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camsand

VIC

19 posts

camsand

VIC, 19 posts

19 Mar 2006 8:21pm

This is an unfortunate situation, and I wish lorrie a full recovery. I'm an 18 month kiter, but more imoprtantly a new dad, and due to this have an increased focus on the safety side of kiting. Given the nature of the sport and having come from a sailing background, knowing the unpredictability of the weather, I think the industry should be actively promoting helmets. When you read about incidents like this, so often head injuries are the differnece between bad injuries and tragedy, and yet if you read a kite mag, visit a website or a shop, helmets are rare, and only really discussed if the question is raised by the consumer. Even the comps with the AKSA are helmet free. Yeah its all about freedom and the feel etc, but kiting should take a leaf out of cycling, motocross, and other fast sports and actively promote the use of hlemets. Personnaly I wear one regardless of windstrength, as I've been lofted through my own error in 12 knots with a 17m, so any wind can be unsafe. Cheers fellow kiters and look forward to seeing you all on the beach looking like vader (which i've been called).

makar

1 posts

makar

1 posts

19 Mar 2006 8:14pm

my thoughts and the thoughts of our family are with lorrie and his friends and family at this time.we hope with all our hearts that he comes through alright.we lost our beloved damien at our home beach at phillip island back in november,these accidents rock everyone when they happen,i just hope that somehow some positives come from these experiences however hard it is for people directly involved to come to terms with that idea. our family is still struggling to come to terms with our loss but we realise we are not alone,the kitesurfing community on a national level has been a great support and we are still overwhelmed by that. damien's wife leah and myself along with some of his close mates are keen to try and put something back into the kiting community as a gesture of thanks.we are thinking of a contest here at the island later in the year in memory of dame and anybody else who has died or been injured in this sport.we feel more awareness is needed in regard to safety,especially for newcomers to the sport.my brother was experienced but the worst still happened,awareness and education will hopefully enable the sport to grow because unfortunately at the moment it seems to be getting some negative vibes due to the seriousness of the accidents happening.to lorrie and his family hang in there,if there is anything we can do to help you please do not hesitate to make contact.these events will change your lives but you are not alone.to the rest if the kite community again thank-you and hope to see you at the contest later in the year. Brendon Mckay

silviu

VIC

663 posts

silviu

VIC, 663 posts

19 Mar 2006 11:27pm

quote:
Originally posted by makar

my thoughts and the thoughts of our family are with lorrie and his friends and family at this time.we hope with all our hearts that he comes through alright.we lost our beloved damien at our home beach at phillip island back in november,these accidents rock everyone when they happen,i just hope that somehow some positives come from these experiences however hard it is for people directly involved to come to terms with that idea. our family is still struggling to come to terms with our loss but we realise we are not alone,the kitesurfing community on a national level has been a great support and we are still overwhelmed by that. damien's wife leah and myself along with some of his close mates are keen to try and put something back into the kiting community as a gesture of thanks.we are thinking of a contest here at the island later in the year in memory of dame and anybody else who has died or been injured in this sport.we feel more awareness is needed in regard to safety,especially for newcomers to the sport.my brother was experienced but the worst still happened,awareness and education will hopefully enable the sport to grow because unfortunately at the moment it seems to be getting some negative vibes due to the seriousness of the accidents happening.to lorrie and his family hang in there,if there is anything we can do to help you please do not hesitate to make contact.these events will change your lives but you are not alone.to the rest if the kite community again thank-you and hope to see you at the contest later in the year. Brendon Mckay

Thanks Makar, for your words of wisdom. If we can do something to help you organise the memorial please let us know.

As I promissed the Three ring QRS is posted in the General section.
Good luck, it is very simple to make it.

elsurfs

24 posts

elsurfs

24 posts

19 Mar 2006 8:33pm

Hi you all. And to you Silviu.
All the safety equipment in the world and quick release systems would not have helped me. The only thing that would have helped would be a full body air bag. Read on to hear my story
Friday night before new years left work early as it was warm and went straight to Half Moon. I kite here a lot because brighton gets too full and on this night the beach would have been packed. Its also close to home.
The seabreeze had only just come in about 12-14K and i pumped my 16m. I fell out of the sky the first time i launched it (major warning sign) I relaunched and stood by the water. I just jumed on the water powered up and the kite from what i can remember folded turned powered up and dragged me sideways about 10m. I remember seeing the kite turn and thinking to pull my safety at which point i was only about 4m from impact. Then bang i hit the rock wall at great force. The next thing i knew i woke up in the carpark having been dragged another 10m.
Some great bystanders unhooked my kite and called the ambo. The rest of the public just formed the circle of death around me.
In some what of a picture show i remember bits of my trip to the alfred emg dept and my first night in hospital. Two operations, one on my heel where they inserted a plate and 11 screws and another on my wrist with another set of screws. Weeks of hyperbaric treatment, bad hospital food, but gererally great treatment by the staff.
Three weeks later i was wheel out.
I have spent the last 11 weeks on the couch or not far from it. I have not worked a day since christmas. My kids missed out on one of the best summers for a while and my wife is looking afetr me and our 3 boys.
The only thing i can offer in terms of safety is
Ride unhooked as much as possible. I would have just let the thing go than have to go through this.
Get decent income protection insurance.
Helmets and PFDs are great but wouldnt have helped me too much.
I would love to kite again however my next goal is to walk in the next few months.
I have had a few injuries over the last 4 years kiting but overall i thing the sport is generally safe.
Silviu, i have seen you kite and i understand why you only have had a few bumps in the last 5 years.

Sorry my post was so long. Look out for my book to be released soon..

El out

elsurfs

24 posts

elsurfs

24 posts

19 Mar 2006 8:43pm

Sorry for my tyops in the last post.

Is there any word on the condition of Lorrie?

Having been there myself i know a few of the staff they're all great and do good with with bad situations.(some of them kite too)

To all lorries mates please pass on my thoughts.

El out again

silviu

VIC

663 posts

silviu

VIC, 663 posts

19 Mar 2006 11:47pm

El,
Thanks for the words, I agree with you and I understand you. I hope you will make a full recovery, and I hope your family and yourself will get out of the woods as soon as possible.
I agree with your concerns that all the safety equipment we are promoting would not help you, but having a helmet and an impact vest, may make the difference between a critical or severe injuries and less severe ones.
However, all the safty equipment in the world will not replace comonsense and caution:
1. Not jumping few meters from the shore line(especially on days the beach is crowded).
2. If the space is crowded, go out and stay out.
3. If it is too crowded, better don't launch.
Yes, I am very prudent, may be this is why I did not had too many bumps.
However with all my caution, on the same Friday, I was out with my 16m Crossbow and I was caught by the northerly up to 35 knots. I had really trouble landing my kite, and it was the first time after manny, manny moons, I was dragged on the sand!(It was my second time with my new Crossbow!!!).
And one more think: noboddy seen me jumping, and this is because I am not jumping very often, and, when I am jumping,I am jumping only far out, where I am safe, and I have all the bay to land!
I do not see anything wrong in this, just a good example.

Link

0 posts

Link

WA, 0 posts

20 Mar 2006 4:44am

Hi El,
good luck on the recovery - it takes some time when the heel has been crushed/shattered/broken.

I also had a kite accident and shattered both heels. Now both subtalar joints are fused and fair bit of ankle damaged. Don't agree with comments that it is avoidable, though obviously in hindsight it always could be. Accidents do happen, like tripping and breaking a leg- avoidable but an accident no less. Mine was being hit by a massive gust whilst on the water. I had my hand on the quick release as I was hit by the gust but next minute I am 3 stories high above the beach. To me onshore wind is a danger in kiting- any small mistake, pilot error, wind conditions or both, can be critical, and there is such a higher chance of major damage - people are fooling themselves if they don't realise this. Prior to my accident I had gone through many extreme sports, and have never broken a bone, and considered myself very aware of the dangers - but the past is no indication of the future.
Anyway, good luck on the recovery, it takes a long time - chat to other people about recovery, but at the same time don't restrict yourself to theirs - every injury is different it seems. 4 months on my bum, 10 months to walk without crutches, over 2yrs to walk with manageable pain, 2.5 yrs to kite again (thanks to bows also)- though jury is out as I want to walk when I'm 60.

werty

119 posts

werty

WA, 119 posts

20 Mar 2006 11:42am

and to think I took up kiting cause it was easier on my knees after wakeboarding for 10 years

Does anyone know Lorries condition

SHEPPO3930

106 posts

SHEPPO3930

WA, 106 posts

20 Mar 2006 11:58am

as a local to where lorrie had his accident, i am (and most other locals are) pretty shaken up by it. I have had my fare share of bad accidents, but nothing major like this. i think yes safety systems, helmets, etc. are all well and good, but lets be honest, how fast does the accident happen? like my worst crast was accross a shallow rock reef up onto the sand, over the dunes and into the trees.. well thats where the kite ended up. that was about 200m of out of control untill i managed to react and pull the pin.

i am a fan of kites that allow immediate depower without having to pull a pin, these bow kites are a good idea with the way u let out the bar and its generally all over pretty fast. that said i do not fly bow kites.

i agree with kitepower that the industry has to adopt a universal safety system, and i'd like to take it one step further... these manufacturers and large shops should get a change over system happening, where people can bring in their old safety system and exchange it for a new safer one for little or no cost.

but at the end of the day i spose the sport is dangerous and a safety is only as good as the speed in which it is pulled/activated.

lorrie we hope you recover, and that cant be said anymore genuine.

from me and the guys down on the mornington peninsula.

Kitehard

2782 posts

Kitehard

WA, 2782 posts

20 Mar 2006 12:52pm

Hey everyone,

After getting back from Kitestock and reading the posts about Lorrie and the accident and the subsequent posts in this thread, I felt moved to make a contribution. Firstly, a speedy recovery to Lorrie and best wishes to his family and friends.

Secondly, at Kitestock, whilst doing the rider clinics I had a female student who had a nasty accident a year ago and suffered a back injury and was quite scared of the kites and being dragged. I thought up a quick idea which might be easy to implemment for others in the same situation.

Many kites come with Quick release pins which require you to grab a ball or loop or whatever to pull and disconnect the chicken loop from the bar. This is fine in a perfect world where you are in control, not panicking, and not flying through the air upside down and backwards towards the rocks.

I suggest adding a short piece of rope tied to the QR ball or loop and have the other end attached to the end of the spreader bar. This will form a triangle between the hook, the pin and the end of the spreader. In case of emergency, just bang your hand down hard against the rope and it should pull the pin. It will not be necessary to reach around fumbling for the QR. I haven't even tried it, but the theory is there and it should work OK.

For those who are really concerned, try it, let me know if it works for you. For others, practice using the QR on your bar and make sure the system works. Leave a safety buffer zone between you and objects, especially in strong onshore winds.

Good winds and best wishes,

Kaos

VIC

49 posts

Kaos

VIC, 49 posts

20 Mar 2006 4:30pm

Hi guys.

Thanks guys for all your kind positive words and support concerning Laurie's unfortunate accident.

Laurie was a very strong kiter, he always rode powered and new what he was doing. The boys and i have never seen him put himself or anyone else at risk and his equipment was always looked after. He also knew how to and used his safety pin when he had to. Laurie was alone out on the water if the squall came through about 2 hrs later there would have been more victims. Lucky for the rest of us.

Laurie is in the Alfred hospital, he is still in a indused coma. Hopefully they can bring him out today.
He has a broken left fibula, his right ankle is badly broken up.
He has a fractured pelvis and broken rips.
Both lungs are punctured.
His face is badly beaten up and entire body swollen.
He is on full life support and has equipment monitoring his brain activity.
The surgeons operated for about 6hrs just on his head injuries and they carried on dressing the rest of him till early hours of the morning.
The doctors can only tell us the extent of the damage to his brain once he comes out of the coma. The haven’t treated the rest of the injuries as not to cause any more stress to his system so once he gains consciousness they will set to work on him again.
He will require plastic surgery and will be in a wheelchair for at least 6 months.

Laurie is a strong person and just like he enjoys fighting his kite he is now fighting 100%. You GO4IT Laurie.

As you all can imagine Laurie's family is under a lot of turmoil at the moment but they are just as strong it seems like it's a family trait.

Laurie and family WE ALL WISH, HOPE AND PRAY EVERYDAY 4 ALL OF YOU'S.

Sorry i took so long to update everyone on the net.
Will keep u posted.
Thanks Guys.

silviu

VIC

663 posts

silviu

VIC, 663 posts

20 Mar 2006 5:14pm

Thank Kaos for your update.
We wish again Lorrie a quick and full recovery, and at the same time our thoughts are with his family and friends. Wea are aware that it will be a long way, so if we can be of any help please let us know.

Kitehard, that is a brilliandt idea, we have only to think how to apply it. There will be some of the systems on which it will be really simple to implement.
I will give it a go on my three rings system.

dan OK?

VIC

253 posts

dan OK?

VIC, 253 posts

20 Mar 2006 5:27pm

Respect to KAOS and all my positivity to Lauries full and quick recovery. I haven`t met the guy but when i do track him down im gonna shake his hand and say your the guy who finally made me buy and wear a helmet!
Shame this is what it took!

silviu

VIC

663 posts

silviu

VIC, 663 posts

20 Mar 2006 9:41pm

quote:
Originally posted by dan OK?

Respect to KAOS and all my positivity to Lauries full and quick recovery. I haven`t met the guy but when i do track him down im gonna shake his hand and say your the guy who finally made me buy and wear a helmet!
Shame this is what it took!

Dan,

That may make the difference between a severe head injury and just some bruises and scratches.
Why on earth are we wearing helmets when cycling? Not for the same reason?
It will not help you if you fall from hight, you may bruise or break a limb, but it will protect your head.
So good on you!

leah

VIC

4 posts

leah

VIC, 4 posts

21 Mar 2006 12:19am

to laurie thinking of you and your family as the days turn into nights and the nights turn into days yet it all seems the same day let your hearts give you the strenght to keep hangin in there and doing what ever you have to do to get threw each day.

to all kiters stick together kite together

skidsy

VIC

31 posts

skidsy

VIC, 31 posts

21 Mar 2006 12:56am

Accidents happen that's why their called accidents, and that's why kiteboarding is an extreme sport.

All sports are risky but the inclusion of mother nature makes it near to impossible to predict. Even the Beaurua Of Maybeology get their forecasts wrong 40% of the time.

Lets hope for better days for Laurie and hopefully all the positive thoughts can help him and his family get through this hard time. No matter how long the rehab I hope he can recover 100% one day soon.

I've done it and, going for your safety is the first thing you do, but in the moment, it's the hardest thing to do no matter how practiced you are.

ellery

VIC

187 posts

ellery

VIC, 187 posts

21 Mar 2006 9:39pm

quote:
Originally posted by skidsy

All sports are risky but the inclusion of mother nature makes it near to impossible to predict. Even the Beaurua Of Maybeology get their forecasts wrong 40% of the time.

quote:
Originally posted by silviu

1. Check the BOM forecast. They will say if changes are expected. At least you are aware and look for the change signs.

I've had a few scares myself like most people and hope that lorrie gets well soon.

The main issue being raised on this thread has been safety systems. I've quoted a few other people above who have mentioned the weather conditions. The forecast for the day of the incident was something along the lines of 15 to 20 knots with squalls expected. Sure the BOM don't get it right all the time, but they also don't put up squalls expected very often. When they do, i respect them and don't kite. Even if the conditions appear great, just leave it to the experts and don't go out. Even kick back and enjoy watching others having a kite, you'll also be there if they need help.

My next point is in regards to when would you activate your safety? If you get overpowered when you're say 100m out and the kite is above you, would you pull the safety there and then or try and make it back to the beach? If you do pull the safety it means a long swim in.

My point to this message, don't go out if the BOM is predicting squalls. If you do, consider what you would do, if you are a 100m out and suddenly overpowered, would you be prepared to drop to safety and possibly even let go of the entire kite?

Again, I wish Lorrie a safe recovery, just trying to make any noobs out there to be aware firstly of the conditions rather than what safety you have. If you are going to get lofted, you will get lofted, it's whether you can release the safety on the first or second loft that can reduce injury.

Cheers
James

sleek1

VIC

672 posts

sleek1

VIC, 672 posts

21 Mar 2006 10:17pm

Laurie,
i hope the day is soon that you get to read this yourself. You made a pretty big thread on seabreeze. Wish you and your family well.
Hubcap

silviu

VIC

663 posts

silviu

VIC, 663 posts

21 Mar 2006 11:15pm

Hi Kaos.
Any news?

viffer

QLD

32 posts

viffer

QLD, 32 posts

21 Mar 2006 10:30pm

being new to the sport, it is good to see the level of concern and maturity displayed by seasoned riders. the length of the posts are testament to that.

With regard to safety and those new to the sport, as I am, don't be shy to give advice to us newbies, yes we have had lessons, but can definately utilise the years of experience you have, it is better to give us some advice instead of watch us balls things up and give the sport a bad name. I must admit the locals around my way are very approachable and the helping hand is much appreciated, keep it up.

Jeff2231

NSW

416 posts

Jeff2231

NSW, 416 posts

21 Mar 2006 11:57pm

Any more news on Lorrie? Have they brought him out of the coma yet?

I'm not religious either but I'm praying for ya mate.

Kaos

VIC

49 posts

Kaos

VIC, 49 posts

22 Mar 2006 12:24am

Hi Guys.

LAURIE had his left leg operated on last night. His temperature has been climbing so we have to wait a while before the doctors can bring him out of the induced coma which has already been 5 days. All else is the same. The docs say he will be in hospital for about 6 months and then be in a wheelchair for another 6 months and these are optimistic speculations.

Laurie and Melanie have just had their first child 6 months ago. With the high cost of child care Melanie left work to look after their little one. Laurie is an ambulance driver and is currently studying to become a paramedic. He’s the guy that’s out there helping everyone of us when we are in a accident, ill or need medical help and now he needs ours.

We all know how hard it is to keep a roof over our head and keep our family’s fed and the bills paid when we are at the best of health. Where would Laurie’s family go from here?

We have opened up a trust account for Laurie and would be grateful for any donations received over the next 18 months. We are also going to be coming up with a few more quests to help support Laurie once they are set up we will let you know.

The first step of many has been taken to support Laurie and his family. The second step is to help Laurie’s family to keep what they have got and not to let them drown in medical and rehabilitation bills and that’s where all of you have offered to help our Kiteboarding Ambo Buddy LAURIE, thank you very, very much.

And to all those generous supportive people out there LAURIES TRUST ACCOUNT is:

Westpac, BSB 733-058 and Acc no 620972.

Thanks all for the Support.
Cheers
Kaos.

silviu

VIC

663 posts

silviu

VIC, 663 posts

22 Mar 2006 12:45am

Thanks Kaos, for the update and the info.
Now it ois the time to show support.
All the best wishes to Lories familly and friends.

gls

284 posts

gls

WA, 284 posts

21 Mar 2006 11:33pm

I've been offline for days, but catching up tonight on this thread I have been deeply moved. Its critical to peoples lives that we all help foster greater safety awareness within our community. Experienced riders must realise that they are the ones who set examples for newer riders.

It's an issue close to my heart. I had a very serious close call having been lofted and dropped onto the beach upside down and breaking my neck. I was glad to have a helmet, wished I had an impact vest, and yes I was something like 20' in the air before I even had a chance to think about a quick release. I should not have been out there to begin with but bravado and enthusiasm clouded my judgement. I overrode three indicators any one of which should have told me to stop. (i) it was 30 minutes after a squall had gone through - winds are fluky after storms even though they may seem ok most of the time, (ii) it was a direct onshore breeze - if anything is going to go wrong you will end up on the beach quickly, (iii) I went out alone and was 20 minutes before help came. I could have drowned in a few inches of water with the waves washing around me.

I went right through the health system and was fortunate enough to come out the other end to tell the tale. I'm the luckiest man alive with 100% recovery. I decided to go back kitesurfing, much wiser for my experience.

Accidents will happen. Whatever you can do to minimise their likelihood helps. Whatever you can do to minimise their damage helps.

I wear a helmet no matter what, an impact vest, check my quick release reflexes several times before launching, and don't hesitate to QR on launching the first moment it starts looking weird. I'm passionate about promoting safety awareness to other kiters. And it freaks me out when I see newby's launching in direct onshore conditions, close to shore, with little idea of what they're doing.

I am in complete agreement with all the safety advice given in this thread. Anything that we can do as individuals to actively promote safety awareness will help. Personally I decided to keep kiting and joined the WAKSA committee in the hope of leveraging the lessons from my experience. I'm sure you guys will find the right opportunity at some stage to contribute something towards making our fellow riders safer.

I sincerely hope Laurie that we will see you on this thread at some stage. My thoughts are with you, your wife and your child.

Graeme Speak
WAKSA Secretary

silviu

VIC

663 posts

silviu

VIC, 663 posts

22 Mar 2006 1:04pm

Hey Graeme,

Thanks for your contribution, and be assured you have my full support.
It is good to know people like you are out there.

Silviu

hookworm

VIC

600 posts

hookworm

VIC, 600 posts

22 Mar 2006 8:05pm

In one of my earlier posts i forgot to mention some of the people that actually saved lauries life these were the paramedics. Without these hard working do anything for any body people there would be alot of us in trouble. the thing is that Laurie is one of these people and for the time i've known him he has always been safe to the exstent that he even carried a whisle on his harness. He was always prepared and anyone that new him always felt a little bit more comfy knowing he was there if something happend. Its hard to come to grips with what happend and the fact that a sport we all love can be extremly dangerous. I know that if it had been someone else he would be the first to help and last to leave. so i hope we can all help and if anyone has any other ideas that may help him and his family please dont hesitate to reply. get well soon mate.

red

VIC

741 posts

red

VIC, 741 posts

23 Mar 2006 12:32pm

quote:
Originally posted by red

As a windsurfer and another victorian paramedic, I think the support shown by the kite boarding community, for laurie, has been nothing short of amazing. It just goes to shows that when push comes to shove, people help people. I see this in my job and now seeing it over the concern for laurie is great.

Hearing about accidents and injuries like these, I only wish I could push the point more about safety gear. I've been windsurfing for 22 years and have only just begun wearing a helmet. Many people say Helmets are uncool.. so is a brain injury. It comes down to the greater community to encourage what is "cool" and what is not. Look at skiing,snowboarding - it's pretty cool to wear a helmet now. Maybe i'm just being selfish .. more helmets mean less work for me...

Before I was an ambo I worked as a rock climbing guide, and I also saw me share of head injured climbers. The one thing that scares me about climbers, kiters and windsurfers is the individuals who think that "extreme" is ok. We do these sports for the feeling it gives us not to impress the non-"extreme" crowd. Any body who says the are an "extreme" kiter/surfer/windsurfer/climber etc just plain scares me....

Cheers

Red

PS I too was out sailing that night and it was understandable how shocking the fronts/gusts were.

Kaos

VIC

49 posts

Kaos

VIC, 49 posts

24 Mar 2006 12:41am

Hi Guys

It's scary to think that so many bad injuries have happened to all of us. Its an amazing sport that has got us all hooked and we all love the freedom and variety. It's really a great sport and best of all I just love the way everyone tries to help one another and include the new guys and help them on their way. We are a family out there,every one of us, no matter which beach we go to. Thanks for looking out and helping me when ever I have had trouble on the water. We all look after each other.

Have fun.

bradgray

NSW

13 posts

bradgray

NSW, 13 posts

21 Jul 2006 10:46am

Perhaps a crash hat & impact vest is a good idea! Hope the dude gets better!

dave dicko

1 posts

dave dicko

WA, 1 posts

24 Jul 2006 1:55am

im sorry this happened

i am a skydiver as well as a kiter and my kite cutaway is far from sufficient (compared to a skydive rig cutaway). it is a naish bar with a pull-out cutaway.

i find cutting away from a kite must be done seconds BEFORE the acual bad situation happens!

i know it is difficult at the time (split seconds) when 'still' or 'JUST still' in control, to say "i'll cutaway now" or "perhaps i wont have to". but sure as eggs when you 'really want to' cutaway, you wont be able to, u'll be up in the air trying to control it or cartwheeling down the beach, OR WORSE.... its a hard one to talk about.

when your so close to the ground (IMPACT) these systems are only as quick as your instinct

dont be scared to cutaway early.... thats what its there for (sorry not trying to be a preacher)

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