Down a Melivlle Yesterday, wind was pretty gusty and out predicted 13-18 knots was more like 13-35.
A fella came down pumped up his new link and was gettin organized. Having a chat was a gust came through. His kite blew away and his board came at him doing freakish speeds. Bang, his board smacked him in the head, a trip to the local GP a huge head ache and many stitches later he missed out on a kite.

See, he set up an put his board on top of his kite...Not on the leading edge but right over the whole canopy. When his kite blew, it made the board catapault.......into his head.... Ill be using sand from now on.

Cheers to all the guys who packed up his gear, got his medicare card, first aid, towels etc( especially Jeff , who drove a bleeding guy to the GPs)..... If your gonna get hurt Melville guys are a good crew.

It was "lucky" the board hit its owner. Imagine just walking by innocently to have close encounters with a slingshot 132 twinny.

Thanks to Jeff and the guys for sorting me out. Especially the guy who sacrificed his towel (which I unsuccessfuly attempted to clean proir to my bloody departure).

100mm gash on the noggin' and lotsa stitches later...not much of a non-kite.

I agree, better me that anyone else. Thats exactly what I said as I was pissing blood on that skinny Melville Beach.

The funny thing is that I weighted the canopy with sand first, then put my board in it second. I usually put my board over the leading edge, however the water was lapping near it...so, I put the board on the canopy rather than having it pushed about by the wind-blown waves.

In retrospect, I think that is possible that a 'wave' lifted the leading edge and a gust got under my kite then...I'm a lucky fooker. Got a new ACL built in, and have just started kiting again. WEE. Another week or so off.

Thanks again Melville guys. You aren't half as bad as VB says.

BTW, selling my 2007 Slingshot SX137. It has a taste for my blood. I'll get another SX137 with a lesser appetite.