kite-surfing accident off of the Dunedin Causeway

It's an unreal story. I feel bad for Chris, but it would seem that anyone who had a lesson should have known better.
I don't think that the majority of us know any of these kiters that were there yesterday. It's doubtful it was a lesson. If it was, that's beyond unacceptable, obviously.

Today three boaters went missing (one at Dunedin Causeway, btw). One of the Marine Patrol Sherrifs told me all they found was his boat in gear, running in circles. They never found the boater. Two others are missing from Lake Tarpon.
Fatal boating accidents are a much more common occurence than kiting accidents requiring hospitalization.
Maybe Ch 13 should run a story tonight entitled : "Boating, a Dangerous Sport"?

Several of us have been kiting for many years without incident.
I would definitely let your wife know that statistically, driving a car is more dangerous than kiting.
After having said that, if you drive with your eyes closed going the wrong way, you will probably get injured.

Jakester, tell your wife not to worry This sport is not as dangerous as a lot of people like to make it sound. Sure you can get hurt, but you are more likely to get hurt on a motorcycle or even a skateboard. 99% of the time, if you pay attention to the weather and use common sense, you are not going to get hurt. I've been riding for almost 3 years now and have had only one injury (which was not all that serious). As with anything, if you drop your guard and take unnecessary risks, you are very likely to get injured.

A lesson at the causeway? Oh boy, I hope that is not true. That is quite possibly one of the worst locations for a lesson I can think of. Most of us would not even consider riding out there, except for a few diehards who are stuck in tampa I guess.

[jakester]

Great To Hear Chris Is Going To Be Ok...for Chris' Mom, I Have Some Positive Advice...
For Any Of You Who, Like Myself, May Be New To The Sport Or You Are Looking For Info In The Tb Area...as I Am A 43 Yo, Male:
1] I Initially Researched The Sport, Gear, Difficulty & safetyconcerns Via Internet.
2] I Visited A Kite Boarding Shop (watersports West) And Talked Extensively About Whether Or Not I Was A Candidate For The Sport.
3] I Signed Up For The Introductory Class Taught By Steve-0, During Which He Stressed Safety, Safety, Safety & Of Course, Safety. I Would Highly Recommend This Class To Anyone Remotely Interested In The Sport And if Any Of You Media Folks Happen To Be Truly Interested In The Safety Of The Sport, Give Watersports West A Call And Sign Up For This Class. It Will Be More Than Worth Your While...as You Will See How A Certified Insrtuctor Prepares His Students!!!
4] As Advised During The Class, I Have Purchased A Trainer Kite And I Am Well Into My Minimally Recommended Preliminary 20 Hrs.
this Has Been The Most Difficult Process, As I Am Anxiously Awaiting My First Lesson. Hurry Up Steve-o!!!

I Believe That Having The Safety Guidlines Engrained In My Skull, Rather Than Some Asphalt, Will Help Prevent Any Avoidable Disaster Due To Lack Of Knowledge.

Maybe One Of You Instructors, As An Ambassador Of The Sport, Might Be Willing To Give Chris A Free Local Lesson, As A Result Of His Hardship. I Would Be Willing To Contribute To The Cause, If Someone Stepped Up With The Certification!!!

Again, For Chris And Family--may God Bless You And Keep You In His Care!