Downwinders are fantastic! You can go on a length tour, enjoy the scenery, try some new techniques, and relax.
You don't have to keep edging to stay upwind, so you can relax and try some techniques such as kiteloops (be careful!) and riding toe down.
It is worth being prepared, particularly if your route takes you off the beaten track and our out to sea.
Remember, if the wind drops out you will have to swim or drift, so a boat would be a good backup for more adventurous trips.
Here are some suggestions for gear to take.
Safety gear
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
- GPS in Pacqua waterproof arm pouch
- Mobile phone in Boxit waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses
Downwinder gear
The gear I take on "serious" downwinders (in the the photo below) is:
- Board: Airush Sector 60
- Kite: The biggest one I can safely fly for the wind conditions
- 1mm wetsuit
- Waterproof backpack 18 litres
- Kitebag (in backpack)
- Impact or buoyancy vest
- Foam sandals (in backpack)
- Helmet
- Harness
- Bar
- Safety gear (PLB, GPS, mobile phone in its own waterproof bag)
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