Onshore Wind and Distance

[toby wilson]

Just go get one of those sewing tape measures and wrap it around your head to measure it. You should then call them and the guy will advise you on model and size based on what you are looking for and what you are looking to spend on your helmet...

[Optionryder420]

You guys all missed it today... biggest jump I've EVER done...

Seriously, it was like 30 feet up...

The wind gusted at JUST the right time. I went up, and up, and up, and up... then down slowly.... it was freakin awesome. One guy saw it and was like "whoa, didn't know the wind was that strong out there!"

It definently wasn't, but the wind was kinda strange today...


Super stoked just on that one jump... tried to recreate it throughout the day while the wind died.

[David]

I have taught many of students and emphasize the safety margin of staying away from the shore and setting limits. I have actually implemented into my courses a sit down session where we watch the other riders and have a "do that but not that session". For all those with bumps and bruises, KEEP SOME DISTANCE !!! I say this as I have ice on my leg and antibiotic cream all over my foot from an evening session up in my neck of the woods.

Chicks dig scars yet I sit alone.

Learn from our mistakes and stay safe.

[Stevil Kenevil]

I got a sandburn on the side of my leg when I was a newbie, transitioning near the beach while diving the kite, and taking a knee on the sand.(Feet still in straps) I had a HUGE scab the size of a slice of pizza for quite a while after that stupid move.I learned to stay away from the beach that day!

Shallow water will hurt you quick also. Ask Toby's hand..... All he did was brace his fall in shallow water, and slicccceeeee.....5 stitches. I have ran aground in the shallows by the Skyway and jammed my shoulder, putiing me off the water for about 2 months ,and no stylin' for about 4.East beach and Skyway get dangerously shallow quite regularly.

Another safety recomendation,especially for greenies, is a Slingshot Surefire spreader bar. One slap on the QR button and you are free!(plus the spinning leash is nice) If I know I am about to get worked, I hit the release and throw the bar.(no unhooking required). I havent gotten yoked since I got it. All of the above mentioned kiters could have benefitted from one of these, instead of dragging across the beach.

None of us are getting any younger, and we should all spend time stretching before and after a good session, and at home as much as possible. Dr. Joeseph Will (Chiro Joe) is a chiropractor as well as an IKO instructor. He has written a nice 40 page booklet(covering all muscle groups), on stretching/preventing kiting related injuries. Contact Chiro Joe at: QUIROPREGUNTAS@yahoo.com to order a booklet($7.50) or to ask him questions. Booklets also available through the IKO.

Use common sense, and live to kite another day!