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Old 09-10-2004, 08:49 PM
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54. Incident # 9 02 1 "Kiteboarder Fatality in Spain" Location: Valencia, Spain
Date: September 2, 2002 Participant account included: No Number of independent accounts: 4
Summary
A new kiteboarder of about two months experience was preparing to launch his approximate 16 m, four line Naish kite. A storm was approaching and other kiteboarders had told him not to launch his kite in the imminent storm conditions. The new kiteboarder said he could handle things, ignored this advice and went back to setting up his kite. It was indicated that this new kiteboarder had shown over-confidence in his abilities in the past and was not receptive to advice. It was indicated that the kiteboarder was still working on getting up on his board. He was flying his kite while hooked into the chicken loop on the beach for about 5 to 6 minutes, apparently with the intent of body dragging in the water. Suddenly a storm gust hit, lofted the kiteboarder inland over an unspecified distance towards some town home dwellings along the shoreline. Following impact the man got up, apparently uninjured while still hooked in and walked towards the kite carrying his control bar. A second gust hit, estimated to be on the order of 35 to 40 kts. and carried the rider a short distance into a privacy wall around a town home. The kiteboarder was not wearing a helmet and died as a result of the impact. The over all horizontal distance of travel was estimated to be 10 m (33 ft.).
Lessons learned
1. Always take adequate kiteboarding lessons. The price of learning on your own may be too high.
2. Always avoid unstable squally weather. Check weather predictions, real-time wind reports and color radar out in advance of your kiteboarding session. If excessive gusty or stormy weather is in the area or moving towards your area, don't go kiteboarding. While out kiteboarding always be aware of weather conditions and come in well in advance of serious wind speed, direction or temperature changes related to storms. If in doubt, come in.
3. Never approach your kite while attached to your control bar unless an assistant is firmly holding your kite. If you must walk up to your kite under these conditions, grasp one line only and carefully walk towards the kite while maintaining tension on this one line only.
4. Gloves are a good idea if this technique is used. It would be safest for the kiteboarder however not necessarily for bystanders to remove your kite leash after tensioning the one line but before walking towards the kite.
5. Don't launch hooked in or attached to your bar, particularly if you are new to kiteboarding. Rehearse letting go of your bar to activate your leash. Test your leash in advance of trouble to improve the chances of it working properly (see link listed below).
6. Never fly your kite onshore for extended periods. Launch it with the kite near the water, raise it high enough to clear obstacles (20 to 30 degrees of the land) and go offshore immediately.
7. Always wear appropriate safety gear including at a minimum a well fitting, good quality helmet, an impact pfd, a hook knife(s), a whistle and gloves.
8. Never allow over-confidence to put you into a critically vulnerable position. This will take some self-awareness and honesty, but the price of self-deception may be more than you wish to pay.
9. Review the documents listed under Kiteboarding Resources for ideas on how to potentially kiteboard more safely. The documents and ideas have been prepared from analysis of actual kiteboarding incidents and accidents. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesu...%20REFERENCES/



Commentary
This accident and fatality could easily have been avoided. It is important to note that this could happen to ANYONE under similar circumstances. Kites are extremely powerful under violent wind gust loading. It was readily predictable, trouble had been anticipated by other riders and good advice given to the new kiteboarder, which was ignored. The kiteboarder apparently trivialized the hazard or didn't bother to consider the logical consequences of his actions. Of course it is unlikely the other kiteboarders would have predicted this severe of an outcome. Kiteboarders that fly near storms should eventually expect violent, sudden winds and potentially serious consequences. Many kiteboarders have been injured to date and some have been killed by the effects of storms or squalls. The only reasonable solution is to use good judgment and knowledge to avoid circumstances such as these. New riders while still learning need to be particularly cautious. Experienced riders need to understand what is at risk and be prepared to be injured if they choose to kiteboard near such conditions. We really need to effectively spread the word about the hazards of unstable stormy weather. Too many riders do not view it as having any real significance. Perhaps cattle in the field show the same lack of concern to a pending lightening storm. We need to learn from these experiences and spread the lessons effectively to our fellow riders. This puts particular burdens on kiteboarding retailers, instructors, associations and the media. If we wish to avoid, avoidable accidents and occasional fatalities this communication needs to effectively occur. Additional information on storms and kiteboarding appears in the General References at the Internet location listed above.
Additional information appears at:
A newspaper account:
http://www.elpais.es/articulo.html?d...chor=elpepinac
And information from an Internet forum:
http://www.kiteforum.com/phpBB/viewt...2072&forum=1&7


52. Incident # 02 1 "Over-powered Launch Injures Rider" Location: 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA, USA
Date:August 14, 2002 Participant account included: No Number of independent accounts: 1
Summary
A kiteboarder of unspecified experience had requested an assisted launch of his Cabrinha CO2 9.4 m four line LEI in steady 18-22 MPH onshore winds. He had apparently been out recently with a CO2 7.2 m and was underpowered. He did not want to make that mistake on this day. The rider was launching in the chicken loop with his kite fully powered up. The launch layout compelled the assisted launch to occur with the kite more downwind or closer to the center of the wind window than at the side of the wind window, i.e. the rider is launched "hot." The assistant is uneasy about the launch circumstances but rationalized that if the rider depowered his kite fully and he should be able to run to grab the rider if he is dragged.
The kite is released , the rider stumbles through two steps, falls and is immediately dragged across the ground fast, bouncing on his hips, legs and shoulders. The rider gets pulled thru muddy pond with his head underwater, then is slammed into rock embankment with sickening force. At this point, the kite stopped flying, which was unexpected under the circumstances but very fortunate. The assisting kiteboarder ran over, unbuckled his harness, discerned that he didn't have anything life threatening happening, and had a golfer call 911. Paramedics, fire truck and ambulance arrived quickly and rapidly transported the injured rider to the hospital. Reportedly the rider had been told by his instructor that the 9.4 m kite was too large for the conditions. The rider was not wearing a helmet or impact pfd. The kiteboarder was diagnosed with chipped bones in his ankle and knee, fractured wrist, and will required emergency hand surgery.
Miraculously the rider had no head or spinal cord injuries.
Lessons learned
1. Launch in conditions and at a location within your ability and experience, with suitable equipment, in a safe manner.
2. If you underestimate the power of your kite, gusting winds, or launch selection it can be easy to be injured.
2. Refer to the steps described in the Safe Kiteboarding Guidelines and other appropriate practices to try to improve your kiteboarding safety.
3. Always try to launch your kite from a portion of the wind window appropriate for the wind speed evident. That is if you are at the higher end of the wind range for a given kite, launch with the kite at about 70 to 80 degrees off the wind, if you are in the middle of the wind range, launch at around 90 degrees and if you are at the bottom end of the wind range for the kite consider launching at 90 to 120 degrees off the wind as appropriate. Your kite upon release should gradually rise under control and not pull the rider with undue pressure.
4. One approach that is generally safer is to launch with your kite closer to the water than the rider. If you are dragged you should be dragged into the water as opposed to upland. Bring your kite up only about 15 to 25 degrees from the ground and immediately go offshore. DO NOT BRING YOUR KITE TO THE VERTICAL OR ZENITH WHILE ONSHORE OR NEAR HARD OBJECTS.
5. If you decide to hook or snap shackle into your chicken loop or harness line, even with a quick release function, you should assume that someday you will be injured by this practice. I safer course of action is never to hook in or connect to your control bar during launch.
6. Always wear safety gear including at a minimum a good helmet appropriate for kiteboarding, an impact pfd, hook knives, whistle and gloves.
7. Be particularly cautious in onshore winds. Choosing not to launch in such winds may save you injury someday, regardless of your level of skill.
Commentary
This was another unfortunate, avoidable accident. If fortune had not been with this rider he could have very easily been killed, at several points in this accident. Probability dictates that we will have only so many narrow escapes along with other less fortunate accident outcomes. We really need to take the power and potential hazards of this sport in all seriousness. Review and follow the Safe Kiteboarding Guidelines and other appropriate practices. This type of accident has been repeated in the KSI. We really need to approach this sport with more care otherwise every once in a while a rider will be injured, sometimes severely. People often trivialize the risks of this sport or worse never even stop to consider them or to take adequate professional instruction.

51. Incident # 7 02 4 "Surprise Injures Kiteboarder" Location: El Yaque, Isla Margarita,Venezuela
Date: July 14, 2002 Participant account included: Yes Number of independent accounts: 0
Summary
An experienced rider was kiteboarding from Playa el Yaque to Coche Island over a distance of about 5 to 6 miles. He was flying a Rhino 12 m LEI kite in 19 to 24 kt. conditions. He had almost reached the shore of Coche Island and was trying to pass at full power between a local native fishing boat and the shore. He was riding through a 200 m (660 ft.) gap and felt he had plenty of room. Suddenly a long narrow net rope, called a "mecate" rose up out of the water to the riders neck level when he was only a few yards away. He steered away from the line and tried to jump the fishing boat. It was too late and the rider crashed his head into the boat.
He was knocked unconscious for about 3 minutes while for part of that time the kite was pulling him with his head beneath the water. The rider was senseless until he was brought to the beach. A jet ski rider came up and pulled his quick release loop setting the kite free. Some other people helped him ashore. Until the jet ski rider pulled the quick release the kite was still powered up and attached as the bystanders didn't know how to release the snap shackle.
After a few hours he was transported to the hospital by the "Defensa Civil de Venezuela" and Hotel El Yaque Paradise staff. He was in the hospital for 3 days with head injury and while connected to a pump for emptying fluid from his lungs and stomach.
Lessons Learned
1. In kiteboarding "distance is your friend." Gusts, water craft, windsurfers, kiteboarders, anchor and tow lines, hard objects can suddenly come too close. Kiteboarders often just can't react quickly enough to avoid impact. As in the case of following distances while driving, allow yourself adequate reaction time, if not someday you may have your own accident. If in doubt about coming too close to something, stay away!
2. Always wear safety gear including at a minimum a good helmet appropriate for kiteboarding, an impact pfd, hook knives, whistle and gloves. A good helmet would have probably helped and possibly a impact pfd to minimize this rider's injuries.
Commentary
This rider was having a great time, well powered and shredding along. He came close to a boat and things changed rapidly, too rapidly. Most riders would not think that the boat might raise a line at anytime. If the kiteboarder had hit a taught line at speed serious injury could have resulted from that as well. In some sense this accident might be deemed unavoidable, except for using caution near and in general avoiding hard objects. Another remote possible reaction would have been for the rider to perform a sudden transition. If he was too close however this would not work. When you are traveling at speed awareness, analysis and reaction can devour critical time for action. Such steps are inevitable and necessary. The only alternative is to try to use distance to permit you adequate time to safely react.

50. Incident # 7 02 2 "Tied Up In Kite Line & Violently Dragged" Location: Newport, OR, USA
Date: July 1, 2002 Participant account included: Yes Number of independent accounts: 0
Summary
An advanced rider with 3 yrs kiteboarding and 25 yrs. windsurfing experience was out in the open ocean with a Wipika Freeair 6.5 m kite in 26 to 28 mph, side offshore conditions and 6 ft. or higher waves. He was riding downwind of a jetty that is perpendicular to shore. He was in the company of three other kiteboarders and they were all wave riding. The advanced rider turned and allowed a wide breadth of about 100 ft. from the nearest kiteboarder. That kiteboarder launched a jump, possibly one of his first jumps, to a height of about 10 ft. but extended the jump a substantial distance and landed immediately downwind of the advanced rider. Just before the incoming rider lands, the experienced rider tried to turn moving his kite down from the vertical but tried to move too late. The newly arrived kiteboarder turns his kite in the wrong direction and wraps the lines of the advanced rider. Both kites suddenly dive towards the water at high speed. The newly arrived kiteboarder drops his bar and was apparently not using a depowering leash. The advanced rider was showered in line resulting in getting tied up with wraps around his neck, board, arms and legs. He furiously clawed at getting the lines off of his neck and succeeded just before the kites relaunched. He was then lofted/dragged about 20 to 30 ft. The rider had let go of his bar but it was tied to him by kite line so the depower function did not work.
He had one hand free and repeated tried to grab his hook knife from the back of his harness but was being lofted up and flung down about five or six times. He was about to lose consciousness by the impacts. He was wearing a helmet but no gloves. He estimated that he coverage about 1000 yds. in this fashion. His kite had a panel blown out at this point and was spiraling at high speed. The spiraling resulted in his being even more tightly tied up against his board. He was also being dragged offshore to the west and into higher seas. The runaway kite was strangely stable, flying off the water and out to sea at this point. One of his friends rode up to try to help but couldn't figure out anything to do that would help. He then went into shore to try to get a windsurfer to come out with a knife to help cut the rider free. He came to a reckoning that either his gear went or he would not last much longer. He reached down and worked his board leash free, which allowed his ankles to become untied. He then worked to loosen the lines enough to free his other arm. He then was able to the two kites free of him. The rider then worked into shore through some pretty heavy surf while a friend swam out to help him in. All the gear eventually washed up on the beach. A line had cut into his board and his kite was torn and tattered. The runaway kite, ironically was undamaged.
Lessons learned
1. It would be a good idea to carry more than one knife, in different locations. Cave divers sometimes carry up to five knives and they have only one line and relatively low forces to deal with as a rule.
2. When you are riding near other kiteboarders, within 300 ft., consider never having your kite near the vertical or zenith.
Commentary
Mention is frequently made in the KSI about avoiding, avoidable accidents. This is one of the rare accidents that might be considered to be unavoidable to some degree. After all the other rider was about 100 ft. away and next he was close and within tangling range. If the other rider was also advanced he might have avoided wrapping lines but then again perhaps not. About the only thing that might have helped would have been to have had other knives in locations that the rider might have been able to reach. Having an impact pfd could help as could a helmet. This rider was very fortunate to have come through this extreme accident intact. This accident underscores how kiteboarding may always be considered an "extreme sport." The higher the wind, the higher the stakes when things go wrong.

49. Incident # 7 02 2 "Severe Board Leash Impact" Location: Brouwersdam, Holland
Date: July 7, 2002 Participant account included: No Number of independent accounts: 2
Summary
A kiteboarder was out in variable side offshore winds estimated at 14-15 knot with
gusts to 17-18 knots and lulls to 11 knots in relatively calm water and at low tide. The rider was out with an unidentified kite about 15-18m2. The rider made a jump near the shore but fell upon landing. The leash hurled the board against the rider's head, who then immediately lost consciousness. Fortunately two other riders saw the incident and rescued the injured person. He regained consciousness at the beach and was flown by rescue helicopter to the hospital in Rotterdam. The rider was not wearing a helmet or impact pfd.

The rider was originally reported to have died as a result of an automatic internet translation error. It is understood that not only did the rider survive, he is also recovering.
Lessons learned
1. New riders should develop competent body dragging and kite control skills before trying to learn to beach or water start on a board.
2. Leash use should be discouraged. Temporary reel leash use on an as needed basis may reduce the risk to the rider posed by the leash.
3. Kiteboarders should wear good helmet and impact pfds along with other basic safety gear.
4. Gage weather conditions carefully and if in doubt about your ability to safely fly in the conditions, don't go kiteboarding.
Commentary
There have been a great number of board leash induced head injuries worldwide. Only a few of them have been discussed in the KSI. With proper body dragging skills, which are relatively easily acquired, the hazard posed by board leashes far outweigh potential benefits. Serious injuries have also been experienced with reel leashes so they are not proof against problems either. Some conventional wind has it that if you use a leash you should wear a helmet. All kiteboarders should routinely wear helmets regardless of board leash considerations. Several riders have been injured THROUGH helmets by board impacts propelled by leashes. Also there is no assurance that a leash propelled board will cooperate and impact your helmet. It could easily hit your face or neck. Working to avoid using or preferably, never start using a board leash is the safer course of action.

48. Incident # 7 02 1 "Major Dragging Accident" Location: Gurnsey, Channel Islands, UK
Date: July, 2002 Participant account included: Yes Number of independent accounts: 0
Summary
A rider was out in 17 to 27 kt. winds with an Airblast 4.9 m inflatable kite with rigged for the first time with at S-2 Lock in Bar. Upon launching the kite at the edge of the water on the beach, the rider noticed a twist in the lines that he thought he could cure by rotating the bar once the kite was airborne. Upon rotating the bar the shackle swivel locked resulting in the strap twisting in the fairlead or channel on the side of the bar. He then rotated the bar back into the original position with the lines still twisted. While all this was going on the rider was being dragged at high speed estimated to be around 30 mph. He pulled the chicken loop quick release snap shackle when he came within 50 m (170 ft.) of a seawall and some boulders. The QR snap shackle failed to open. The rider positioned his feet in front of him and hit the boulder at high speed on his backside. The QR opened upon impact with the boulder freeing his kite. The rider's screaming brought assistance and he was taken to the hospital for treatment. The kiteboarder estimates that he was dragged 150 m across the water. His injuries included a crush vertebra, fractured pelvis and a very sore, stitched rear. He was released from the hospital but confined to bed rest. He expects to resume kiteboarding after an approximate 3 month recuperation period.
He was not wearing a helmet or impact pfd. The rider felt that there was no irregularity in how the lines were attached to the kite.
Lessons learned
1. Always carefully preflight your gear before launching. In higher winds doing 2 to 3 preflights would not be excessive.
2. Never try out new gear, kites, bars or boards, in anything stronger than light to moderate winds. Small mistakes are often severely punished in well powered conditions.
3. Always wear a good helmet, impact pfd and knife(s).
Commentary
The exact cause of this accident is unknown. Normally if the lines are attached to the correct locations on the kite and aren't tangled with each other or with foreign objects, proper kite control should be maintained. Normal, careful preflighting should catch such irregularities before you launch and are trying to deal with an out of control, very powerful kite and a potential very hard impact. Wearing basic safety gear may have made a difference in terms of the injuries suffered. Also an effective knife may have allowed the rider to cut himself free although being towed at high speed may have unduly complicated this effort. The KSI has more than one accident in which the first time use of new equipment in well powered conditions figured. Always try out new gear in light to moderate conditions. Also, always very carefully preflight your gear before going out and particularly in well powered conditions. Review the Safe Kiteboarding Guidelines for preflighting tips.

47. Incident # 6 02 6 "Lines Drag Rider" Location: Germany
Date: June 29, 2002 Participant account included: No Number of independent accounts: 1
Summary
An intermediate rider with about one years experience was out with a Naish 12 m X2 inflatable kite in strong sideshore winds about 17 to 27 kts. There were .5 to 1 m waves (1 to 3 ft.).
The rider had dropped his kite and was assisted by the witness to relaunch. The witness noticed the guys kite back on the water a short time later. The witness rode up to him and was told that one of his leading edge or chickenloop lines had broken. The witness told the rider to retrieve his kite and took the rider's board to shore for him about 200 m (660 ft. away). When the witness returned he noticed that the rider's kite was drifting away free from him. The witness went to the kite and brought it to shore for the rider.
The rider related what had happened to him. The rider had tried to swim to the bar and wrap up only one line to retrieve the kite. He had just grabbed the bar when the kite powered up and one of the lines tangled around his foot. The rider was dragged presumably at speed and with some force considering the wind speed foot first. The rider was dragged underwater for extended period to where he became very short of breath. He managed to grab his the hook knife from the pocket on his Dakine harness reach up and cut the line that had tangled his foot.

Lessons learned
1. Carry a hook knife and preferably a spare.
2. Practice kite recovery techniques while in the water. Be prepared to cut your lines if things go wrong in this process.
3. Always kiteboard with and keep track of others.
4. Wearing a flotation jacket and gloves may have helped in this situation.
5. Always be ready to deal with the unexpected, particularly in higher winds.
Commentary
Going offshore in waves with 400 ft. or 133 m of line makes tangling a serious reality. Considering the very substantial kite forces, the possibility of drowning or being dragged into a hard collision, carrying effective, easy to find cutting tools is an obvious precaution. Having additional safety gear such as a good helmet, flotation vest, whistle and gloves may make an important difference in how an emergency situation works out. Leave all this stuff at home or worse, in the store, and you may have deliberately stacked the deck against yourself when things go wrong. When things go wrong you need all the factors that you can assemble in your favor. Skill alone is often not enough or even a significant factor when something bad happens.

46. Incident # 6 02 5 "Rider Fatality in Puerto Rico" Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date: June 23, 2002 Participant account included: No Number of independent accounts: 2
Summary
1. The accident occurred off Ocean Park, last Sunday, after 5 pm, June 23, 2002. This day is a holiday, San Jaun Baptista (sp). It is a day when people attempt to go into the water at least 12 times during before midnight. It is a very popular day for the beach and water activities.
2. The rider, an apparently healthy 23 year old man weighing about 155 lbs. had been kiteboarding for about one year and was proficient on the water. He could jump and do transitions. He had been windsurfing for many years prior to that time.
3. It was reported to be a beautiful day with about 15 kiteboarders and 30 windsurfers out with steady easterly, onshore winds around 12 to 15 kts. The area is reported to be free of rocks and other hard objects offshore with a water depth of about 10 ft.
4. The rider was out on a twintip board without a board leash, with a 12 m North kite with a modified leash system. It was stated that the leash was converted from a wrist attachment to a harness spreader bar attachment. The fixed leash attachment was reported to have been transferred from the back line to the chicken loop (front or leading edge), lines. It appears as though the modified leash system did not fully depower the kite as described below. I should receive wingspan and leash length measurements and will post that information when I have it.
5. The rider had been seen making jumps. At one point he was seen body dragging and in control. Within about 15 minutes later he was seen being dragged along with his kite relaunching, flying down into the water and subsequently relaunching. The kite would spiral in this fashion as the rider was dragged towards the beach. So even though the leash was activated, the kite was not fully depowered. The rider was stated not to be tangled in any of his lines but had let go of his bar.
6. Police on jet skies intercepted the rider. The rider was unconscious and being dragged by the kite. The officers were having trouble dealing with the kite and so they cut the lines. Another kiteboarder grabbed the powered up kite and deflated the leading edge. The victim showed no vital signs and the beach and did not respond to CPR. A nearby ambulance took the victim to the hospital where he was pronounced as deceased.
7. It has been stated that the autopsy ruled that death occurred due to drowning. Further confirmation of this may be given shortly. No evidence of impact trauma or obvious cause of drowning was reported from the autopsy or noted when the victim was brought to the beach. An apprent line burn was noted on one of the victims ankles. It is not known when this burn occurred, before, during or after the accident.
In summary, this kiteboarder died due to drowning apparently induced by unknown causes. It is not known if the improperly rigged kite leash contributed to his death or not. There was no evidence currently of impact that would have caused him to lose consciousness. It is not known if there was a preexisting medical condition that contributed to the drowning. It does not appear that there was sufficient wind power with that sized kite to drag a conscious rider under long enough to drown him under normal conditions. It has been estimated that the rider's accident occurred close to shore at perhaps around 300 ft. The victim was not wearing a helmet or impact/flotation vest.
Lessons learned
1. Wearing a flotation jacket may have helped in this situation.
2. Always kiteboard with and keep track of others.
3. Carry a hook knife and preferably a spare.
4. Make sure that your kite depowering leash is in good repair and has been physically tested for proper performance with the kite you are flying.
Commentary
The cause of this drowning is unknown. Some speculation follows on possible causes. Drowning may have been caused by the rider losing consciousness due to an unrelated medical condition. Without a flotation jacket the rider may have rolled over on his face and while being dragged and drown. Another possible explanation would be that the rider was tangled by the ankle and pulled under to where he couldn't breathe. With an ineffective depowering leash such a scenario would be feasible in stronger winds but is uncertain under the reported wind conditions. The winds were marginal for such an occurrence but in an emergency many things can happen. Going offshore in waves with 400 ft. or 133 m of line makes tangling a serious reality. Carrying effective, easy to find cutting tools is an important precaution. Having additional safety gear such as a good helmet, flotation vest, whistle and gloves may make a critical difference in how an emergency situation works out. An incident that may relate similar circumstances is described in 43. Incident # 6 02 3.
Even though it is not known if the kite leash figured as a cause for this accident or not, it is still critical that all riders verify proper, reliable leash function. Please do the practical leash test and other appropriate evaluation of your system. The test is described at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesu...20Information/


45. Incident # 6 02 4 "Bridle Tangle Drags Rider" Location: Yaverland, Isle of Wight, UK
Date: June 22, 2002 Participant account included: Yes Number of independent accounts: 0
Summary
An advanced kiteboarder with 3 years experience was trying to relaunch his Airblast 11.8 m kite in 13 to 15 kt. sideshore winds. He had pulled in on the lines and was swimming towards the kite to initiate a normal relaunch. He tangled his right leg in his right back line and was suddenly pulled leg first at about 3 to 4 kts. pulling his head underwater. He tried to free himself but could not. He pulled the hook knife that came with his Dakine harness and cut both the kite line and leader line on either side of his leg. His friends saw that he was in trouble and came out to help him and to recover his kite. He had changed his leader lines out with some spectra core rope that sink and felt that this contributed to his becoming tangled.
Lessons learned
1. Always carry an easily reachable, sharp knife and/or hook knife.
2. Make important decisions earlier than later while you still have energy to manage things.
3. Never kiteboard alone.
4. Use floating leader lines.
Commentary
Although no injury resulted, one could have. We are all at risk of tangling in our lines. Carrying good, accessible knives makes good sense.
This sport has a way of giving lessons that aren't real easy to anticipate sometimes i.e. don't use heavier than water leader lines. It takes a lot of other things to be in place, i.e. safety gear, friends, early reactions, to come out of things smoothly.





44. Incident #6 02 4 "Rider Fatality in Germany" Location: Zingst, Germany
Date: June 7, 2002 Participant account included: No Number of independent accounts: 3
Summary
Silke Gorldt, a pro rider was competing in the Kitesurf-Event FD-Tour in the Baltic Sea. Winds were slightly onshore 17 to 27 kts. Silke was flying an 8 to 9 m four line inflatable kite. She had come in within about 25 m (85 ft.), of shore and was tacking to reverse her direction of travel. Silke's kite became tangled with a male competitor's kite who was also riding in the area. The other rider unhooked in an attempt to have better kite control. Silke did not unhook at this time. The two kites did not separate but apparently powered up in a gust or through displacement of the kites into the power zone. The overwhelming force ripped the control bar out of the male riders hands. The released kite control bar slide up along Silke's lines and caught leaving the second kite anchored above her kite. The pair of kites began to spiral rapidly in the center of the power zone developing tremendous force. Silke was pulled horizontally across two wooden groins or erosion control structures and into a fence on the beach. She was observed to be trying to unhook in the first few seconds after she was being dragged horizontally. Her overall distance of travel was approximately 150 m (500 ft.).
First aid was rendered immediately and she was transported to the hospital by emergency helicopter. She died on the way to the hospital. The exact cause of death is not known. She was not wearing a helmet or impact vest.
Lessons learned
1. Kiteboarders should always aware of their kites position and particularly the proximity of objects and other riders that might catch their kite lines.
2. Kiteboarders should always ride 60 m (200 ft.) or more upwind of hard objects. If they ride closer than that distance of hard objects, ideally they should not be hooked in.
3. All kiteboarders should carefully consider using quick release loops. Silke reportedly was observed to try to unhook. As such she may have had time to activate such a quick release.
4. Snap shackle chicken loop attachments pose different hazards but if one had been in use it is possible that she may have had time to activate such a release.
5. If you are in an emergency situation you should be ready to very rapidly release your kite and activate your depowering leash. Hesitation may commit you to a serious accident.
Commentary
Proper awareness of the surroundings particularly of other riders would have avoided this outcome. Most competitors at the time of Silke's accident didn't use basic safety equipment such as kite depowering leashes, quick release loops, helmets, flotation/impact vests or gloves. As of the time of this writing most still don't use these simple aids in recent major competitions.
The use of a safety leashes and quick release loops by both riders may have averted this sad accident. The dynamics of tangled kites in overpowered conditions make absolute conclusions about the proper functioning of kite leashes uncertain. It is certainly possible that a kite leash may have averted the outcome of this accident. The use of quick release loops or even properly rigged and maintained snap shackles may have stopped this accident from occurring.
Traditional leash designs would likely interfere with many common tricks and potentially threaten the safety of riders and others if used. Traditional leash designs interfere with spinning control bars and may cause tangling. Some new leash designs in existence and in development at the time of this accident are supposedly are more conducive to most of the tricks and riding habits of such kiteboarders. Evaluation reports are still coming in on these new systems.
It is clear from this accident and many others that skill is by no means a reasonable substitute for use of minimum safety gear. The wide popularity of this belief is unfortunate and will likely lead to avoidable accidents and injuries in the future. This fundamental belief about skill being sufficient is very strongly seated in the kiteboarding community among not only competitors but also many experienced riders. As such it appears that more accidents and incidents will have to occur to compel competition organizers, competitors and competitor sponsors to bring about reasonable safety improvements.
When things go wrong, basic safety gear may be all that saves a rider from serious injury or worse. It is reasonable that riders pushing the extreme limits of this sport in terms of power, speed and height would need such protections more than more routine riders, particularly when go wrong. From the circumstances described is does not appear that there would have been adequate time to cut the leaders with a knife. A knife should still be routinely carried by all kiteboarders for those times when there is sufficient time to cut your way free of a serious accident.

43. Incident # 6 02 3 "Grab Leashes Sometimes ... Don't" Location: San Francisco Bay, Ca, USA
Date: June 2002 Participant account included: Yes Number of independent accounts: 1
Summary

An advanced intermediate rider was out on a North Rhino 12 m kite in 18 to 20 mph winds side offshore with high gusts to 25 mph and substantial lulls to 5 mph. The rider had come into the beach to land. He waited for about two minutes signaling for an assisted landing to the kiteboarders onshore. None responded to his request for aid in landing his kite. The rider was hit by a lull and then a strong gust. He was worried about being lofted on to the rocks that were just downwind. He popped his snap shackle release and reached for his grab leash while his lines were slack in the lull. He missed reaching the grab leash before the gust hit. He flew the kite away from shore and was hit by another gust that yanked the bar out of his hands.
Once the rider lost his grip, the kite was turned into a fast moving runaway heading towards a bridge that is about a mile away downwind. Two observers noted the runaway kite and one started running full speed along a bike path in an attempt to intercept it. He was concerned about potential harm the kite might cause to bystanders, access to this launch and the kite itself.
During the chase the observer was concerned about the kite launching up into the roadway on the bridge or into an adjoining roadway, in either case potentially causing an accident.
The observer ran into the water near the bridge to intercept the kite. He was then hailed by the rider that lost the kite.
The rider hitched a ride by car to the area of the bridge from another kiteboarder and had just arrived. Between the two of them they managed to depower, secure the kite and bring it ashore.

**NOTE: A grab leash is a loop or handle that is intended to manually held on to depower the kite. It hangs from one end of the bar and is connected through a hole to one bridle line. Alternatively, the grab loop or handle may attached to a fixed leash as opposed to a slide through design leash.

Conventional leashes are attached to the kiteboarder and intended to activate automatically when the bar is released. Grab handles rely upon the kiteboarder keeping a grip on the kite throughout the bar release and until the kite is depowered.
Lessons learned
1. Grab leashes or any other leash that isn't attached to the rider is dangerously unreliable.
2. Grab leashes are not an acceptably safe alternative to a properly secured leash system.
3. ALL kiteboarders need to give other riders assistance at all times. Access to this and other launches could be sacrificed, people injured and gear damaged through indifference to this essential courtesy. Helping other riders needs to be second nature and without delay. Many incidents have happened in the period of waiting when the rider is close to hard objects.
Commentary
Grab leashes have come into favor by some experienced riders and even some pro's as alternative to going out without any leash whatsoever. If everything goes well grab leashes should work acceptably. Then again, if everything goes well, particularly for an experienced rider or pro they may never actually use a leash. The point is that things don't always go well. The KSI is full of stories where things have gone wrong in varying degrees of severity with a variety of unexpected injuries coming out of it.
All riders need to wear reliable, well maintained and tested leashes. Past secured leash designs may interfere with some riders technique and tricks. Given new leash designs hopefully these excuses are no longer valid or soon will be. Lack of kite leash use is putting public safety and kiteboarder access at risk. If you injure someone or their property and aren't using a leash you may be in at a serious legal disadvantage legally and may take a major hit in terms of liability. There is NO ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE to ride without a proper leash in populated areas. Lack of leash use may have contributed to a recent pro rider fatality. In summary, grab leashes are insufficiently reliable and are not an acceptable alternative to a proper kite leash system. The rider indicated that three pro riders have released runaway kites at this launch in the last month under similar circumstances. Apparently structures upwind on shore create a zone of dirty, gust air over this riding area routinely.
We really need to pull together more as a community in kiteboarding. If you are the only one standing on a dock and a boat pulls up with one person onboard, most of us would offer to help with the lines without thought. The difference in kiteboarding is that people can be hurt while waiting or attempting a solo landing.
So, if you see someone coming in to land, imagine them getting lofted into rocks or trees unless you hurry up pronto to help out. Hopefully you will be given the same treatment. If not, those images may sometimes become reality and it would be a shame for your indifference to have contributed to the accident.




42. Incident # 6 02 2 "Serious Uplift Lofting" Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Date: June 2002 Participant account included: Yes Number of independent accounts: 2
Summary
This incident occurred in a part of New Zealand with abundant narrow beaches often bordered by dangerous obstacles (roads, power lines, buildings) and the wind is nearly always gusty due to the proximity of several mountain ranges in the area. The wind coming off the mountains forms rotor or turbulent cascading wind that creates highly gusty wind conditions. Kiteboarding, as with any type of flying in rotor conditions, can be very challenging and potentially dangerous.

A well experienced kiteboarder was out with a Cabrinha 15.5 m inflatable kite in 10 kt. onshore winds and was riding into shore to change to a larger board as the wind was dropping and he was going on and off plane. As he was walking in across the beach with his kite at a 45 degree angle above the ground, he was hit by a 16 to 20 kt. gust, possibly up to 25 kts over the dunes. No squalls were evident and such gusty conditions are relatively common in the area. He was dragged about 30 m (100 ft.), inland into the area where other riders were rigging up. Two people grabbed him and tried to anchor him in place. Although he tried, he couldn't unhook from the chicken loop. The rider was consciously keeping the kite low to the ground to avoid being lofted.
He was wrenched free of the people that were trying to hold him in place by another gust. One bystander though he was going to be slammed at speed into the dune but the rider continued to gain altitude, cleared the 4 m (15 ft.) high sand dunes and disappeared behind them. He subsequently flew over the car park and was fully expecting to clear the house and road behind the dunes. Bystanders estimated that he was lofted to a height of about 9 m (30 ft.) and his overall horizontal distance of travel was about 60 m (200 ft.), through the air. He managed to control the kite and land just in front of a house, unhook from the chicken loop and let go of the bar to depower the kite. At this point the kite leash ripped off of his wrist. After flying another 50 m (170 ft.), the kite dived violently and landed leading edge down missing a moving car by 2-3 ft. A split second laterthe bar crashed into the power pylon sending sparks everywhere and the leaving the kite fully powered leading edge down in the road. Luckily it blew to the side of the road and didn't move to much after that. The rider about traveled about 60-80 m (200 to 270 ft.). The kite flew about 150 m (500 ft) overall.
They ended up with 3 police cars and a guy from the electricity company to unhook the bar from the power lines, while the kite lay fully inflated and potentially powered up by the side of the road. The rider injured his knee and expects to have a month of rehab before he can kiteboard again.
Lessons learned
1. The rider concluded that he should have released the kite while he was being dragged down the beach while it was still possible.
2. It is good that this rider practiced anti-lofting techniques by keeping his kite low. However in the face of overpowering gusts as in the case of 32. Incident# 3 3 02 or uplift from vertical surfaces such as the dunes, this technique may not help. Please see "How to try to avoid lofting" at the same location as this resource for more information on these techniques.
3. Riders in Wellington are faced with kiteboarding in frequent gusty, rotor wind conditions but there is a limit for safe kiteboarding. A change in wind direction was predicted that would cause the wind to pass over an offshore island contributing to rotor conditions.
Local knowledge is a must in such areas and given the challenging wind conditions decisions on whether to fly or come in should be conservatively made by persons with adequate experience. These conditions are definitely not suitable for new kiteboarders.
4. NEVER fly your kite upwind and near vertical surfaces that can cause uplift lofting such as hills, walls, buildings, dense trees, etc.
5. Don't wait until you are close to danger, release your control bar earlier than later. Many accounts are described in the KSI where riders couldn't unhook from the chicken loop. Use of a quick release loop seems to be indicated and/or using a snap shackle. It is important to release the chicken loop sooner than later as there may not be sufficient time after the gust hits to react.
6. Always use a kite good, well-maintained kite-depowering leash. This rider indicated the he is going to stop using wrist cuff leashes and go to one that is attached to his harness by a snap shackle. He had a wrist cuff pull off his hand once before. There is growing evidence that some leashes will fail if hit by the load of a well powered kite. This may be intended by the manufacturers to avoid breaking bones or dragging the rider. In theory, if the leash fully depowers the kite, quickly, the load that is imparted on the rider should be of short duration and hopefully manageable. The alternative of sending an out of control runaway kite downwind is unacceptable in many areas. The alternatives include not riding in such powered or potentially powered conditions or modifying the leash to be more resilient to loading.
7. Always wear good safety gear including a helmet, impact vest, gloves and a whistle at a minimum.
8. This rider was wearing an impact vest and a harness with a handle. The impact vest covered up the handle blocking access to it by the two riders that tried to assist. An exposed handle may have allowed them to maintain a hold on the rider. It would be good for manufacturers to produce an impact vest for kiteboarding that also permitted full use of a variety of purpose built harnesses.
Commentary
This was a significant lofting incident and could have resulted in serious injuries. A month off of the water is nothing to take lightly however. Riders should avoid gusty onshore conditions particularly when upwind of vertical surfaces. If riders have little choice in riding in such conditions it would be best to be very conservative in terms skill, techniques and safety gear. Local knowledge is critical before kiteboarding in such conditions and then only if you are properly equipped and conditions are well within your experience. When things go wrong, having a few of these factors on your side can make all the difference if luck isn't on your side. Several lessons have been repeated through several of the incidents in the KSI including using a quick release loop and/or snap shackle, have a good, well maintained leash that has been physically tested with the size kite you are flying under controlled conditions.
(see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesu...%2C%202002.htm)
Rehearse reacting to emergency scenarios frequently, test your gear to improve the odds of a rapid, correct response. Finally, wearing suitable safety gear such as a good helmet, impact vest, cut resistant gloves, hook knife, whistle and boots can reduce or eliminate injuries.

41. Incident # 6 02 1 "Pro Rider Uplift Lofted" Location: Jockey's Ridge, Cape Hatteras, NC, USA
Date: June 2002 Participant account included: Yes Number of independent accounts: 1
Summary
Dimitri Maramentides, a pro rider, was rigged with a 10 m Cabrinha CO2 kite in 32 to 35 mph winds that had shifted onshore. He was getting some riding in before leaving town for the competition in Waddell Creek, Ca. He was carving a turn about 200 ft. offshore and was overpowered. He raised his kite to near the zenith to reduce speed and power. This resulted in his skipping over the water. At one point approximately 40 ft. off the beach he was lofted from the water. There were some trees about 15 ft. away from the water's edge that likely created uplift with the strong onshore winds. His kite was just over the trees when he was lofted. He flew inland into the first tree that was about 15 ft. from the water's edge. He hung on to the tree for as long as he could with his kite fully powered up and was eventually ripped free. He was slingshotted about 20 ft. straight up from this tree and was spinning in 360 degree rotations but was still in control. He tried to keep the kite straight over head to reduce his horizontal speed and distance of travel.
At about this point he concluded, as did some bystanders, that "he was going to die." He decided to focus on staying calm, working through things a best as he could and pretend that he was over water doing a routine move. He flew another 25 ft. into a second tree that broke on impact. He flew into a third tree and hung on. There were no more trees downwind of this point but a parking lot. While he was hanging on he fully depowered his kite with the trimming strap. He didn't want to unhook and release his kite as there were powerlines downwind and he felt responsible for his kite. He said he didn't want to put others at risk with the consequences of a runaway kite, it was his problem to deal with. As he was hanging on to the third tree he shifted his kite back towards the beach and let go. He flew back towards the water and managed to hit on his side on the beach and managed to get things under control. He suffered scratches but no serious injury from this incident.
Lessons learned
1. Dimitri said that if he had to do it over again he would stay further offshore and/or rig a smaller kite.
2. If you have sufficient skill, pretending that you are airborne in a typical jump or trick has potential survival value in a lofting incident. In this case and in 37. Incident # 5 02 3m, advanced rider skill during in-flight maneuvering reduced potential severe impact and injury. So remember to "fly the kite" at all times and if you can shift your direction of travel back towards water while lofted and away from hard objects it may be worth a try.
3. Dimitri is a very experienced pro rider who typically rigs big and overpowered by inclination, after all "it is his job." For most of the rest of us, several other lessons apply including:
a. Never rig too a large kite to where you are excessively overpowered.
b. Avoid onshore winds and if you must go out in them, stay 300 ft. or further from hard objects at all costs.
c. Never be too close to shore, in onshore overpowered conditions. Your margin for error will be unacceptably small if things go wrong.
d. Always rig a functioning, tested depowering leash. If things start to go wrong, use it.
e. Always were safety gear including a good helmet, impact vest and gloves at a minimum.
f. NEVER allow your kite to come near or into uplift associated with the windward face of a vertical surface. Such vertical surfaces include trees, walls, buildings, ridges, cliffs, dikes. Uplift along a dike resulted in a kiteboarding fatality as described in 7. Incident # 5 01 1.
Commentary
Expert riders enjoy a great level of control and skill than many of the rest of us. As a consequence of having such skill and being able to perform certain tricks such riders often abandon use of kite leashes, helmets, impact vests and other safety gear. Normally, skill will preserve health and safety for the rider and hopefully bystanders. However the reality is that all riders of all skills have bad days and lose control. Hopefully use of safety gear will grow in the ranks of pro riders in the future. For the rest of us, safety gear may be all that saves us from severe injury or worse if things go wrong. Hanglider pilots in the area speculated that thermal lofting may have played a role in this accident. Jockey's Ridge is a popular ridge soaring and thermaling area. If thermal lofting occurred this would be the second time after incident 8. # 6 01 1 that happened in Oahu last year. In any case avoid flying your kite over thermal generating terrain.

40. Incident # 6 02 1 "Fishing for Kiteboarders" Location: Ft. Pierce, FL, USA
Date: June 9, 2002 Participant account included: Yes Number of independent accounts: 0
Summary
A very experienced kiteboarder was riding 100 yds. from the beach in onshore wind conditions and just south of an inlet jetty. There was a shark fisherman casting off a projection that extends south 100 yds. south of the main jetty. As the rider was heading offshore he was hailed by the shark fisherman and asked to come closer. The fisherman then cast a line with a lure with three large bare treble hooks at the rider. The hooks just missed the rider's head and caught on his trimming strap. The fisherman then tried to reel in the rider while screaming obscenities. The rider powered up his kite to leave the area and broke the fisherman's line. The fisherman was joined by his wife in trying to hit the rider with large 5 oz. sinkers. The fisherman was later arrested for assault.
Lessons learned
1. Avoid coming within casting distance of fishermen no matter how friendly they may seem to be.
2. Carry a hook knife.
3. Always kiteboard with others. The rider's friend called the police while the rider was still dealing with the fisherman.

Commentary
Several other incidents from various parts of the world were reported online relating similar experiences with vindictive fisherman trying to snag riders. In most cases the line contacted the riders but fortunately the hooks missed digging into skin. Apparently such incidents are not so uncommon as one would think.
It is funny to hear about these stories however serious injury including potentially blindness could result from such an incident. One fisherman even threatened a rider with a knife unless he miraculously expelled all the kiteboarders from the area. Giving fishermen and all bystanders a wide breadth while riding as a matter of course makes good sense. Kiteboarders sometimes generate irrational hostilities in others, so be careful out there.
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