The bash is a little over a week away and it is time once again to bring up safety for the event. This is now the forth bash since forming the safety committee and we have come up with some suggested "best kiting" practices. They help make the bash safer event and hope that you look them over and strongly encourage you do your best to follow them. Nothing has really changed since last bash, but please note that since the Spring/2013 bash use of a helmet is now mandatory for all riders. This is a requirement of the NAPKA event insurance. Also please note that riders at the bash must join NAPKA and also need number plates/identification; see thread http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=25015. If you are not a member or if your membership has lapsed please do Rich a favor and sign up/renew before the event; it will save him time and hassle.

Here is the list of best kiting practices:

Have base camp a good distance away from the hard pack to avoid a dangerous bottleneck.

Have a novice area just south of the base camp in the softer sand that can allow generous room between flyers and not have them feel like they are in the way.

Have pilots travel at a slower and reasonable speed near base camp.

Minimize the amount of cars/trucks on the beach and encourage them to make trips to drop and pickup gear and not park on the beach. Fewer hard objects on the beach is just safer.

Encourage flyers to please wear safety equipment when moving. Use of a helmet is required, further safety gear is encouraged. This is a good idea and shows the general public that we take safety seriously.

Provide a handout that explains etiquette and the right of way for flyers. Have flyers announce their tacks, passes, and position. Most flyers don't have experience with the high kite densities of the bash. Communication and a common understanding of the “rules of the road” will greatly increase safety.

Lastly and most importantly flyers must respect the general public and operate at a safe distance from them. Remember that most don't know what windsports are and have no clue about the potential dangers. Use common sense and remember that we are guests of the Wildwoods and have to share the beach with the general public. Also any unfavorable actions or incidents could have us loose our good will and get us kicked of the beach ending the bash and ruin it for the locals.

I feel that these guidelines are working well and make the bash a safer event, but there is always room for improvement. We encourage input on what everyone felt worked and what didn't, and if possible how to do better. We also welcome fresh ideas on how to make the event safer.

Fly safe, be smart, and have fun.

Dan

Excellent Danny!

The only thing I will add is, please be aware of changing weather conditions. If it is TOO Gusty, or a storm is approaching, use common sense and live to fly another day. Better to fold the kite than to get caught in a bad situation. We want everyone to have a great time and have an excellent safety record, Let's work together to keep it that way! All Landboarders need to have a reflective orange arms band with I.D. number in it. I have these with me and they are available for $4. I will also have all needed with me for those that do not get signed up in time for NAPKA.


Till we see you on the beach......Ride on!

Rich

I am glad you added that, I can't believe that we missed it for so long.

I would like to add that in gusty conditions or in changeable winds where wind strength is up for a bit then lower for a while you should choose your kite size for the highs and not the lows.

Anyone else with some safety tips they want to share?

No texting and riding

No buggying naked....unless your special parts are pixelated.

Stay out of the way of the Canadians !

Do not ride over quicksand.

Always stay 1000 ft way from Rocfighter. He'll cut your Nose!

If you lose your kite in gust and it blows way out in water, over your head ...call the kite rescue team.

Ty not to ride with explosives or firearms on you or in buggy.

Wear a helmet at least and maybe padding...and no flip flops for shoes.

Avoid hitting Danny or Rich who we are thankful for helping put on a safe Buggy Bash...I think THAT is safe to say.

OK the warning has been given. Now it is all up to you if you want to be nosy in the future. Brian you better be extra careful!!
As for texting I saw a guy on a motor cycle last week texting. What a dope.
Is a kilt not considered naked?

Quote:

Is a kilt not considered naked?

I would think not but I can bring one you would like to try your luck

Well generally I wear shoes and socks under my kilt. But with the chance of scudding on me hind end I may choose else wise!!

what do you mean

I think a circuit race would help re-enforce many of these safety/ etiquette skills. If the wind is restricting those kick back reaches kite the triangle. You take 3 legs; upwind, downing, and a reach. Add 6 buggies, mix well, and you get one of life’s best lessons about close quarter flying.

Start off with an experienced group, then bring in the intermediate and beginner flyers for their own race.

Scudding in a kilt could be rough on the goolies.... :o:evil:

Quote: Originally posted by cheezycheese

Scudding in a kilt could be rough on the goolies.... :o:evil:

It's not the skudding that hurts...it's what slows you down is the problem....

Can you say 80 grit