At the BBQ we had on Saturday somebody came up with a pretty handy suggestion.

In all the talk about right of way and local rules, i would assume in most places its pretty standard for the advanced guys to move out of the way of learners to avoid any accidents. How do the advanced guys identify learners so they can be avoided and given enough space.

Being a learner it can be pretty intimidating being out there on the water coming into close proximity to other water users. It would be nice if there was a system for identifying newbies.

advanced users cant tell someones a learner, gets a bit close and the learner comes off only to have to recover. I learnt on Saturday also, learner hand gliders use ribbons to notify others they have only a limited number of hours flying under their belts.

Maybe a similar system can be implemented for kite users and hopefully prevent some future accidents...

What about L Plate Stickers placed on the wing tips.

horn off a ship would be handy

Sounds like a feasible idea to me as an instructor... Many students ask what they can do to identify themselves as a learner... Red ribbon off the wingtips or centre strut is easy, cheap and can always be taken off in a pinch...

Yep, newbies are easy to spot. If you can't spot 'em you're probably still one of 'em. The way they fly their kite, their stance, and yes, often their "safety" equipment are all giveaways.

They typically have their hands out at the ends of the bar, are often in a poo stance, tend to look awkwardly from kite to water and back again, desperately trying to keep things in relative alignment because they haven't learned to feel where the kite is yet.

Any kiter who knows what they're doing automatically avoids newbies because you never know when they'll drop their kite or transition involuntarily or without looking. Skilled riders can go faster, point higher, and transition faster than newbies and so have no trouble keeping clear.

If skilled riders are going close to a learner to intimidate them, that's another matter and should be dealt with diplomatically on the beach, preferably with some big dudes at your back.

diginoz said...

If there any good they can tell

lol

Rhys Porter said...

Sounds like a feasible idea to me as an instructor... Many students ask what they can do to identify themselves as a learner... Red ribbon off the wingtips or centre strut is easy, cheap and can always be taken off in a pinch...

Rhys I like your ribbon idea, I also have one. A pink tshirt with big letters front and back that says NOOB. Match that with a liquid force kite and I think most people will stay clear..... Mark says that he want's to carry a samurai sword like the ninja turtles carry on their shell/back so when people come past and screw him over he can unleash the fury on the spot. I like that idea too. I think that learners get in the way of learners. I mean you can definately pick a learner and tell that they aren't confident. I usually just stay away or if they do multiple kamikaze runs at me I head straight at them and then they do the 12 o'clock stall on the spot or just stack head first.

Forgot to say that Boracay sucked ass. If you want a hundred kiters on the water at any given time then take a trip there. Overall a 2-10!

I PM'd you another way to tell learners also.. lol.

Jay.

What if they arent a learner and there just having a poo

In such unusual situation they should be treated as learners regardless ,cos they would have restricted range of movments.

Jas, sleep in peace I knew what you meant.
A few words on poo stance I think not only fresh learners are guilty of that despicable and disgusting act, I watch more advanced riders insisting on such style of riding the problem is its not only looking horrific but once you break at your hips you are just a piece of **** on your board- no control, no full upwind abillity.
There is very simple way to free yourself from this habit- I dont claim to be the owner of this idea.
Imagine a beatifull girl on top of your kite while riding and point your dick( not the donkey dick unles thats all you have or you are a girl) towards her as much as you can ,to most of us it should come naturally and easily, some guys can imagine ........ whatever.
DONT let imagination run wild keep it at bay just enough to get rid of the poo stance otherwise you may become a danger to other riders and water or beach users( especially females) for what Im not taking any responsibility.
Say no to poo stance become better rider and most importantly look like a kiteboarder not piece of **** on a board its really easy. Good luck

Hi guys,

There is really no need to label noobs as noobs. Good riders can always tell by noob characteristics.

Did you enjoy driving your car with "L" plates on it? I for one couldn't wait to get off my P's and L's and just wanted to "Fit in".

A streamer is a good idea but should be voluntary, not imposed. If you want the ribbon and everyone to know you are a noob, then go for it. You have nothing to worry about from the good guys.

Cheers,

KH