No Board Leash Rule
Board leashes are clearly a hazard. Historically, they were removed because their use increased accidents causing sensitive parts of the body (jaw, temporal bones, neck, nose) to be severely injured, permanently damaged, and what is worse, they caused fatalities.
After careful consideration of all the information, arguments and testimonies, the IKO training committee did not find any sufficient reason or justification for permitting the use of board leashes during lessons. The committee also acknowledged there is an overwhelming amount of evidence and testimony against their use.
IKO has therefore decided to prohibit the use of the Board Leash and has implemented the following new IKO safety directive effective immediately:
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No Board Leashes for IKO Lessons. Due to the known issues and high risks associated with using board leashes, the IKO has decided to disallow the use of board leashes during lessons or any kiteboarding related activities. The existing IKO policy already strongly discourages the use of board leashes, and has for several years made strong recommendations against their use. Now, this recommendation has been made into a new rule. This rule applies to all instructors and schools throughout the IKO network. No board leashes are to be used. The IKO will be looking to all its members for voluntary compliance; however, quality checks and assessments will mandate full compliance with this new safety directive. This rule is effective immediately. |
Rigging Methods
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Instructors should teach Upwind and Downwind Bar Rigging.
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| For individual lessons, Instructors should always use the most appropriate technique for the conditions. Instructors should train each student to use the correct technique, and make them aware of both rigging methods. Particular attention must be paid to the correct bar connection and how bar orientation is achieved prior to every launch. Students should know the two different methods because they will ultimately travel to other locations and see different situations and methods in use. | |
It is vital that all kiteboarders know the correct bar connection methods and how to have safe launching techniques. The best universal pre-launch method for either technique is to re-check the connections and bar orientation with the kite at the edge of the wind window after connecting the bar and lines to the kite, and then to find the correct launch angle before launching. This new rule is effective immediately.
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