The Ministry of Transport is looking to make it mandatory for kiteboarders to wear PFDs in Canada. We propose that PFDs should be a choice by the kiteboarder and not mandated. It is the opinion of many kiteboarders that PFDs increase the risk to kiteboarders because they: 1. make body dragging to your board difficult 2. can interfere with the use of quick release safety 3. can result in more line entanglement reduce mobility, so can limit a kiteboarders ability to depower kite and board Furthermore they are not deemed necessary because both the board and kite offer more than enough flotation (and certainly more than a pillow style PFD that is certified on many vessles) to allow for kiteboarders to self rescue The current proposal by the Ministry of Transport: Sailboards and Kiteboards 219. A sailboard or kiteboard is not required to carry on board life-saving appliances, vessel safety equipment or firefighting equipment if (a) the operator is wearing a personal flotation device of an appropriate size that is not fitted with an automatic inflator; or (b) the operator is engaged in an official competition at which a safety craft is in attendance and carrying on board a personal flotation device or lifejacket of an appropriate size for the operator that can be donned in the water.

Sponsor

Links