|
|
|
|
#1
08-21-2007, 10:24 AM
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
|
|
#2
08-21-2007, 10:34 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Not taken in a bad way Sean. We all make mistakes and it sounds like the rider you are referring to was a proficient enough rider to be jumping...I was referring to the guy that got hurt...and in my opinion YOU are more than ready for riding the Skyway. To avoid out of control kooks, just ride upwind of them my friend. 
__________________
http://www.airtimekite.com/map_tw.html
|
|
#3
08-21-2007, 10:48 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
jesus christ some of you take this a bit too personal.
chill the fu*k out. fact is there a tons of new riders.. and some of the responsibility lies on the shoulders of us seasoned riders to be on the look out and make the call to talk to them. we all know the skyway is a shithole for learning and yesterdays accident has been brewing for a long while.. maybe seeing a guy carried out on a stretcher will smack some much needed reality into the minds of the others trying to push themselves into the sport. maybe we should hire a quadriplegic to sit on the beach in a wheelchair with a big fat sign reading "look what kiteboarding without lessons did for me!" Seriously tho.. this back and forth pre-school bickering is ridiculous and needs to stop. Its pathetic. when i am on the beach, I promise to do my best to keep an eye out for those that need help. I will do all i can to stop potential accidents from happening.. its the best I can to assist with the problem. when i am not on the beach i hope that others will make the same promise and be as professional with the folks they are trying to help as possible. No one can do more than that except beyond banning the sport in certain areas.
|
|
#4
08-21-2007, 10:40 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
__________________
__________________ ___________________________________ You don't direct ostriches, you herd them
|
|
#5
08-21-2007, 10:48 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Well I just spoke with Erick on the phone and he said that this guy was proficient on his water start, cruising, etc. I apologize Raul if you felt I was insinuating that you launched him.
I am guessing this guy had some kind of gear failure and was looking for an advanced lesson. I edited my earlier post as well my friend.
__________________
http://www.airtimekite.com/map_tw.html
|
|
#6
08-21-2007, 11:41 AM
|
|||
|
|||
here's the thing....
Im new at this about 6months took lessons from my old man(kiting 7 years) and Graham Goodwin(lauderdale kitesurfing).been surfing/windsurfing 20 years, this is a whole diffrent animal. I would not kite at the SW simply because of what you have said on here, and im not stupid! But not everyone is on here. Lack of information to the new riders. This is where you live and ride and if you think someone is doing something that could get them or somone else hurt.....than f--kin say something, you dont have to be a dick about it. If an experienced rider said something to me (and wasnt a dick about it, like " hey new guy you know what your doing") i would think twice about what i was doing. This will not curb everything but you have to try! And also tell people about this forum like Chris Moore told me.....
Although just a suggestion...
|
|
#7
08-21-2007, 11:55 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
I spent the day at East Beach yesterday. Hotter than hell I might add. Did do a lesson early in the morning. Only one rider out there to deal with.
I don't plan to solve the world's problems here, but I do want to say this. I don't teach at the skyway, and I don't teach even at East Beach on the weekend, or a crowded weekday. I definately make the effort to drop a boat in the water and go elsewhere to keep it safe for students and riders alike. It is not convenient, but the positives far outweigh the negative. After walking through the muck yesterday morning during my lesson, I realized how spoiled I am teaching on firm sandy bottoms up north county. I think my last lesson down in the St. Pete area may have just been completed. I also want everyone to know that we put each student through a very informative and intense 2 hour class at the shop going over all kiting theory, dangers, protocal, weather, terms, rules of the road, and really hark on how to venture into the sport especially before and after lessons. That's 2 hours of info before they even fly a kite. This is where I see alot of problems occuring. EDUCATING STUDENTS ON WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER LESSONS. I have put together a very thorough 40 page packet and ride guide of the entire Tampa Bay area analyzing each spot. We go over the guide in detail. I also point out the hazards or riding the Skyway area, and many other areas, and that beginners should not even think about going to these places until they can stay upwind and have solid control. I do promote East Beach on less crowded days as being there best place on Easterlies and using the specific places in the Gulf on westerlies. IMO those two places are the ONLY places newbies should go to get there skills up before venturing to other spots. I could go into more detail, but you get the idea. Finally, I am purchasing an even larger boat to handle more students and instructors for the 07/08 season. The goal is to keep it safe for everyone. 100% of our teaching will occur behind the scenes if you will and out of your way. I believe strongly in this. I am very proud of the program I have put together at the shop, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way. I took alot of heat when I signed on to teach this sport, but I think many are beginning to see the light and just how serious I am taking this responsibility. If you support the vision of this program then support us into some very interesting times for all. It's all about keeping it safe. Steve-O ps. Toby....I have only taught 4-5 lessons this entire summer. 15mph or more=excellent lesson conditions....you do the math.
|
|
#8
08-21-2007, 12:00 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Agreed. I think that's the way all lessons should be done. Away from everyone. The skyway is a mess.
|
|
#9
08-21-2007, 12:06 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Wow
Well I hope the guys is ok. Sucks he got hurt, and accidents do happen. Skyways a sketchie launch and really should not be ridden by newbies. Yeah I learned at Skyway when I first started but I didn't know any better. If I did, I would never have taken lessons with the person that gave me lessons there. Maybe if people are asking about lessons you should refer them to someone that does not teach there? No offense to anyone that teaches there, but if they do they are just trying to make money for themselvs. Start looking out for the riders that want to keep the launch open and refer them to someone that you know does not teach at Skyway. This will prevent a lot of these newbie riders from ridding there, because most guys that dont teach there tell there students it's not a good spot until you know how to ride.
I have to say after comming back from Hawaii, Kaulia Bay in Oahu make Skyway look like the best newbie Launch in the world! LOL The beach is about 20 x 20 for Kiters maybe! Then when the beach ends it just HUGE freaking Trees!!!!!! The spot to set kites on the beach has space for maybe 6 kites and that is pushing it! On top of that there is about a MILLION freaking people just hanging out on the beach! It hard to launch your kite because everyone is in the way! On Oahu this is consider the safe spot to launch! LOL Just glad to be in Florida where our beaches are big, and no reef! Also on a another note! If you are tired of the crowds you should move up to Panama City, FL! There is about 8 of us here the kite regularly! The only good spot to learn is only accessible by boat only! I have seen a few guys who are newbies try to learn how to ride on the beach here when it's blowing 25 and the waves are 3 feet overhead! Let just say you usally see them ONCE and then usually not again! LOL If you do, they are up and riding by then!
__________________
"Stop living for someone else, and start living your own life! It's amazing how things work out perfect." RS
|
 |
|
|
Hybrid Mode
