Gusts can be detected by simple observation on the spot, and anticipating a gust prevents us from getting into a dangerous situation. Here are a few situations that can be observed.

1. The updraft

Walls, buildings, trees, hills, cliff, and sand dunes can create an updraft on their upwind. The distance of the wind turbulence exponentially increases when the wind blows faster. A spot can be safe in 15 knots and become a nightmare in 25 knots.
Safety tip: Increase the safety distance between you and obstacles in order to avoid being lifted and consequently ending your ride in an obstacle.

2. The downdraft

Downdrafts are also created by obstacles. Once lifted, the rider suddenly drops with no power in the kite to slow down his fall. As for the updraft, the length of the affected area increases exponentially when the wind increases and so does the risk of accidents.
Safety tip: launch, land and ride away from the affected area. If you have the chance of not being lifted but that your kite stalls, it means that there is a downdraft effect. Stop kiteboarding immediately!

3. The gust front

The gust front is created by the rain, generated by a big cloud that has a black base. The sudden rainfall creates a strong and unstable wind. The rider is therefore overpowered and can’t control the kite. Any obstacle, even at a distance, becomes a danger.
Safety tip: stop kiting as soon as you see a black cloud. The wind usually drops completely once the front gust has passed.

In every situation, avoid flying your kite at the top of the wind window. It is best to position it as close as you can to the ground, until you are sure that the wind is stable.

If you are not sure of the conditions, test the wind with a very small kite: if the kite is unstable and quickly moves forward or backward, or if you feel the bar shake, do not go kiteboarding. It is better to not be confident rather than going in the water and having an accident. Learn how to analyze the wind (the IKO Kiteboarding Vision is full of useful info) and remember it’s always better to not ride on your own!!