Every time I go out I try to find somebody to go with me but it's not always possible. Where I buggy nobody can see me, not even cars passing by on the road. I always wear a helmet but I still always fear getting hurt really bad and not being able to self rescue, as they call it in the kayaking world. Even with a phone in my pocket/dry bag/strapped to the bug etc I still fear that scenario.

What do you do to stay safe when buggying alone on a deserted beach/field etc? Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks!

PS, don't tell me to stop buggying alone because I can't, this sport is more addicting than all the crap I experimented with in my teens and early twenties!:wee:

Try calling a friend and have a set time so if you don't call then they can send help. I do it all the time especially when I rode in The Valley Of The Gods. Google that

I deal with the same exact thing. I fly in a hooj field that has a bit of a crest in the middle and you can't see anyone on the ground at some points and the place is mostly deserted. I fear the same thing so if its gusty, which it usually is at OOBE Field, I pick a kite that is generally underpowered and when the gusts hit, still isn't quite going to spank me but I get some good speed. I spend a lot of time with the kite sitting on the ground but it's better than being yarded and laying there waiting for the coyotes. I fly a lot harder when I'm with someone. When I sit there with my underpowered kite on the ground, waiting for the "good" wind, I continually tell myself that "...a bad day of kite buggying is still waaaaay better than a great day at work... " Also, I do like Todd suggested. Usually my wife knows, because I tell her the day before that I'll be home late, and she sees the crap in my truck...

Todd has the answer. If no one can join you. Some one can always think about you. Just don't tell some one like me. I forget stuff all the time:dunno:

Back when I started snowkiting alone I bought a cell phone + GPS. Only to find out that there was no coverage in many of the spots I needed it. I sometimes throw in a road flare from my trunk but that won't help if no one can see you.

I always leave a message about where I am and when I expect to be home. Option B if I am not sure headed out as well.

2 things are a must for me and as time goes on, others are starting to agree.

1st is what Todd said. If I leave for the weekend to go hiking, or as the pain allows, getting back to rock climbing, the wife knows when I leave, where I will be, and when I will be home. I would hate to lie in a field somewhere dieing for 6 or 8 hours before someone thinks "he should be home by now don't ya think?"

2nd, 3/4 helmet, (got rid of the full face when the chin guard broke the ribs under my collar bone and collapse the lung)(I wear a chest protector to ward off those broken ribs, from not getting your arm out of the way when I land, or when the kite pulls you sideways into the side rail and you hear the infamous "POP".

Gloves, goggles, long pants(with shorts, OK Van?), regular safety stuff, etc.
but that's me, I like to be able to drive home afterwards and think about the fun I had or what I'm going to change for the next trip.
Buggy On my wayward friend.....

If you're really concerned and/or in a very remote location (might be more appropriate for backcountry snowkiting) you could always pick up an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?oe=utf-8&rls=org....


They are mainly used by boaters, and I think have been gaining traction in the mountaineering world. When activated they send out a distress signal with the exact coordinates of your location for rescue workers.

Costly- but lots of peace of mind. For the kiter on a budget- I'd go with Todd's suggestion.

Mike has a great suggestion. I use a relatively inexpensive Emergency Satellite Personal Tracker, (SPOT) for the areas my cell phone won't cover or when I'm sea kayaking. It does require a yearly subscription but it's small, water proof, good to have and you can also send text messages and your position via Satellite not to mention a 911 call in case of emergencies.

As mentioned above by others... I also leave an abbreviated "float plan" which includes my intended start time, route and end time and expected time home. Then I'll follow that up at the end with a call when I have cell phone service.

The key of course is to leave that information with someone who cares if you actually come back.

With the scouting program, we teach that you should never go alone and to always plan your trips.

Much of this is what has already been said. A couple points to keep in mind (some which have already been brought up but warrants being said again),

1. Never go out alone. Of course you already said that you try to get others to go but this is not always possible. Fully understand.

2. If going alone, leave a detailed map and trip plan with someone else. The trip plan should have the time you are leaving, the time you will be returning, what you are going to be doing, where you are going to be and the entire area that you may/may not be covering. In the event that you do get injured, this will give others the easiest and best way to locate you so they don't end up searching blind.

3. Keep with your plan. Don't change locations or plans. This obviously destroys any use of #2. If you do have to change plans, make sure to leave detailed info with someone else and let them know what your new plans will be and that your old plans are no longer valid.

4. Take along all necessities such as extra water, shelter, food, clothing, first aid kit, protection, etc... Plan for the emergency so that if it does happen, you will be prepared and will be able to help yourself.

5. If possible, check in on a regular basis with someone who is not with you or your group. Text messages or a quick phone call is perfect. Have the other party call you as well on a regular schedule so they too will know if something happens. Make sure your call or message is useful such as ... "Just checking in, all is well, I am at X Location, schedule is the same as planned. Should be leaving or returning to base at X time." If there is an emergency or accident, this info will give the searching party an exact place to start looking for you and will eliminate a ton of wasted time.

6. If you have no way of contacting someone when you are at your location, leave markers or info at your base camp that will give someone else an idea as to what you are doing. Examples would be leave a detailed note on the dash of your car that says "Headed out east at 9:24 am. Wearing orange pants with pink polka dot shirt. Flying green /white kite" Another simple thing would be to make an arrow out of rocks or draw an arrow in the ground that points the direction you are heading. Leave a message that says "If I am not back at this location by X:00 o-clock, please contact authorities and get help" Time stamp your message as well.

Be safe, if alone always err on the side of caution. Don't take unnecessary risks or push your limits. Enjoy the time and save the limits for times when others are there to aid in assistance if necessary.

Hope that helps.

Todd - WOW, talk about a deserted place! I'm not sure I would go that far out into nowhere by myself. You're a brave man!

Thanks so much for all the great ideas! I think that if I were to go to The Valley Of The Gods or someplace as desolate as it is I would implement all of Kent's ideas and use a device like SPOT. For the fields I fly in I think making a detailed trip plan, wearing bright clothes, checking in periodically, riding underpowered and not pushing the limits is enough to make to make me feel pretty safe.

Thanks for the tip on helmets, Jeff. I had no idea that could even happen, might have to make a thread about helmets too.

I think Cabelas near us has the SPOT for around $150.00 but it goes on sale often for $99.00 I think in this case it is well worth it. We have hiking friends that use them to keep track of there trips. They have them linked to there home computers so when ever they stop or start they push a button and it marks the place and time. Then they have a great map of there trip when they get home.
Sounds cool, but to fancy for me:embarrased:

i buggy alone all the time but i dont think i would try the water thing alone......

You might want to take a look at the ACR or McMurdo PLB's (personal locator beacon)
These are EPIRB's designed for personal use. They are small GPS enabled devices that work through the global COSPAS SARSAT satellite system. There is no subscription fee for this government monitored system. They work anywhere in the world. The unit broadcasts
an identifier code and GPS location. Cost is $250- 500. Check out the ACR website, or Hamiltonmarine.com.

Thanks for the suggestion, Ted. I'm not willing to dump that much money on a beacon at this time, I'd rather put it into wearable safety gear.

have a budlight to take the edge off jk best thing i think is to let some one know where your going via written map, go well equipped, a distress signal would be a nice peace of mind.