Last week, experienced Argentinian kitesurfing instructor Fernando Cappi tragically lost his life following an accident in Argentina.

I am sharing this with respect for Fernando, his family and friends—not to criticize his decisions, assign blame or claim that we know exactly what happened. The investigation is ongoing, and possible line entanglement or underwater debris has only been raised as a hypothesis.

The conditions shown appear strong and gusty. Although they may have been manageable for a rider with Fernando’s reported level of experience, they were certainly not suitable for a beginner or intermediate kiter. This tragedy is also a sobering reminder that even highly experienced and safety-conscious riders are not immune to an unexpected sequence of events.

Please take a moment to remember these potentially lifesaving principles:

RELEASE EARLY AND BE PREPARED TO LOSE YOUR GEAR

If you become badly tangled, trapped, continuously dragged or pulled underwater, do not waste precious time trying to save your kite. Activate your primary quick release. If the kite or lines remain a danger, activate the safety-leash release and completely separate yourself from the equipment. Gear can be replaced. A life cannot. I have personally been involved in separating kitesurfers from their gear on several occasions. Each time, the rider would simply refuse to use their safety systems even when repeatedly shouted at to do so. Perhaps out of fear of losing their equipment, perhaps out of panic, perhaps out of a lack of reflexes or proper training.

CONNECT YOUR SAFETY LEASH AT THE FRONT OR SIDE OF YOUR HARNESS

Never attach it to the rear of the harness. If you are being pulled backwards, twisted around or held face-down, a rear-mounted release can become extremely difficult—or impossible—to reach. Your leash release should always remain immediately accessible under load. Use a short leash whenever possible, especially in very strong conditions. Short leashes have less risk of becoming tangled and are easier to manage.

ALWAYS CARRY AN ACCESSIBLE HOOK KNIFE

Keep it in a fixed position that you can reach instantly, including if one arm is restricted. Inspect it regularly and replace it if the blade becomes blunt, corroded or too rusted. If you are dangerously tangled and your releases cannot free you, use the knife decisively before exhaustion or submersion makes escape impossible.

PRACTISE THE COMPLETE RELEASE SEQUENCE

Know exactly where both releases and your hook knife are without needing to look. Practise activating them with either hand until the movements become automatic. An emergency is not the time to work out how your safety system operates.

Strong conditions leave very little time to correct a bad situation. Releasing a few seconds too early might cost you equipment; releasing a few seconds too late can cost far more.
Rest in peace, Fernando. Sincere condolences to his family, friends, students and the Argentinian kitesurfing community.

Video:



Report: cuestionentrerriana.com.ar/tragedia-en-la-laguna-setubal-murio-el-instructor-de-kitesurf-fernando-cappi/

Stay Safe!

Christian - KiteBud