Hey, I can't find someplace where people share their injuries story or pictures..

well here is my FIRST accident after all the summer practice... I took out my 3m HQ Beamer out in 10 MPH wind with Gusting up to 20 MPH.. This field I was using have rocky road going through in middle of the grass field. Well gust took me pretty good.. fell RIGHT onto rocky road. Here a picture of my pretty leg! Lesson learnt.. dont fly in high wind or buy knee guards :smug:

http://i.imgur.com/iNCoQpO.jpg

The reason most people don't share those type of videos is because it's not the greatest way to promote the sport. It is true that lessons can be learned from other's mistakes, or unfortunate events, but the damage that can be done by videos is far more hurtful than helpful.

Not bashing you, but if you look at the big picture and how folks get denied access to fly in places you may understand where I'm coming from. While the sport can be dangerous, it can also be very safe. I personally would like to share the best of what this sport has to offer, not scare people with what could happen to you.

That is why you can't find a place where "oops" videos for kiting are and there are enough stories out there to read.

Just my opinion.
Glad you are ok and hope you keep on enjoying the sport.

Probably my worst kiteboarding accident occurred when my kite caught a huge gust and caused me to go too fast on my landboard, forcing me to speed-wobble and crash. I fell to the ground and had a good sliding. Thankfully my seat harness protected my :moon: from any grass-based road rash.

But that wasn't the worst part. My whole body was covered in fire ants after laying on the ground for just a few seconds. The whole field was infested with them. I hate ants.

"While the sport can be dangerous, it can also be very safe." I disagree with the way you use safe here.

The only time kiting is safe is when the kite is in the bag.

So long as your engine is out where wind can catch it, disasters can happen.

This is why you hear of pro kiters getting seriously hurt or killed every once in a while.

"Very safe" is a stretch, "kinda-ish safe maybe" is more appropriate.



I do agree with you on this however.

"I personally would like to share the best of what this sport has to offer, not scare people with what could happen to you."

Been flying my 5.0m Tensor in all kinds of winds for five years or so and all I can say as far as getting spanked is that I got the wind knocked out of my lungs once from an awkward landing. I tend to keep it pretty safe as far as conditions go, even though I pretty much fail in terms of injury-preventing equipment like pads and helmets. My 8m hasn't really spanked me yet besides once lifting me higher than I wanted, but had a nice soft landing. Got my adrenaline pumping at first, but I had enough canopy over my head and enough wind that there was no way I could have screwed that jump up without just letting go of the handles.

Duplicate please delete

Kinda annoying how using the back button can double post.

Yeah, gusty winds are our worst enemy, best to avoid but without a thread dedicated to bad experiences then how would you have known, and seeing as you were looking for one then maybe such a thread is a positive thing.

Kiteboarder.co.uk have a thread called "the safe house" for such discussions but obviously they are on the water and seem to be immune from bans. So what is the best thing to do ? I'm not sure.



WHAT DO YOU MEAN THOSE THINGS HAVE NO BRAKES!!


ps: I should have mentioned that "the safe house" is completely invisible to guests.

Quote: Originally posted by Purely Luck

The only time kiting is safe is when the kite is in the bag.

Really? I better tell my wife and children to stop flying kites!

Or, how 'bout: those that decide to use kites in what is commonly referred to as an "extreme sport" should be able to use reasonable caution and safety equipment to be prepared for accidents that may happen.

Ever been skiing? roller skating? cycling? How about crossing the street? They all carry some risk of injury - I've been injured doing all of them.

I don't believe that there are any "awesome" injuries; fortunately, most injuries we can move on from and pay closer attention to the details next time.

I'm gad you're OK and getting pads to wear. Consider a helmet too. And keep practicing in more moderate winds; a full summer of flying is great (even enviable for some) but those on this board that I look to for advice have years of experience. Trust them.

yep thats looks like education...and acceptance of risk begins at "I WANT...." choice must be quickly followed by reason. a reasonable scope of understanding the elements and interacting with them is best before proceeding.

some educational moments can be harsh. kiting, kite sailing has an experiential fundamental flow of learning...if you do not do... you will not learn.

heres to knowing more everyday! keep rockin'! choose your level of risk wisely

Quote: Originally posted by hiaguy

Quote: Originally posted by Purely Luck   The only time kiting is safe is when the kite is in the bag. Really? I better tell my wife and children to stop flying kites!.................................... but those on this board that I look to for advice have years of experience. Trust them.

Really? Sounds like a double standard, how can you make both of these statements? Flying kites is one thing, powerkiting is another. But what do I know? Trust them? Years of experience?

I'm going to speak for another kiter that can't speak for himself and share his awesome injury.
Hi, I'm Doug. I died kiteboarding. (real name not used)
(with all the respect in the world, please realize this is not to disrespect anyone in anyway, but to just say this is what is real.)
I know of a few other guys along with myself, that will not share again in this post. I feel the same as Rich, this will do more harm than good. We have talked about the issue of being safe, using the right equipment, and knowing when to walk away. Bragging about how close we came to death is not good for the sport. Your post is being read by people who dont know anything about this sport and are looking to get into it, or by people trying to find a reason to shut down an area because of it.
Dont believe me in any of my posts, and dont think your bragging wont effect others. You hit a real sore spot here with this post and I had to not respond the moment you posted. Now that I have cooled off, I can speak without any #^*!# type of remarks. I dont mean to piss anyone off or disrespect you, but at some point we need to think farther than we can see.

This is my opinion and me and my Titanium take responsibility for what I say.

Exactly my point Jeff and you came to mind when I saw this post. Yes we are all at the mercy of Mother Nature taking steps to prevent injuries is the smartest thing we can do for ourselves and the sport. Know the situation in your weather, avoid flying in truly gusty winds, wear the right. Protective gear and use the right safety systems and this sport can be safe, a calculated safe.