During the ban on kites imposed on Fylde Borough Council land in 2006 the Fylde Kite Access Comittee along with we here at Hangtime and with the assistance of the BKSA, BPKA, BFKA wrote a code of practice that we hope kite pilot's will observe on the Fylde coast.  

• Responsible flying prevents conflict 
• preventing conflict keeps our access to the coastline and protects our sport!
• Be nice, it doesn't cost anything but can win you the prize!

Fylde Coast 
Kitesport Code of Conduct

Kitesports are an enjoyable, physical and fun pastime.  All kites can be used in a safe manner.  
As with all sports there are risks and it is the aim of this code of conduct to reduce those risks wherever possible both for the kite pilot and the general public.  
Kites used irresponsibly can be dangerous!  

So that we may all continue to use the beaches in the area we would ask you to voluntarily register with us and observe the following best practice guidelines. 

All Kite Pilots: 
 
You are the person presenting the hazard (the kite) to the general public; therefore you have a duty to ensure the public’s safety.  Many members of the public do not know about the risks that kites pose.  They will wander under kites, get between you and the kite and may even attempt to help you launch or land your kite. 
 
Please be patient with members of the public you are an advocate for kitesports! 
 
Safety advice for all kite pilots
 
• Please remain calm and approachable with the public 

• Always be a respectful, courteous and a role model for kiting 

• Move your kite away from danger when launching and landing; consider using the corners of the wind window to hover the kite if there is a risk of being lifted by the kite. 

• Don’t kite near obstacles especially when you could be carried downwind towards them. 

• Please don’t set up kites or fly kites in the kite exclusion zones. 

• Don’t leave ground stakes in the beach as they are a hazard to other users. 

• If you leave your kite on the beach; 

• Weigh your kite down using more sand than you think you might  need 

• Disconnect your lines from the kite 

• If possible wrap up your lines to remove the trip hazard 

• Remember kites can on occasion re-launch themselves, if you intend leaving your kite for a long period pack it away. 

• Before you let someone have a go with your kite make sure you know what their ability is, if you don’t know point them in the right direction for training. 

• Check your equipment!  Never fly on damaged equipment and don’t fly if the wind is too strong for you.  If in doubt, don’t go out!  

• THERE IS A 75 MTR KITE EXCLUSION ZONE AROUND THE SAND DUNES AND ACCESS POINTS AT LYTHAM & ST. ANNE'S & BLACKPOOL BEACHES PLEASE DO NOT SET UP OR FLY IN THESE AREAS! 

Regardless of your kitesport your priority is the safety of the public 
       
Additional Safety Advice for Kite Buggy & Landboard 

 
 
• Have consideration for other beach users, stick to the areas shown on the map and if there is no room because of public use and the tide wait for the beach to clear. 

• Do not kite in the area at the top of the beach, (see map for details) this is a kite exclusion zone.  If you can’t kite due to tide WAIT until conditions are right. 

• The public have right of way, stay well away from people. if you can’t buggy / landboard and look around because your concentrating on the kite go back to kite basics until you can! 

• Never let an unknown person try your buggy or landboard as they may not be able to handle it safely. 

• Use a kite leash where appropriate and safe to do so especially if using de-powerable kites. 

• Check your equipment prior to use. Check: 

o Tyre pressures 

o Wheel / axle / frame / headset nuts are tight  

o Material integrity (footstraps / bindings & seats) 


• Consider wearing a helmet, even the best pilots can make mistakes and you’ll set a good example to people coming into the sport who haven’t developed all their skills yet. 

• Get 3rd party liability insurance, it’s not expensive and can be obtained through the BPKA website. 
 
Additional Safety Advice for Kitesurfers 
 
• Avoid launching inshore, instead get your kite over water as soon as possible, launch / land with the kite on the water line. 

• Don’t perform difficult tricks / jumps close inshore or near other water / beach users. 

• Don’t let inexperienced people assist you to launch / land your kite unless you’ve taken the time to show them how to do it. 

• Always let someone know where you’re going and what time you’ll be back so that they can contact emergency services if you don’t show up. 

• Always use a kite leash that is tested and suitable for the kite you are flying.   

• Ensure you have practiced using all safety releases on your kite and leash. 

• Wear appropriate safety equipment and consider wearing a helmet and buoyancy aid. 

• Know your kite and your limits, if you can’t cope with the wind conditions put your kite down and fly another day. 

• Always carry a safety knife 

• Do not wear over trousers that are too heavy or thick as they can impair your ability to swim 

• Know and practice self rescue techniques before you need to use them in anger, water re-launch, upwind body drag and deep water pack down are essential skills to have before venturing out on the water. 

• Never sail in off-shore conditions, unless you have appropriate safety cover e.g. rescue boat / jet ski. 

• Know your tide times 

• If you’re new to kitesurfing GET EDUCATED qualified instructors will help you progress quickly and keep you safe in the process. 

• If you lose your kite / board you should contact the coastguard at the first available opportunity (999) and inform them what you have lost. Don’t expect the coastguard to recover your equipment but the equipment can present a navigational hazard for other sea users or if found may result in a needless search and rescue. 

• At tides higher than 9mtr’s please DO NOT kitesurf at Star Gate as the access situation is compounded by the use of this area.  Instead please use the coastguard access between Star Gate and the Pier as there is more space to kitesurf safely away from the public. 

This code of practice has been produced with guidance from the British Power Kitesports Association, British Kite Flyers Association and the British Kite Surf Association. 
 
If you have an incident or accident on this coast please report it to; 
info@hangtimekitekites.com and / or www.fylde.gov.uk
 
For more information please contact; 
 
Tony Shepherd at South Shore Boardriders  
tony@southshoreboardriders.co.uk
or ring Phil Clarkson on: 07903 492577 
 
 
Alex Fishpool at Fleetwood Kite Club / Hangtime Kitesports  
www.fleetwoodkiteclub.com  
info@hangtimekites.com
Tel: 01253 870 000 
 
PLEASE NOTE: 
 
The Beach Patrol Officer has the final say in disputes, failure to comply with this code of practice could lead to prosecution under current bylaws and removal of your equipment and your person from the beach.