Kitesurfing Self-Rescue Techniques: When to Use Them (and When Not To)
Self-rescue is one of the most essential safety techniques every kitesurfer should learn. Whether you're a beginner just getting comfortable on the water or an advanced rider pushing limits, knowing how to get yourself back to shore without assistance can make the difference between a good session and a dangerous situation.
This guide breaks down when to use self-rescue, when it might not be your best option, and how to perform it confidently and safely.
🛟 What Is Self-Rescue in Kitesurfing?
Self-rescue is a technique that allows you to safely return to land when you’re unable to continue riding — due to lack of wind, equipment failure, or other unexpected issues.
In most cases, it involves:
Depowering the kite
Winding your lines properly
Using the kite as a sail to body-drag or paddle back to shore
It’s a must-know for anyone kitesurfing outside of a shallow, beginner-friendly spot — especially when riding independently.
✅ When You Should Use the Self-Rescue Technique
You should initiate self-rescue any time you're unable to safely relaunch or ride back to shore. Common examples include:
● Wind Drops Mid-Session
When the wind dies completely and there’s no chance to relaunch, self-rescue is your best option to avoid drifting further out.
● Equipment Malfunction
Snapped lines, broken depower systems, or bar issues may prevent you from riding or safely relaunching. Time to pack it up and sail home.
● Tangle or Inverted Kite
If your kite is badly tangled or caught in a death loop and can’t be relaunched, self-rescue helps you secure everything and avoid injury.
● Offshore Winds with No Upwind Progress
If you’re being dragged away from shore and can’t ride back upwind, it’s safer to depower and begin self-rescue early — before exhaustion sets in.
⚠️ When Self-Rescue May Not Be Ideal
Self-rescue is a powerful skill — but it’s not always the most effective or safest option depending on the conditions. Here’s when it might not work well:
🌊 In Waves or Shorebreak
In large waves or strong shorebreak, attempting a self-rescue can put you at risk of getting tangled in lines or hit by the kite. Up to a certain wave size, it can even be safer to release the kite completely (without a leash) during a wipeout to avoid entanglement or injury — especially if you're confident swimming in surf.
🚤 When Boat Rescue Is Nearby (and Qualified Help Is Onboard)
If there’s a qualified kite instructor on the rescue boat, they may be able to help relaunch your kite or assist you with a deep-water self-rescue. In this case, it might be safer and more efficient to wait for support rather than attempt the full process alone.
The key is to assess the situation: your position, the conditions, and your skill level — then decide whether to wait or act.
🧭 How to Perform a Basic Self-Rescue (Step-by-Step)
Release the bar completely to depower the kite
Pull in the safety line hand-over-hand until you reach the kite
Wrap the lines neatly around the bar to avoid tangles
Reach the kite’s leading edge and secure your grip
Use the kite as a sail by positioning it sideways to catch wind
Body-drag or paddle yourself back toward the shore
Stay calm, stay visible, and conserve energy
💡 Tip: Practicing self-rescue in calm conditions with an instructor is the best way to gain real confidence.
🎓 We Teach This in Every Beginner Course
At We Are Salty People, we don’t just teach you how to stand up and ride — we make sure you know how to keep yourself safe. Self-rescue is included in our lessons for all levels, so you’re prepared for real-life situations on the water.
Our location in Óbidos Lagoon, Portugal is the perfect place to learn: shallow water, flat conditions, and expert instruction from Federico M. Kessler — IKO-certified instructor and big wave kitesurfer.
📲 Ready to Learn the Skills That Make You an Independent Kitesurfer?
Book your private or semi-private kitesurfing lesson in Portugal today.
📞 WhatsApp: +351920655359
📧 Email: wearesaltypeople@gmail.com
Come ride with us in Óbidos Lagoon — Portugal’s best flatwater spot.
