Good call. Agree completely. I saw two other kites completely released by their pilots this wknd just gone. One was caught on the beach by another kiter, one blew across the road and into traffic.

I didn't see the events leading up to the full releases but I suspect both were mistakes and not real life emergencies requiring full detachment.

The kite was stuck on the tree top. When they pulled the lines the kite drifted to the power lines. It was windy . The lesson is wait until the wind is light to get the kite down of the tree. I wonder how much money is going to cost for the fire truck service and the transformer blowing up. We all have to learn something from this accident . It happened after 7 pm

No video to busy kiting cheers

I'm looking forward to a kite and a laugh at Altona later today...

I predict:-

Muppets with kites parked at 12.

Kites set up in all kinds of directions on the beach.

Under inflated old ****y kites.

Lots of helmets and impact vests.

Maybe even a few kitemares,, beach drags and/or kites in powerlines.

Only time will tell.

conor said..
Don't mean to hijack your thread, Just while there's a few Altona guys posting, Where is best to set up at Apex park? Do you set up nearest the carpark and get someone to walk out a bit further to launch, or walk right out to the western end where theres sand to set up. Have been down to Altona just not super keen on the trees/powerlines end and wondering if there is a more comfortable spot?Also are the sandbars really much of a problem down that way or once you head out a bit further its all good? I can ride upwind no problems but happy out in the choppier water for that extra margin.

I won't answer this "officially", as the sand banks may have shifted since I started kiting there back 2010, but we had to cross the mouth creek on foot, gear and all, and rigged up on the sand bank further down. Plenty of room there but only problem was the squishy seaweed, rays and blue ringed octopuses we saw munching on urchins, but then again that was years back. Urchins may have moved since then.

Kiteboarding is all about calculated risk and riding within your limits.

If your pushing those limits like a kiter at national/international level then you are also increasing your risk of injury.


If pushing limits in 30cm of water I would be wearing my helmet.

Troll much?

Conor- Set up on the beach closest to the car park at Apex Park end then get someone to launch you. If there is no one there and you are less confident go further west down the beach no trees no power lines and its safe. NEVER EVER ask someone who is walking their dog and no experience.

Polycarb- You are right about your comments, bang on. I am just blown away with kiters at Altona (experienced ones) that lose all of thier safeties and let a kite go onto cars and pedestrians and power lines. I have said it before dont wreck it for the locals (do not get it banned).

I just want to say PLEASE its in everyones best interest if you see a newwbee and they look nervous putting up the wrong kite struggling to set it up, HELP THEM.
It takes 2 minutes out of your day and it helps them.

If they are putting up a 12 in 25 knots ask them if that is the right choice. 9 out of 10 times they will be cool with it and 1 dude will sware and tell you to get f#@$ed.

I have caught so many kites down there and helped so many newwbs (everyone was a Newb once).

If you are not an intermediate kiter and above do not ride or set up near Romawi street end. Powerlines and hard walls dont mix.

HappyG, I could kiss you mate!!!

That's exactly the attitude of 99% of kite surfers that I've experienced and met up with, including my own!

Keep up with the stoke man and keep safe!

And if you guys ever want a tropical kiting experience, with HEAPS AND HEAPS of room, flat water lagoons, no sharp bits or squishy seaweed, no crowds and yuppies (other than the blonde g-string variety), then get in touch up here with me or Marvin from InTheLoop. We have great kite surfing spots and plenty of wind.

Cheers