On Christmas day I had a bad Kiteboarding accident (TBI) which put me into a 3 week unconcise faze, but am know thinking about getting back into it..... Whats everyone's thoughts?

Go for it! Knock yourself out!

As a kiteboarder and someone who has experience working in TBI rehab, I have to tell you, it was cool to see your post. I am currently studying to become an occupational therapist for the sole goal of being able to start a program back home (Canada) for getting people who have experienced all kinds of injuries and have all kinds of disabilities back into the extreme outdoor sports they love, whether it is through adaptation or customized retraining or whatever.

If you love kiting like most kiters do, and feel that this is something you want to do again, consider these things:
-What is your body like? Do you have any residual impairments that could affect your ability to use or access the equipment? Weakness? Issues with coordination or balance?
-kiting is extreme for a reason, so you have to think about how you will judge and assess safety and react to the variables we all need to react to when we are out there.
-anyone who has experienced a TBI is at risk of experiencing one again, statistically speaking. I think wearing protection is a good idea, like bumstein said.
-you may experience some major confidence issues going back out - I blew my knee landing off a kiteloop last year and still havent gotten back to unhooking, although I hope to soon! Start small. Go out and fly one of your smaller kites (in lighter wind) until you feel confident. Go for a body drag. Be aware and assess how you feel, and only put the board on your feet when you are ready to. It's okay to take it slow. No back-mobes for now. :)

Finally, talk to lots of people about it. Talk to the people who know you best as they might have good insight for you in terms of where they think you're at. Go out with supports in place and just gradually get your feet wet again. If you take it one step at a time, i think there's no reason you won't be out riding again. Motivation is an amazing thing. If you want to chat more about it don't hesitate to message me. I'd be stoked to see how you go.

Be safe and good luck!!!! :)
Nicole from Canada

I it's something you love and makes you happy, you wouldn't have to ask the question.

Natural selection? Most over 50's in kiteboarding tend to think they have better skills than they really do. When they superman down the beach this becomes more apparent.. Not saying your over 50 but how experienced are you and how did you do yourself a mischief?

NoBS said...

Natural selection? Most over 50's in kiteboarding...

What part of 2012-1980 is too hard for you?

Personally I think you're all being a bit rough with someone who has had a serious brain injury. Brain injuries affect all sorts of behaviours. Let the fella have a few typos.

Greg, more info required to answer really. If you enjoy it, go for it. Sport, fun, sunshine and fresh air can only help the body recover.

Just be safe - use a bigger board so you can go out in lighter winds, helmet & impact vest, and stay well out in the water where possible.

Don't listen to all these negative knobs mate..

I personally already have respect for you even thinking about going back out!

Take it slow! Go have a look at the beach a few times, fly a trainer kite, do some body dragging and then build back up to riding your board again!

Good luck buddy! Hope you're totally recovered

I wouldnt be asking a bunch of dudes on a kite forum for any serious questions, perhaps ask your doc! The mob will always go with the flow. i had a bad accident years ago climbing, it took me 6 years to get over it mentally and get back out there, when your ready you will know it in urself and wont need to seek encouragment from the crowd.