Just stating the obvious

[bryanleighty]

Hopefully Ernesto wont hit us direct.. but im sure we are going to get some wind and many of us will be out enjoying it.

Just want to remind everyone to please be careful.. last storm (Alberto) that came through we had to see one of our own get pulled into a vehicle and and get pretty beat up.

The beaches are slippery.

The winds will be gusty and inconsistent.

People on shore.. PLEASE watch out for those launching and landing and make every effort to help when you can.

Those on the water coming in.. get someone's attention on land BEFORE you come in so they can catch your kite on the waters edge.

Secure your gear onshore and park your vehicles as far away from the water as possible.

and ... New riders... if you are looking a little shakey.. do not take offense when someone asks you to put your kite down. no room for ego in these conditions. myself included. this is a great time to show the world that you understand your limitations.

-b

Good call Bleighty.

Beginners...if the mud is slippery then walk out into the water to solid sand and have someone launch your kite for you, or launch so that you are being pulled out into the water (depends on wind direction).

Do not to launch directly upwind of hard objects. If you launch hooked in (your call), keep your hand on your release the whole time. Shit happens fast in 35+.

If you feel like it might be too much it probably is. Wait it out and live to ride later in the day. In 30+ a helmet is a real good idea.

See you at NSW.

I am not proud of it, but I got launched into my truck and subsequently went over it (equipment failure) on Saturday in 11 knots on a 12m kite. Instantly on eq. failure, the kite looped on me as I was walking past the truck to "get in the clear" after the launch.

Stuff happens fast in 11 knots and not all things are foreseen is my point. I thought I broke my clavicle from hitting the truck. I estimate I was going 15mph within .5 seconds. That was the first kitemare for me in a couple years, first one on land in 4 years. I was simply blown away (literally) by the power of a kite in as little as 11 when stuff goes wrong.
In 35 knots, I would have been dead or severely injured from the impact, that simple.

Good call by Bryan. Please be safe guys. Beginners should simply watch if 30+, IMO.

[BigR]

Scott, what type of equipment failure was it?

What kite were U on?

Glad U R okay :shock:

I would prefer to keep that to myself to avoid brand bashing. No one but Daryl knows what I was on, since I was alone.
I was quite pissed at the gear, however. :evil:

I am fine, but my entire body is sore. Unreal :x

Scott, I think you're right.. I was referring to the more exerienced beginners who have been riding and jumping for awhile already (I am included in that group).

Glad you are ok. Did you do any damage to the truck?

Yes, the truck got damaged. My driver's side door was open. When I flew up and over, I was coming toward the glass in the door, so I reached out, grabbed the frame and pushed as hard as I could to push away from the window. I bent the frame of the door pretty well. The door has a hard time closing now.

I just would hate to see a new rider underestimate what 30mph really means.
Launching accidents at that speed are bad enough for an experienced rider who does nothing wrong (Chili) but run into a series of bad coincidences. Stay safe guys and have a great time :P

[bryanleighty]

scott.. can you relay the details of the equipment failure w/o getting into name brands?

then again.. what the hell do we care.. if there is a possible issue with a brand or something we need to know right now..

just like Tom's detailed issue with the BEST QR from 2004.. it needs to be public knowledge.

of all the people around here, you are one of the few that anyone could say would be a product basher on any level.

details!!!!

and most importantly.... very very glad you are ok.

-B

[amber]

Scott- glad you're okay. Might end up being enough of a scare to keep everyone safe this season. 8)

To all the rest of the guys... thanks for the advice for the newbies. I know that Tammy and I have been waiting very patiently all summer to finally get out on the water. We're frustated that its taking us so long to learn, but understand that it's gonna be a lot easier to learn once we get some normal and consistent wind. It won't kill us to wait a couple more weeks. Of course on the days this week with reasonable wind, we will probably be out there, but not without our trusty instructor, Stevil Rusty Kneivil and his favorite assistant Mr. Toby Trombone Wilson.

Seriously though, safety should be first on EVERYONE's mind. I know that most of the guys are dying to get back out there and I hope everyone remembers that we have a whole season of wind ahead of us. It would really suck to have someone get injured right before the steady wind hits us. Be safe and wear a helmet!!! :idea:

[ricki]

Hello Scott,

I am sorry to hear about your accident. I am glad that you are OK but it sucks about your truck. Thanks for sharing your experience, light wind can easily cause us to come off our guard. A rider with four years experience was killed in about that much wind last year doing a transition close to and upwind of some rocks. No helmet.

Take care,
Rick