When we first formed the Suffolk Kite Flyers Club in 1993, we decided that as a responsible club of kite flyers, we must have our own safety rules.

Many changes in membership over the years has taken place, as well developments in the type and power of kites.

At a recent committee meeting we all decided it was time to update these basic but important rules.

'KITE FLYING IS OUR HOBBY.

IT CAN BE SAFE AND GREAT FUN!

!! It can also be the opposite !!

Let us as responsible kite flyers, promote kite flying in a positive way and be ambassadors for our sport by following these Club safety rules.

SUFFOLK KITE FLYERS CLUB SAFETY RULES

Learning

• Always learn to fly small kites before attempting to fly larger and more powerful power kites.
• Beginners should learn to fly power kites in light winds.
• Remember we never stop learning, no matter how experienced we are!.
  

Weather conditions

• Do not fly in electrical storms (wet lines conduct electricity).
• Never fly kites in conditions that are too extreme or winds that are too strong for your skill level.
• Never fly your kite if you cannot safely handle its power (i.e. if you are 'overpowered'). Use a smaller kite or wait for lighter winds.
  

• Do not fly your kite above 60m or within 5km (3 miles) of an airport - without exemption from the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority).
• Do not fly your kite near overhead power cables.
• Make sure you have adequate space to launch, fly and land your kite safely (especially stunt/power kites, buggying / mountain boarding.
• Do not fly close to roads, buildings, railways and potential obstacles etc.
  
  

• Never exceed your own limitations and abilities when kite flying.
• Wear suitable clothing/footwear and wear gloves when flying single liners (as the kite lines can give you painful cuts and burns).
• Be aware of who or what is behind you as well as what's in front of you - uneven ground, kite bags, flying lines etc.
• Beware of running, scudding, jumping whilst kiting (twisted or even broken ankles are painful!).

• Beware of spectators, pedestrians and young children who might not be aware of the dangers of kites.
• Remember that the safety of others is the responsibility of the kite flyer.
• When flying take notice of other users, giving them a safe distance between them and you so you don’t over fly them.
• Respect the peace (stunt kites can be noisy).
• Respect nature and animals (wildlife and livestock can be frightened by kites - horses especially).
• Be tidy (no old lines or rubbish left on site).

Equipment

• Always check your equipment for wear and tear before flying. Do not fly with worn or damaged equipment or flying lines. Repair or replace accordingly.
• Stake your handles and disable your kite when not in use, as a kite can easily re-launch itself at any time.
• Tethered single liners should be clearly marked with a coloured telltale on the stake and preferably a coloured telltale on the flying line at eye height.
• Remember that you are always responsible for the safe operation of your kite and equipment. Use common sense.
  

Additional rules for Power kiting: Buggying, Mountainboarding, Jumping

• Wear suitable protective clothing/footwear, a safety helmet is advised to be worn at all times.
• Before each flying session make an assessment of the flying site, look for potential hazards - uneven ground, trees, potholes, large rocks and other obstacles that may cause injury.
• When flying try to have other flyers or other people with you (accidents can happen and you may need assistance).
• Kite lines and bridles when under tension can cut like a knife and can cause serious injuries. Always keep your lines away from people and animals.
• Never attach yourself permanently to the kite or tether yourself to any fixed anchor whilst flying (this applies when power kiting, it is very dangerous and can result in serious injury).
• Never allow inexperienced kite flyers to use your equipment unless in a teaching situation under controlled conditions.
• Remember to use EXTREME caution when using kite traction equipment, as improper use of this equipment can cause serious injury or death.
  

• If you are on a head-on collision course turn right and the other pilot should do the same, remember to leave sufficient space between you and them.
• In all other situations, watch for pilots coming from your right and avoid them.
  Pilots coming from your left will avoid you, so don't confuse them by changing course.
• Look before you gybe/tack and if need be, call out the manoeuvre that you are about to make.
• When passing each other, the down wind pilot must lower his/her kite and the upwind pilot must raise their kite in order to avoid a tangle.

We recommend that all Buggiers take out British Power Kite Sports Assosiation insurance or any other 3rd party insurance that covers extreme sports.