You should always wear a helmet. Like bicycle laws they are encouraged in some countries and mandatory in others. Your head is most delicate part of your body, if you crash into sea at a high-rate of speed or run into rocks your chances of suffering head trauma can be disabling.

Watch weather conditions. It is important to understand weather and effects of strong wind and how it can play havoc on avid KiteSurfers.

Other guidelines you will learn along way will be important and somewhat common knowledge but it is good to go over basics to make sure you and people around you remain safe as you launch.

· Never launch kites in crowded swimming areas · Do not lay your lines out along beach · Whenever possible try not to launch kite from sand · Be willing to help KiteSurfers as they re-enter beach · When making jumps in water, measure downwind zone · If you can not swim far distances avoid going deep into ocean · Use your self-rescue signals when killing power to kite · Always wear a life-jacket or a buoyancy jacket.

By following simple rules you can keep yourself as well as those around you safe during launch and re-entry to beach.

To start a fire, only two things are needed—heat and fuel. Whenever you visit backcountry, always be sure to carry both heat and fuel. Heat is easiest to carry in form of waterproof matches or a weather proof lighter. Fuel is tougher to carry although starter fuel such as lint and mineral oil shouldn’t be too difficult to carry. Nature provides an abundance of fuel if you know what you’re looking for. Whether rubbing sticks together (yuck) or using waterproof matches (yea), be sure you know how to start a fire before you start your journey. There are many ways to start a fire and you should find at least three of them that work for you. You can find lots on-line regarding this life skill.

The most enjoyable way to experience our backcountry is “low impact” way. You’ve most likely heard phrase “leave only footprints, take only pictures.” If we take good care of our wilderness areas, not only will we be able to enjoy them our entire lives but our descendants will have opportunity to enjoy them too. There are many organizations actively educating outdoor enthusiasts as to best way to “low impact” recreate. Two very popular organizations are Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace.

Knowing these five life skills will provide you with confidence to fully enjoy your time in backcountry. Once you’ve mastered these skills be sure to pass them on to your friends and family. Get Outdoors!