As a kitesurfer you need to know the universal hand signals you will see employed on every kite beach the world over. This means that not only can you communicate with other kitesurfers on the beach even when it's blowing a gale, but also that you understand what others are trying to communicate to you so you can be a help not a hinderance on the beach and join in launching, landing and generally helping out your fellow kitesurfers.
We will take a look at the most used hand signals showing you a goofy (you never know whether to smile or not!) picture and explaining exactly what it means. Please make sure to be polite when doing this. Other people are not there for your convenience and should be thanked appropriately.
Land my kite...please!
Patting the top of the head with either hand. Given by the person in control of the kite to a bystander on the beach. The signal means could you please land my kite for me. The person in control of the kite will then bring it down and hold the kite within easy grasp of the lander. The lander should either simply attempt to hold on to the kite if not sure what to do or secure the kite on the beach.
Land your kite to me
Patting the top of the head with either hand whilst pointing at the kite. Given by someone on the beach, this signals tells the person in control of the kite to land their kite to this person. Generally used by instructors but seen in general use aswell.
Thumbs Up..all good
The universal thumbs up all good signal, generally given right before launch to signal the launcher to release the kite. Its opposite the thumbs down again in relation to launching the kite is given by the pilot if there is a problem with the kite and they DO NOT want the launcher to release the kite.