Lessons learned: 1. Don't ever self-launch in onshore winds unless there is a huge amount of space behind the beach. 2. Keep an eye on the kite at all times.

3. If in doubt don't do it and get someone to help. 

Effective communication among kite surfers plays a major part in making Kite Surfing safer and more organized. As we all know, the sport is done on a huge location where kite surfers are usually out of earshot from other people. That is why hand signals are created. These are internationally-accepted signs designed so kite surfers can understand each other even without talking.

Hand signals are also very important to ensure safety. Miscommunication can lead to injuries, even severe ones. For instance, if the assistant throws the kite in the air before the kite surfer shows the thumbs up signal, accidents may occur as the kite flies beyond control.

These are the hand signals used by kite surfers worldwide: