traction equipment unless
you are absolutely sure of their ability to use it in a safe and respectful manner.
· Be aware of your surroundings. Always know your surroundings when buggying, in order to
avoid damage to your equipment or injury to yourself or others.
· Safety is important. Teach other traction kiters the importance of safety through your actions, as
well as words.
Personal Safety
· Wear safety equipment. A minimum of helmet, boots, long trousers and jacket can prevent
injuries. In some situations elbow and kneepads are a must; consider using them.
· Long hair or loose clothing can be disastrous. Tie hair in a ponytail and wear close fitting
clothing.
· On the beach, be prepared to get wet. Wet suits keep you warm even when you are wet. Rain
gear or dry suits can prevent you from getting wet.
· Check your buggy. Frequently check for structural integrity, loose bolts, wheels, etc.
Group Safety
· When two buggies meet head-on they should both bear to the right in order to leave sufficient
space between them.
· When two buggies are coming from different directions, the one coming from the right has
the right of way
· When crossing, overtaking or passing, the upwind buggy pilot should raise his/her kite, and the
downwind buggy pilot should lower his/her kite. The overtaking buggy should show consideration to
the overtaken.
· The turning pilot should look to the other buggy pilots and shout “Gybe” or “Tack” so that the other
buggy pilots know he/she is about to turn.

Holy Sh*t you like to type Eli

I have borrowed heavily from those lists in compiling safety guidelines for JIBE and our beach in general. (thank you)

One item I have added is to pay particular attention to children and dogs. They both lack situational awareness and will often tend to run towards you.

I amplify on the bit about not flying over people's heads...

2) Always pass downwind of pedestrians whenever possible. If you have to pass upwind, do so at a distance greater than your kite-lines. The beach will be big for most of the afternoons so this is easier than you think.

3) NO KITE LINES OVER MEMBERS OF PUBLIC
If you are forced to pass people upwind at a distance closer than your kite-lines, raise your kite towards the zenith so that the kite does not pass over their heads. Use this de-powered position to slow down until you pass safely.

very nice addition. I like it!!

Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell I have borrowed heavily from those lists in compiling safety guidelines for JIBE and our beach in general. (thank you) One item I have added is to pay particular attention to children and dogs. They both lack situational awareness and will often tend to run towards you. I amplify on the bit about not flying over people's heads... 2) Always pass downwind of pedestrians whenever possible. If you have to pass upwind, do so at a distance greater than your kite-lines. The beach will be big for most of the afternoons so this is easier than you think. 3) NO KITE LINES OVER MEMBERS OF PUBLIC If you are forced to pass people upwind at a distance closer than your kite-lines, raise your kite towards the zenith so that the kite does not pass over their heads. Use this de-powered position to slow down until you pass safely.

Eli, very well put together. Like it.