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I find the post about accident that happened at 3rd Ave upper launch on 5/11 very disturbing. A couple of people mentioned the point that the guy was not wearing a helmet, but I think this wasn't emphasized enough, so I want to open a separate thread just about this subject alone.

I am sure MOST people (including myself) agree that wearing a helmet is absolutely necessary. So I have a question - how do you feel when someone without a helmet asks you for a launch?

1) "Sorry, I don't launch kiters without helmets".
2) "Ok, I will launch you, but please wear a helmet next time you ask me to launch".
3) "Sure, but you need to wear a helmet"

Which answer would you pick? In none of the above - please write your own answer.

Now, the next question is about friends who wear no helmets. Then what?

This is gonna be an interesting thread. :::)

michael wrote:Now, the next question is about friends who wear no helmets. Then what?

4) "Sorry, but we can't be friends unless you wear a helmet."

yea, make all those bare headed kiters self launch. that will be much safer.

yea, make all those bare headed kiters self launch. that will be much safer.

I'm not launching anyone unless they have a Go Joe on their board.

I'm not launching anyone without passing a full background check.

behindThePeak wrote:yea, make all those bare headed kiters self launch. that will be much safer.

That's a good one.

"I am trying to commit a suicide, could you please push me off the bridge?" - "Sure, let me help you. Otherwise, you would need to do it on your own, which would be unsafe, and I am very concerned about your safety, my friend."

A person with no helmet cares little about his safety already. If you launch him, your concern about his safety is little, too. However, if you don't launch him (or at least make a point not to ask next time if he has no helmet), you make it clear that his safety does concern you.

michael wrote:

behindThePeak wrote:A person with no helmet cares little about his safety already. If you launch him, your concern about his safety is little, too. However, if you don't launch him (or at least make a point not to ask next time if he has no helmet), you make it clear that his safety does concern you.

I appreciate your concern for safety--I'm a helmet person myself--but I think you're way overstating it. Sure, when we have an incident like the recent one at Third, it's horrifying, but really, how often does that happen? My guess is that the odds are somewhere in the struck-by-lightning zone.

I'm actually more shocked at the number of people who don't seem to wear sunscreen, or any type of eye protection. These things are guaranteed to have an adverse effect each and every session. I also get anxious when I see people riding way, way, way out there. The rule is supposed to be don't go further than you can swim. Can you swim from three miles out? This rule is broken constantly.

But we're all grownups and can't tell each other what to do, unless it's a flagrant violation of easily-addressed safety rules, like stopping someone from launching their 12m in 25 mph winds.

Did you know,

4 out of 5 dentists surveyed recommended sugarless gum to their patients who chew gum.

It all comes down to personal preference as to the efficacy of the treatment. I prefer unleaded fuel.