Hey guys,this is probably not what you want to hear,but this is another death and we all need to learn to asses the conditions and really consider if it`s worth risking your life in dodgy gusty winds,obviously this guy was learning,and pushed it to far.If you feel the conditions are a bit risky for your skill levels,just forget it.



Just got back from Nashiro beach and I'm feeling pretty sick. This morning the winds were very squally with intermittent rain storms. Got to Kita Nashiro about 11 am and saw a couple of windsurfers riding but all kites were on the beach, with everyone packing up. KiteClub's car was on its way out the gate. There was a police car there and a couple of officers were walking up the beach with a forensic photographer. After they left I went and had a look what they were photographing. A big pool of blood on top of the concrete wall. And I mean seriously big- it was running down the wall. About thirty metres further up the wall there were scrape marks, likely from the kite.
At the moment I don't know who the rider was but they are likely dead or seriously injured in hospital. Probably a beginner judging how far downwind they were. No big skid marks on the beach so it seems likely they were lofted by a squall and planted into the concrete wall...
There wasn't anyone there I knew to ask, but hopefully I'll be able to find out more accurate info soon. I'll keep you guys posted. So Mike, please get them signs up asap and encourage people to wear a lid, especially if they are beginners. Nobody should die doing this sport.
I just hope whoever it was is ok, and that we don't get banned from riding at Nashiro now...


Jason
Admin

Posted: 12 Jun 05 18:03
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Just heard more on the news- Matsumoto, 25 years old. He was taken to hospital but passed away. Got lifted by a gust and smashed head first into the wall, as I had assumed.


Flysurfer
Member

Posted: 13 Jun 05 08:01
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This is a tradegy. A fellow kiteboarder, though we may not be familiar w/his face, he shared our wind and waters.. I am devistated, to say the least. My prayers & sincere condolences go out to his family & friends.

I just got off the phone w/another person that had heard of the incedent through KiteClub. KiteClub will be conducting an EXTREMELY needed, and belated, safety meeting this Friday, at their shop. I plan on being there, and think it would be to all of our benefit if we tried to go. I'm sure there will be alot of issues discussed, that can no longer be left on the backburner...

Stay safe everyone, and thanks for keeping us informed Jason.
Dean


Jason
Admin

Posted: 13 Jun 05 22:48
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Hi Dean,
Tragedy indeed- I can't stop thinking about it, especially after what I saw. I also got the e-mail from KiteClub about the meeting on Friday. If I went along I doubt I would understand very much, although I certainly would like to find out more about what happened, and about what they propose to do about safety. I'd really appreciate it if you could make it Dean, since you are bilingual you could let us know what was said.
Cheers, Jason