NSW
584 posts
I was kiting at Dolls point yesterday, and during a bad jump my chicken loop failed, and from pure force of the landing
my kite leash snapped. I was about 100m out on the water, as I watched helplessly as my kite flew down wind towards the
lowend of the beach to where kids and families where. I was suprised that not a single kiter on the beach chased the kite down.
Not because of the long walk back - but because of the safety of other people on the beach.
I swam ashore, and luckily the kite was caught up in the pier, and some fishermen secured it. unfortunetely there was some damage
to the kite. but that was not really what bothered me. It was more that no-one thought to chase down the kite and
make sure it didnt hurt anyone. Was I just unlucky that no-one saw this happen - or is this just norm at Dolls point?
If it is - then its not going to be long before a kid gets hurt by a kite and the beach will be banned.
I would always chase down a kite to help someone else.
I encourage others to do the same.
NSW
210 posts
BM100 - I don't think your experience is typical of what usually happens. I've seen (and been involved in) multiple kite, board and rider rescues at Dolls. Not just of locals but visitors as well.
Perhaps those riders competent enough to watrer recover you or your kite weren't present at the time.
I'm surprised to hear that your kite blew back in towards the northern shore line. Typically if it doesn't hit Doll's Pt then they'll blow a fair way up the river. Perhaps this is why nobody went to try and retrieve it. Otherwise, I agree, it would have been fair to hope that somebody on the beach could retrieve it.
BTW - Doll's looks like its going from very crowded to osbscenely crowded. With two or three learner kiters typically monopolising the shallows, other riders really need to pick their moment to head out or return. I kited there Saturday but went for a session elsewhere in the bay on sunday to escape the crowds.
NSW
2528 posts
Yesterdays wind where more onshore then normal in the afternoon. The most east i've ever seen there, which could have been due to the mas of clouds sitting off shore. Really surprised someone didn't run after your kite. Didn't see it happen I must have been on the water out in the bay. It was busy enough that I'm surprised it didn't collect another kiter on the way through. Another case and point of why we should all take the 5 secs to check our safety systems before every ride though. Hope the kite isn't to beat up.
