PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE USING ANY ACTION SPORTS WA PRODUCTS

ACTION SPORTS WA support and represent a multitude of sports considered as “risky” or “adrenaline” sports.  These sports include but are not limited to Surfing, Kitesurfing, electric skateboards, electric powered bikes, foilboards and wing foils.  The use of these products puts the rider at potentially serious risk by the very nature of the sports and the use of the equipment required.

Action Sports WA strongly advise and recommend the rider uses all appropriate safety equipment to prevent, or at least minimize injury.  This includes but is not limited to : Helmets, impact vests, sunglasses, floatation devices, elbow, hip, wrist and knee pads and protection, thick padded clothing, shoes or booties, wetsuits and gloves etc.  It is up to you to determine the safety equipment necessary for the sport of your choosing.  The staff at Action Sports WA are highly experienced and are happy to recommend and supply safety equipment for you if you are unsure.

In addition to the potential of falling from using these items, it is impossible to prevent injury or even death due to unforeseen conditions including but not limited to :

Environmental – Waves, heat, sun exposure, fire, tides, whirlpools, sand bars, aggressive marine or terrestrial animals, other vessels and members of the public, cosmic radiation, storms, lightning, rain, wind, loose substrate when skating etc

Mechanical/Electrical failure – electronic interference, mechanical or electrical failure of components due to, but not restricted to, solar radiation, heat, cold, vibration, abnormal loads or impact with foreign objects.

Personal – Do not ride whilst intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, deprived of sleep, you are unwell, injured, or at speeds which you are at risk of sustaining serious injury.  As speed increases, so does the potential for serious injury or death.

By engaging in the sports that we represent, there is a voluntary assumption of risk.

SKATEBOARD SPECIFIC WARNINGS AND SAFETY

HOW TO RIDE E-SKATEBOARDS SAFELY

• Always wear a helmet and other safety equipment when riding the board. Everyone falls eventually through your own fault or the fault of others or possibly even equipment failure – using our products are fun but you must take care with this product.
• Your skateboard can lose brakes and power during your ride at any time due to low battery on the skateboard or remote, or due to electrical or other interference with the wireless connection. For this reason, you should only ride your board at speeds which allow you to safely stop the board without power or brakes. This means, getting comfortable with slowing down by using one foot sliding along the ground.
• Ensure you are familiar with the braking processes and maintain a safe distance from others.
• Always obey and check the local road rules and other applicable laws in your area for where you can ride. Do not ride on busy roads with line markings as this is dangerous to yourself and other road users.Please note that personal electric mobility devices such as electric skateboards are not legal to ride in WA, unless you are on private property with no public access.
• The fastest speed modes are very powerful and the trigger is highly sensitive. Be sure to be very gentle with the trigger control to avoid being thrown off the board and only ride to your ability. Start by trying to move as slowly as possible within these speed modes when both using the brakes and acceleration.
• Do not ride the board if you are fatigued, unwell or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Do not ride the board in adverse weather conditions. The board may slide from under your feet causing injury to yourself and/or others. Always ensure you are aware of the weather conditions to avoid the risk of being caught in the wrong conditions for your product (including waves, wind and rain).
• Always maintain your board in good working order as this is your responsibility. Regularly check and tighten all screws/nuts throughout the skateboard. Always clean your bearings for safe performance and the best roll and quietest/smoothest ride (including the bearing in the drive gear). Bearings get dirty and affect ride quality and may reduce battery performance, causing possible bearing failure which may injure yourself and/or others. Our products require care and attention – please maintain your product with ongoing services and ensure that all parts are working as intended before each use.
• Use your product in a controlled environment where possible to minimise the risk of harm. When off-road, in a remote area or in the water, ensure that someone knows where you are and that you can contact emergency services if required.
• Only ride to your ability and stay within your limits to minimise your risk of misadventure.
• BEFORE YOUR FIRST RIDE: Do your homework and read the owner’s manual prepared by the product’s manufacturer as these may vary between products (look out for safety and care tips!).
• As we say to everyone who purchases a board from us.  Don’t ride faster than you can run 😉

RIDING AROUND PEDESTRIANS

If you are in a location where is it legal to ride electric mobility devices, please adhere to our guidance:

• Always respect pedestrians by giving them right of way, no matter where you are. If you are unsure, stop and allow pedestrians safe passage past you!
• In busy areas slow down to walking pace or less so that you set a good example, by showing pedestrians how safe they are to use. If the area is too busy, pick up your device and walk with everyone else.
• Pay extra attention to the possibility of pedestrians stepping out of pathways and shops without looking. Pedestrians will not expect you to be in their way, unless they can see you.
• Try to find roads and paths that are free of pedestrians. There are plenty of back roads and lane ways that are under used and free of all traffic.
• We recommend a bell be worn on your hand, so that you can alert pedestrians before you pass them. Electric mobility devices are silent, so you need to make sure your approach is heard.
• Note that animals and children will behave unexpectedly, so please give them extra space when passing. Dogs have been known to chase electric skateboards, so be prepared to stop and wait for the owner’s assistance.

E-SKATEBOARD RISK WARNINGS:

• Avoid water – electric skateboards are not completely waterproof. The electronics, bearings and other components may be damaged due to water ingress and water damage is not covered by warranty. Riding in wet conditions is also very dangerous and may cause injury to yourself and others.
• Abuse – the board is not designed to be subjected to rough handling. Do not jump on the board, do not ride off gutters or curbs, do not smash the board into hard objects, do not drop the board on the ground for starting operation. Although the product has been made to handle spirited riding, it is still an electrical product and needs to be handled with care and respect. Our warranty does not cover any damage to the board as result of rough handling or misuse .
• Whenever you ride an electric skateboard, you risk serious injury or even death from loss of control, collisions, and falls. While this information and other information included with your board provide guidance on how to most safely use your board, failure to exercise due care, skill and diligence may put you at risk of serious injury or death should you lose control, suffer a collision or fall off your board. You must read ALL instructions and safety messages and warnings in the product manuals.
• Riding on Hills – riding on hills can be very dangerous; what goes up must come down! If you ride up a steep hill and you intend to ride down the same hill, you must be competent at controlling your speed and direction without the aid of the electronic brakes if ever there was a malfunction or there was a situation where the electronic brakes fail.
• Charging – Always charge our products or any lithium batteries with adult supervision. Never charge batteries overnight while everyone in the house is asleep. An electrical fault could cause unexpected smoke or fire.
• Product components can fail without warning – you need to be prepared for the unusual cases where a product fails during use. Only ride at speeds you are prepared to fall off at.

RIDE WITH FRIENDS:

Social riding is a great way to learn more. Here are some social groups in Western Australia:On Facebook request membership of these groups:ESK8 Perth

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/PerthEvolveskaters
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/perthelectricskateboarders 
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/evolveowners/

KITESURFING SAFETY

FOILBOARDING SAFETY

WHERE TO FOIL

• Check the weather warnings before you set off to ensure you are comfortable with the swell and the wind forecasts. The wind and swell direction can help you select the best paddling location before you travel there. We use:
  https://magicseaweed.com/
  https://www.coastalwatch.com/
• http:s//www.seabreeze.com.au
  https://www.swellnet.com/
• Look out for rips and currents before you enter the water. If you are not sure, please read more here: http://lifesaving.com.au/rips/
• If you are at a beach, please respect the local surf lifesaver instructions and stay well away from red & yellow flags, the surf craft signs and stay away from swimmers.
• If you are new to a water way or river, seek local advice before entering, as rivers may be subject to flash flooding in certain areas.

HOW TO PREPARE

• Take a friend or let someone know where you are going.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, which might be wetsuit or rashie. Apply sunscreen before you get to the water. Consider a hat and sunglasses in extreme heat.
• Plan how you will secure you car, by taking a key lock.  You will be able to lock your car, place the keys in the key safe, then lock the key safe to your car with a combo lock. All the surfers use them for their convenience.
• Ensure your leg rope and foil are secured to the board before you leave and don’t forget to take your paddle or wind wing!
• Foilboarding can be dangerous.  Cuts, and impacts from the foil and or the board are an inherent risk with foiling.  Please ensure you take adequate precautions like wearing a helmet, an impact/floatation vest, booties and a wetsuit etc.
• Ensure you carry appropriate safety equipment in accordance with local maritime regulations.  This may include flares, a radio or phone, Personal Locating Beacons or EPIRB and first aid.
• When using water products, ensure that you are using adequate flotation devices.
• Make sure you firmly attach and check all assembled components prior to use as loose connections can result in unwanted flight performance.

Have fun everyone! Be safe and courteous on land and water.