you take this *** way to seriously KOOKS

I cannot see the problem with tonights adventure. There will be enough people to help out if someone has problems. The 'togetherness' attitude was something I really admired about kiting when I started four or five years ago. I hope it still exists?

Well Gavatron it was nice to meet you, pity the same can't be said for anyone else, since no-one else showed up...

Mission: Possible, though the wind dropped a bit after a while. I still count the event as a success. I'm not dead or missing.

Greenpat,

I wandered down for a bo peep but didn't find anyone. Probably too late?

Sorry Greenpat, had a good daytime session and went out pubbing and clubbing later so couldn't be there to support you. Great to hear you had a go though.

you guys are all so soft! Night kiting is huge in Iceland, at least for 6 months of the year. With nearly 24 hours of sunlight night kiting rocks! seems like anyone who has a problem with night kiting in the dark should just move to Iceland. Problem solved

Mabye it's just me, but I personally think anyone who goes skiing/snowboarding in a total whiteout is plain stupid and risking the lives of others should they get into problems.

Night kiting on a full moon without a cloud around, the correct lights on your port and starboard sides and with no alcohol in the body makes it a fully feasible thing to do....if that's what floats your boat!

Pat, What night did you go out?

I had a good session Saturday arvo. Wandered down Sun night around 9:15 but there was only the "Rocko Commodore" crew in the car park and a few fisho's on the jetty.

Could see all the way to the islands easily and the moored ferry stood out like the proverbial dog's family jewels. Breeze felt around 12-15 from the SSE.

Ha ha ha so you did in fact survive! I was waiting for your Fuel to turn up in the for sale RIP section!!

Cheers for the backroll tips on Saturday Pat... Is it too soon to contemplate sponsorship...

quote:

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Originally posted by GreenPat

Sandgroper, you're an idiot... you toss... stupid... You muppet...

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Well I'll just take all that verbal abuse for what it is. I'm not taking offence (yet) because safety needs to be discussed openly.

But, and FWIW, no I'm not an idiot (etc), you are.

Here's a post following up on the death in Palm Beach, Safety Bay - evidently the same patch you kooks have in mind (correct me if I am wrong).

quote:

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Know your limits - the dangers of extreme sports

AUTHOR: Kate Schultz, Journalism Major, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia

The deaths of two kitesurfers on opposite sides of Australia on the same day, has prompted a plea for thrill seekers to get proper training.

The first incident, which was Australia's first kiteboarding fatality, happened last year when father-of-two Mick Eastland, 47, died after a wind gust blew him into parked cars and then into power lines off Palm Beach, Rockingham, Western Australia (WA).

Senior Constable Jamie Langley of Rockingham Police said the man had not been electrocuted by the power lines but had died as a result of other injuries.

WA Kitesurfing Association committee member Ian Grose said the association constantly pushed safety in the sport. There are good safety systems available but kite surfers rely on the weather.

Mr Grose told the West Australian newspaper that the most dangerous time for a kiter is when you are on the land because the equipment is designed for the water.

In a similar accident in northern Queensland, Peter Hansen, 24, died when he fell to the ground while flying his kite at the Airlie Beach Sports Park.

In a written statement the Australian Kitesurfing Association (AKSA) sent its warmest support to the family, loved ones and friends of the two men who died, but were also quick to defend any negative or cynical judgements made on the overall safety of the sport.

The AKSA statement said:
"In relation to the incident...when a man purchased a power kite and went flying on a field, attaching himself to the ground by a long rope...this fatality was not a result of kiteboarding. This individual was practicing unsafe use of a power traction kite on land, regardless of knowledge in control or safety. AKSA strongly preaches do not fly power kites on land in this manner or any like it."

The AKSA believes the two incidents should be a wake up call for all kiteboarders. Beginners are encouraged to join a course to learn safety procedures, while a statement in the West Australian newspaper, explains Mr Grose's request for competitors to become more safety conscious.

Safety first:
Never kiteboard with on-shore wind.
Kiteboarders must never launch at less than 60 metres from any obstacles.
Check weather forecast before every session.
Before rigging and launching, kiteboarders must evaluate the force of the wind and use an appropriate kite size.
Use functional safety systems.
Execute a preflight check before each session.
Never over estimate your skill level.
Always wear a helmet, life jacket, harness and a wet suit.
source: International Kiteboarding Organisation

"Safety and common sense is vitally important," he said. "Please, always fly with a working (safety catch) leash system. And above all, know your limits. Do not attempt to ride in conditions that are dangerous or above your skill level. This is for everyone, no exceptions. Follow the safe kiting guidelines."

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sounds like the biggest safety issue is from the bogans in the carpark

hay sandy, taking quotes off web sites designed to give caution to the inquisitive researcher is not representative of reality.
you may think its setting a bad example but the guys doing it are in control, the same guys that go out in 30 knots+. going out in strong wind is not what a beginner should do but most seasoned kiters do, its not setting such a bad example.

the race to rotto was canned because we couldn't get permission, its to easy to say no and thats what happens way too much in our community.
there are thousands of rules in Aus so if you want to do something its obvious that you have to do it on the quiet.

another day in windy dulsvile

i did my first Kiteloop handlepass landing to blind at night.
Heres the photo to prove
www.seabreeze.com.au/gallery/gallery.asp?imageid=3682

Hi all,
Just quick note to share my thoughts for what it's worth. I was the one who went down to see what all the fuss was about with this night kiting. From all I heard I thought it would be some extreme activity with all sorts of mayhem so figured before i condem or accept it to check it out for myself.
Arrived at the cafe at pelican point about 9pm and spotted Pat's kite easily in the full moon with the glow sticks attached to the wing tips. The wind was only blowing 10-15nts or so and the water was very flat with no chop. I expected to see more people but only a couple of fisherman on the jetty could be seen. The outline of Pat could be seen with the glow stick on the board well illuminated although once past the ferry (100mts) he was alot harder to make out.
Had a quick chat to Pat on the beach when he came in before he headed out again for a few more run's before the wind died off too much. He seemed capable enough and at no time was in any trouble(I told him to boost over the ferry but he would have none of it). I helped him land his kite had a beer with him and left him to savour the moment. So all up not too dangerous at all and probably safer than northbridge on a friday night.
I can't see why the government is any more likely to ban kiting for something that happens at night as during the day. Like anything if not done correctly, in the wrong conditions, at the wrong location, without the right gear it could be classified as reckless. But like experienced kiters know you see that alot even in the daytime. Night kiting is not for everyone(me included) and I think that a lack of light should not be enough to condem it. Idiots kiting at night are still idiots. Day or night. Pat is not one of these. Safe kiting.

That was aimed at groper by the way, not you Gav, if it's not obvious. I took a bit of time to look up his history and find those synoptics. Now, for that beer...