Guys
Great discussion on QR systems to which I completely agree with all comments. However we can all probably agree that on the rare occasion that we REALLY need a QR things get out of control so quickly that it is highly likely that it is not possible to activate it in time. This leads to the question of using a secondary saftey system, helmets. I am a strong advocate of helmets and it surprises me to see so many of the guys out there not using them.

Last summer I heard of a number of guys ambulanced from peli point and other places, including our tragic local fatality, which with kites getting cheaper and more people getting into it can only get worse.

Making matters worse the river, with it's safer flat shallow waters, attracts loads of beginners but has a mine field of dangers for beginners with narrow beaches beyond which lie loads of potentially fatal fixed objects such as trees, cars, power poles/lines, walls, rocks, footpaths, roads etc and this is all before you even get in the water with a board ready to crack you one.

Helmets also protect from sun and wind exposure and even though detratcing from the "feeling" I reckon adds to my kiting time.

I've cycled to work for years without incident but recently a few things went pear shaped at once and I ended up breaking my fall on the road with my head. It happened so fast there was nothing I could do to prevent it, I just remember seeing the road coming at me and waiting for it. I ended up in hospital with concussion, a few stitches in my chin and some nice gravel rash on my face, which has all healed up well luckily ;-) But my head was ok as my helmet took the full force of the blow and without doubt saved my life and allowed me to cycle another day.

Bike and motorcycle helmets are of course legally required but even so I wouldn't ride without one. Kite helmets are optional but I've had my share of close shaves in life and whilst kiting and wouldn't kite without one either, it's good to be alive!!!

So guys what's your views, do the risks warrant wearing helmets. Maybe discussion should be for perspectives of both experienced and beginner kiters and even location.

cheers and safe kiting
Rod






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Rod

I have only been kiting for 12 months and ride with a helmet, vest and board leash. I recently was hit in the head with my board and all I could think of was it was thwe best 150 bucks I had spent in a long time. But I was given some good advise by mark at Windsurfing Perth in regard to riding with a leash. Through a loop stitched to your harness attach cable ties used in the electrical industry(Bunnings has them 3.5mm wide) and attach your leash to that. When you have a big spill and your board loads up to launch at you the tie will break, all other times the board is still with you. Until I am confident and gain more experience the helmet and leash stays. Its to late to buy a helmet from your hospital bed. Safe Kiting all!!!

I use a helmet as well but might stop using it when I get rid of the leg rope. I always try and launch the kite on an open beach away from trees and cars.Helmets are good for keeping your head warm in the winter too

When I was younger between the ages of 13-20yrs old I was involved in Pro/Am Cycling. When I first got into the sport Helmets were not made a requirement, a couple of years went by and some smart arss in the Cycling federation thought it should be because of all the accidents. Well we image concious bike riders wanted no part of it because the helmets looked DORKY, not cool enough for us. Then after a while some marketing freak at one of the larger companies thought he would start to make them look cool and a fashion accessory for cyclists.

I personally dont wear a helmet out kiting and i dont wear a leash and i do kite in realy shallow areas (its a buzz)i have smacked myself realy hard (cant you tell). These days with a family i am not image concious (cant afford it) thats why i ride ChinaKites. But untill some one makes them look realy cool you wont catch me wearing one. My father in-law says i am crazy and i do agree with him but they look like crap.


If any marketing freaks are listening this would be a good idea for them to follow up.

One of the best things you can do for your kiting skills is to get rid of that leash, get away from trees, parked cars, fences etc. That only leaves what is beneth the water line which you cant control and the beach.

I am not saying dont ride with them, we are free to choose but just be alert if your not going to use one.

regards BROWNEEE
http://au.geocities.com/chinakite2003/

quote:

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Originally posted by browneee



But untill some one makes them look realy cool you wont catch me wearing one. My father in-law says i am crazy and i do agree with him but they look like crap.


If any marketing freaks are listening this would be a good idea for them to follow up.



regards BROWNEEE
http://au.geocities.com/chinakite2003/

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CHINA HELMETS, come on brownee you know you want to...

dont worry shane its already locked away in there somewhere........can ya hear it tickin......

regards BROWNEEE
http://au.geocities.com/chinakite2003/

what ya doing this arvo, i am limited to my foil or borrowing one of your kites as mine still have not arrived, you up for a down wind wave session. my phones at home be there in 30mins (10:43)

hey beer bong this will make you even more jealous, that is when i finished work...................hehehehehehehehe

regards BROWNEEE