[ricki]

A kiter was riding a prototype Sling Shot Raptor kite yesterday when the wind suddenly shifted offshore. The rider tried to make back to shore but pronounced lulls made keeping the kite flying difficult. After drifting offshore a ways they decided to release the kite. The southwesterly winds continued until about 3 am after the windshift around 5:20 pm off Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

The kite likely dragged the bar and lines along northeast until captured by the Florida Current moving the lot north north east at around 3 kts. on top of wind drift. After around 3 am easterly winds returned likely shoving the lot in a north north west direction.

Ok, for extra points, where will the kite land, along what beach???

a. Pompano to Boca Raton
b. Delray to Lake Worth
c. Palm Beach to Jupiter
d. North of Tequesta
e. A warm core gyre will orbit the kite back to Ft. Lauderdale?

The prototype kite belongs to Hamish, who loaned it to a close friend. Hamish understandably would like to get it back. If you find it or hear word, please tell us about it here or email flkitesurfer at hotmail.com

p.s. - work to anticipate windshifts from weather planning, and be on the lookout for shift signs around the time you expect it to move. Stay closer to shore around that time. If in doubt, land, it beats swimming or losing gear. If you can't self rescue with the new wind direction, consider side stroking the lot in. You may need to lessen the profile of the kite to ease wind drag. Your impact vest and strong swimming skills should make the whole process easier and less problematical.