The accident has affected me greatly. On behalf of the staff at Waterports West we hope Chris a speedy recovery and our prayers are with him and his family in some tough times ahead.
Chris and his mom got some gear from us back in the early summer and headed to Lake Michigan to spend time at their summer home. They had already made plans to enroll Chris in extensive kite camps at Broneah Kiteschool. Late summer Chris called me and said he had a great time and was enjoying the sport to his fullest. He was staying upwind, doing powered transitions, and already perfecting his jumping technique. We all know kids learn quickly.
Assessing risk in this sport is the key to kiting safely. With time it becomes easier. Chris was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I have personally been to the north side of the Dunedin causeway and would never consider kiting there. The risks are too high for me personally. If the wind is north I go to IRB. If it is Northeast I head south or out on the boat. It is tough for the north county folks to ride a Northeast as the options are very limited.
I educate my students especially North County folks about the Causeway and DO NOT recommend kiting the north side of the causeway due to the proximity of the power lines. If you have never been there, imagine East Beach having power lines just across the street. They are that close. I have already spoken with some kiters in that area about placing a self ban on that side. I don't feel anyone should consider kiting there. I may stand alone with this viewpoint, but so be it. Many of us have warned locals about kiting there, and it sets a bad example for new riders making one feel safe. I know we all feel a bit more comfortable about going out when there are at least a few kiters on the water. You feel like you have some backup just in case or that the spot is an "approved" spot to ride.
Correct me if I am wrong, but this has been the worst accident in the bay area to date for kiting. This young man almost lost his life and has a long recovery ahead of him. We can't change the past, but we can change the future. For anyone considering riding this spot, DON'T. Do the right thing and travel somewhere else. It may involve a drive, or not riding at all. Get a kayak and paddle 5 minutes to Caladesi.
Just one more thing to think about, a kiter got his lines in the same power lines just months ago. Fortunately, the lines were cut and a bridge was never made. The kiter's only consequence was getting a new set of lines, but it could have been another bad accident if not death.
The sport is growing and spots are being explored, but let's do the right thing here and use the causeway safely. It is great place to ride but has about every hazard in the book. Power lines and kites don't mix. It is a recipe for disaster.
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