Helicopter pickup at Sherman Island

reyrivera · Post by **reyrivera** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 7:54 pm

I agree, get rid of the leash, but if you must, like most people will do anyway, maybe they could use some sort of a fuse.

I used this method before I completely got rid of the leash, I used a really really light velcro strap attached at the connecting point of my board and leash. Make sure to test the leash and that it disengages from the board when its loaded with 5 lbs of sudden pressure (yank). Make sure that the velcro strap is wet before you do this test. This will prevent the tombstone/ricochet effect.

Of course, go joe is a much preferred option for beginners.

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 10:24 pm

The key is education!
Schools need to teach, one on one.
There needs to be a set standard for graduation, yes I said graduation!
To graduate you need to be able to body drag slightly up wind, and self-rescue.
Schools should ALL teach from some kind of watercraft. 6 hrs or more (instructed, water time) should be the norm. Schools should ALL teach from land also, this may be part of the "finish" test.
Greg

windhorny · Post by **windhorny** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 10:39 pm

Greg, we need more teachers like you, patient, experienced, fun. You can call it the "School for people who can't kite good." Seriosuly though, your passion is a neccessity for students to saturate knowledge.

OliverG · Post by **OliverG** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 11:03 pm

L.M.G. wrote:
I dont want to have to say this but:
You guys know one day someone ("REALLY GOOD!") is going to land ON the beach while JUMPING next to the bouys.. This is only a matter of time.

You saw Len-10 stuff his kite into the beach, we've all seen MANY near misses. Most of use have expernced some pain along the way- this is part of playing the game.

Greg

I've slowly but surely been working my way farther from the buoys for several reasons, with one of them being aware of just how much downwind room one may need on windy day, depending on what you're doing, and sometimes it's a LOT, sometimes more than you think.

This season I'm seeing some making their way further in, often closer than I'd ever be comfortable doing, and I'm not sure why, because they're crashing all the time and dropping kites way inside. Many of us have done it, but the windsurfers are getting tired of downed kites washing into their playpen with kiters attached who don't have enough time or room to relaunch. I know because I dropped my kite not long ago, couldn't relaunch, not for lack of room, rather lack of technique at the time I guess, but I drifted in to the windsurfer beach and was told just that. I felt bad and understand where their coming from, so I don't want to do it again.

knyfe · Post by **knyfe** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:17 pm

How is the SI guy doing?

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:24 pm

I would like to hear how the rider is doing, can anyone that
KNOWS, handle that request?
Greg

KirkTalon · Post by **KirkTalon** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:31 pm

I think kitecrazy has a very good point. One of our own has gotten badly hurt. Wether it happened due to inexperience, dumb luck or act of nature we need to find out how to continue educating ourselves, having the conviction to intervene when appropriate and looking out for each other.

I think it is all fine having our always entertaining and informative conversations but the point here should be safety, safety, safety...AND DOES ANYONE HAVE INFORMATION AS TO HOW OUR BROTHER IS DOING?

Cheers

Kirk

Yoda · Post by **Yoda** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:28 pm

Update: The injured kiter is in an induced coma to help reduce brain swelling from a severe concussion. He may also have some damage to his left eye... there was no response during tests. They were able to set his leg, but I don't know how many rods and pins he ended up with. I'll post more info as it comes, but the good thing is he is alive and will eventually heal. The sad thing is may be disabled for the rest of his life due to his head injury. I really hoping for the best on his recovery. I went kiting for the first time since the accident yesterday, but I was still in shock and honestly a little scared to go out. I've learned a lot from seeing this accident first hand and I have more respect for the power of these kites than ever before. Kiteboarding has changed my life, but everytime I go out I always have to wonder if kiting will eventually take my life. Until then I'm going to enjoy every aspect of the awesome sport!!! Kite Safe!

windhorny · Post by **windhorny** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:52 pm

Man, that sucks that anyone would have to go through that. i think this is why i dont mind being criticized for mowing the lawn or dangling. I am always thinking about all the people I know that seem to brake ribs and knee's like they aren't that valuable, since they are programmers and didnt lose their fingers. but If i lost a knee or a rib, my work would sieze and life would completely change for me. it is something to think about seriously everytime you are out there. I bet this guy would be happy knowing he had some positive influence on us. What's his name?

kitecrazy · Post by **kitecrazy** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:03 pm

Yoda - Thank you for the update.

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Helicopter pickup at Sherman Island

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