Skilled kiteboarders are a sight to behold, as they skim along the surface of the water catching ocean breezes and performing graceful airborne ballets. But the wind can be a fickle friend, occasionally entangling the kiteboarders in their intricate rigging systems. A.J. Morgan, owner of VooDoo Kiteboarding, volunteered his time last week to train Vero Beach and Indian River County Ocean Rescue lifeguards for just such an occurrence.
Morgan is one of only three United States P.A.S.A. (Professional Air Sports Association) Examiners, authorized to train and certify other kiteboard instructors. Based in Melbourne, the company provides instruction to all levels of kiteboarders along Central Florida and Treasure Coast waters.
“A lot of people try to go out on their own and that’s when trouble happens,” said Kris Bottger, Vero Beach Ocean Rescue Lieutenant.
Morgan agreed, stressing that professional training is essential. He likened it to other air sports such as skydiving, which should also not be attempted without instruction.
“It’s one of the biggest things we tell people – do not try this on your own. You must take a lesson. It’s not an instant-gratification sport,” said Morgan.
Morgan displayed and spoke about the kiteboard equipment and rigging before going into safety training and the various considerations that Ocean Rescue teams need to be aware of when assisting a kiteboarder in distress.
“The different types of safety releases on the harnesses surprised me,” said Bottger.
Dangers can be land-based as well, as improperly laid-out kites can sometimes catch wind and take off. Bottger added, “That’s when you see people dragged across the sand and into the water or crashing into buildings.”
Bottger said they were all grateful to receive the training, noting, “He drove down just to help us out. To help us keep the sport that he loves safe.”