This was such a bad lofting - a tragic loss

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1327705/Kite-surfer-...

Tragic but totally avoidable. Call me callous but...

"Victim one ignored warnings about high winds"...

"A kite surfer has died after a gale-force wind dragged him across a beach at more than 100mph before he hit at least three rooftops and then plunged 50ft into the ground."...

"The horrific tragedy took place during a storm"...

"Weather forecasts has warned people about high winds, but a number of men and women were still surfing."

Sadly there is no one to blame but the kiter and this incident highlights the incredibly poor judgment and deadly bravado that some fall victim to. He was dragged at 100 mph AND struck the roof of a 7 story building... come on people. Getting your stoke on is one thing but getting dead is another. I feel sorry for the people who are killed or injured in 20 mph winds when hit by a gust or something. Anyone flying in conditions that can result in a kite dragging you at "100 mph down the beach" kind of gets what they deserve in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I grieve for his loved ones but just a shred of common sense would have allowed this poor lad to celebrate his 29th birthday. Next time one things about being able to hold brag rites for riding in storm conditions, think about this boy and then rethink your decision. Dying is no way to make a living... Josse Wales

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I thought twice about posting this and thought this was so far outside the norm with a number of things that it wouldn't be viewed as a typical kiteboarding situation where someone could potentially use the info down the road against kiters.
Everything about the incident points to being wrong on so many levels I have to agree with what you said.

Guys this is a story in the Daily Mail - a UK newspaper which is not exactly known for its quality journalism.

The kitesurfer got caught by a freak gust during a jump & lofted into some sea-front buildings. Yes the he took a risk going out, but the "Storm" that has been tracking down N Europe in the last few days has been an average Atlantic Low for the time of year with winds around 30 kt so its hardly extreme on a kiteboard. The High Wind warnings were aimed at high sided vehicles etc!!!!

A few of my friends are out on the E. coast of England today. My pal in Holland was out yesterday. Kiters i know in Denmark were out, I was out myself Tuesday and Wednesday. Everyone is just stoked.

There were other kiters out on the same beach where this guy had the accident and they were ok.

If you want to judge people please don't do it based on info from a mainstream newspaper

A tragic, tragic accident and will only fuel the debate on how to regulate all facets of our sport, whilst deepest sympathies must go to his family and all who knew him, we have to take responsibility for not just ourselves but how others see the sport.

Im admittedly a conservative flier and I stand by my comments regardless of the source of publication. Not trying to pick a fight but you also admit that he "took a risk". I'm my opinion any time we take a risk we also take sole and full responsibility. I admit it was tragic and I reiterate that I grieve for his loved ones but all storms are risky whether they are typical for the time if year or super storms. He flew in a storm, encountered conditions beyond his ability and sadly paid he ultimate price.

Know your limits , err on the side of caution, live to fly another day.

this accident is nearly three years old but we should take from this that things can go wrong very quickly in big winds. We owe him that. I'm sure he was very experienced and well within his abilities but accidents can happen to the best of us. Very sad for his family. Good bumpage.