Hi all. Just sending out a BIG thanks to SHQ (Victoria), for the helping out in securing a new kite for me (switchblade 3). A couple of years ago (16, march ,06), I had a HUGE kitemare at a local beach in Victoria, where I was given only a 20% chance of survival. I broke almost every bone in my body and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, with associated double vision. The kite I was riding had NO saftey release on the chicken loop and I had to be cut free.
I have made a fantastic recovery and I am back out in the water, with the help from alot of kiters across Aust, especially Ivan (SHQ). My riding has alot of work to go, to getting me back to some kind of normality, but its getting there. If your ever in Melbourne, go and say hello to the guys at SHQ.
Laurie

How did it all happen (if you don't mind the question)? ...always handy to know different causes of incidents...

How did it happen? Well as there was no saftey release on the chicken loop, I was in the biggest ride of my life (10m up and 100m+), across the water and into two solid walls and power lines. This is actually news to me, as I was unconscious for up to five weeks and was only told by non-kiters on the beach (6 months latter). I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but I am a great advocate for the use of helmets (I wonder why?). Sorry
Laurie

Anything from back in the old days- Pre 2003 I think from memory, kiting is easy now....

The kite I was riding was a 2003 slingshot GTO (pre-fuel), which I bought new. I never thought of the saftey of the kite, only that it had a saftey leash attatched (just incase), who would ever know of what was to happen. Some may say, why not have a knife (but it was never thought of).
Yes and the physical issues expirenced are slightly difficult (e.g. putting my left foot into the binding is an issue all its own (new heel straps), etc).

Also don't forget HOOKSTOCK on tomorrow (17,02,08), it wll be an awsome event!