Parawing Safety 101 | Leashes, Life Vests and Lessons Learned

Описание: Tucker and Mr. Jeff from MACkite dive deep into a topic that often gets overshadowed by the excitement of a new sport: safety in parawinging. As more experienced watermen begin to explore this relatively new discipline, it's easy to overlook the unique risks it presents, especially since many riders skip formal lessons and instead learn through trial and error.

The conversation kicks off with Jeff sharing his personal experience—his second parawing session—where he got caught up in the moment, was pushed far offshore, and only afterward realized how vulnerable he had been. No life vest, no helmet, just a shorty wetsuit, and no backup flotation beyond the wing itself. While things went smoothly that time, it sparked a bigger conversation: what would’ve happened if his board leash had snapped or if he’d become tangled in the wing’s lines? Unlike winging, where riders have multiple built-in flotation devices (the board, the inflatable wing’s strut and leading edge), parawinging typically offers just one: the board. If you lose it, you're left floating with a collapsed wing and possibly hundreds of yards from shore.

The team stresses the importance of plan B thinking—asking, “What if the worst happens?” before heading out. Some core recommendations emerge: Always wear a leash, and double-check that it's secure and not fraying. But don't blindly trust it—leashes can break. Add a second flotation source, like a life vest, ResTube, or inflatable impact vest. It could save your life—or just your energy. Don’t venture farther than you can confidently swim back, even in warm conditions. Wind shifts, equipment failure, or injury can change everything fast. Avoid using a non-releasable leash on your parawing. The wing can act like a parachute in current or surf, and if it gets tangled or caught, you need a quick-release option. Be cautious of the bridle lines and canopy. If your wing crashes in surf or turbulent water, getting tangled can become dangerous fast. If things start going wrong, ditch the wing—throw it downwind before you get wrapped up in it.

Choose the right board. Especially as a beginner, a slightly larger board can make a huge difference. It allows you to sit, breathe, and deal with tangled lines without being submerged. Use the buddy system on downwinders. It's easy to lose track of friends without a visible kite in the air, and if someone gets in trouble, they can be hard to spot, especially in big surf.

Bring a waterproof phone or marine radio, stored in a pocket on your impact vest, so you can call for help if you get separated or land somewhere unexpected. Keep a calm mindset. Take a breath. Sit on your board. Think. Panic makes bad situations worse.

The overarching message is clear: parawinging is fun and freeing—but it's also a sport where you're often alone, far from shore, and potentially dealing with unpredictable elements. That means safety can’t be an afterthought. Even seasoned surfers, kiters, and wingers need to reset their safety habits for this new style of riding.

Tucker and Jeff close by urging riders to be mindful and proactive. Don’t just rely on experience or confidence—use common sense, think through worst-case scenarios, and prepare accordingly. It’s not about scaring people off. It’s about ensuring everyone can continue riding for years to come. If you’ve already been parawinging, this chat might be the nudge you need to reassess your setup and preparation. And if you’re getting into it, consider this your unofficial safety briefing. Share it with a buddy, pack that vest, and as they put it—enjoy the stoke, safely.

Thank you for sharing the kiteboarding and wing foiling stoke with us! 🤙🏽 Please join us in the comments section and get a conversation started. We’re always happy to help!

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