Kiteboarding News

Here's a solid kite safety article put together by Rick over at the florida kitesurfing association: www.FKSA.org . He's Kindly enough letting me post it here. Take a read-through and let us know what you think. I recently participated in a lifeguard/EMT training exercise in preparation for an upcoming competition. It is amazing at how much these folks need to know about symptoms, treatment, procedures in assessing and aiding injured people. Greg of Delray Watersports graciously volunteered as a kite lofting "victim" for the various teams to work with. The harness, lines and potentially repowered kite factor into the emergency response. The teams were scored over an extensive list of criteria as they worked through the scenarios. If you are a victim, it is best to respond favorably ... or else! More to come about that part of things which may be of particular interest to lifeguards, EMT and other rescue personnel. For now though I wanted to gather input on the kiting orientation handout prepared for ocean rescue personnel which follows, Kiteboarder in Need of Rescue? August 26, 2002 (Revised May 21, 2007) Kiteboarders are becoming more common on beaches across the globe. With kites and riders flying at speed through the air, the sport can provide an entertaining spectacle to watchers on shore. Sometimes the kite isn’t flying but is on the water with the rider which can cause questions about the need for rescue for watchers onshore. Lifeguards, park rangers and rescue personnel may need to familiarize themselves with this scenario as kiteboarding grows in popularity. Whether a kiteboarder is fully skilled or, particularly, if he is still learning, his kite may occasionally spend more time on the water than in the air. This is not necessarily an indication that a rescue is needed. The kiteboarder may just be sorting things out to relaunch his kite, to use the kite as a sail to pull himself into shore or may be swimming in--slowly. Riders sometimes spend quite a while doing this. The last thing kiteboarders want to do is to create avoidable false alarms for rescue personnel although when rescue is needed it is very welcome. Ideas follow for consideration by both riders and rescuers when a kite is on the water: TO KITEBOARDERS: 1. LANDING ON A GUARDED BEACH If you are going to come into shore in a guarded area and seas are calm, consider landing, wrapping up your lines, deflating your leading edge and rolling your kite up before swimming in among bathers if you are able. If this is not feasible and a guard is present with the knowledge of how to do an assisted kite landing, signal your intent to land the kite by patting your head. Ideally the guard will respond with the same signal. Carefully lower your kite to the guard who should approach the leading edge from windward and securely grab the center of the leading edge, then walk toward the kiter to detension the lines then pivot the kite upward into a “U” shape then flip it over on its leading edge to the wind. Thoroughly anchor the kite with sand. Typically the kiter is asked to walk off the guarded beach to an appropriate launching area prior to relaunching his kite. Having kiters walk with kites in the air for distances along guarded beaches outside of designated launches is not advisable. Kiters should be practiced in solo kite landing as it is sometimes necessary. 2. SIGNAL OK IF SORTING THINGS OUT If you have to work on your downed-kite or swim-into-shore skills for whatever reason you should give the OK sign to guards or park officials onshore periodically until you land (see Figure 1). The one divers frequently use is to simply to hold one hand palm STATIONARY down on your head while looking at the lifeguard on shore for five to ten seconds. This should be repeated to verify that it has been seen and understood. You should discuss this with the guards ahead of time, as this signal isn't universally recognized yet. Figure 1 - I am OK 3. SECURING BEFORE SURF If you are going to go through a surf zone, MAKE SURE that your lines are wrapped on your bar before hand. Start by carefully wrapping at least one wingspan length OR MORE of two lines from one side of the kite first to safely depower the kite. In strong winds this can be difficult to do and gloves can help. Also MAKE SURE that you have a firm grip on your board. 4. BE READY TO LET ROLLED KITE GO Ideally your kite should be rolled and tied before hitting the surf zone. MAKE SURE you are clear of all lines and are ready to set the lot loose into the surf before you if necessary (commonly required). Avoid tangles at all costs as wave forces on kites and line tangles are dangerous. 5. RESPECT Kiteboarders should practice self-rescue techniques and try to self-rescue within safe limits. If you are rescued, whether you need it or not, be POLITE AND RESPECTFUL at all times. Rescue personnel are generally strong watermen and have a hard job to do, which you may have just complicated! So be appreciative, these people deserve it along with your respect. 6. GETTING HELP If you need help because you are injured, excessively tired, being carried offshore by the wind or current and don’t think you can make it to shore on your own, BLOW YOUR WHISTLE (it is an inexpensive and very useful safety device), and wave one or both hands (see Figure 2). If you are wearing an impact pfd, staying afloat should not be problem (**SEE NOTE BELOW). Some kiteboarders carry waterproofed cell phones and VHF units and signaling flares for emergencies. Continue signaling periodically, while trying to swim closer to shore, IF you are comfortably able to, until the guard onshore acknowledges your signals. Other suggested kiteboarder hand signals are provided at: http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=2789 7. If we can adopt universally recognized signals it should make our riding easier and safer. Nearby Figure 2 - Help/Attention Distant TO RESCUE PERSONNEL: 1. ASSISTED KITE LANDING If a kiter comes to shore with his kite flying signal him to land it away from bystanders by patting your head (Figure 3). Ideally, the kiter should respond in kind and carefully fly the kite down to the guard from downwind. Figure 3 The guard should FIRMLY grab the kite at the center of the leading edge (see Figure 4) and NO WHERE else. Walk towards the kiter to detension the lines and pivot the kite upward into a “U” shape then flip it over on to its leading edge. Be careful as lines attached to a powered kite whether by wind or waves can cause serious cuts. Figure 4 - Assisted Landing Thoroughly anchor the kite with sand (see Figure 5). Typically the kiter is asked to walk off the guarded beach to an appropriate launching area prior to relaunching his kite. Having kiters walk with kites in the air for substantial distances along guarded beaches outside of designated launches is not advisable if other steps can be reasonably taken. Figure 5 – Anchored Kite 2. If the guard can't see much of the kiteboarder or can't tell if he is moving or swimming towards shore after an interval, it would be advisable to rescue him. 3. RESCUE YET? A kiteboarder in the water more than a quarter mile offshore it is hard to tell if they are moving or swimming. Rescue personnel are advised to carefully examine the kiteboarder through binoculars (from an elevated position if possible). Look for movement, e.g. trying to relaunch the kite, winding in the lines, swimming in, bailing out using the kite as a sail on the water, etc.. Kiteboarders move fairly slowly when swimming in or using the kite as a sail. Look to see if they are signaling “OK” or for help. Alternately, look for shoreward progress of the kite, hopefully faster than wind and waves would send it without assistance. If the wind and waves are onshore, these factors alone should eventually bring the kiteboarder to shore absent adverse currents. 4. RESCUE NOW If it appears that the rider is being moved out of the area, offshore or to some other inappropriate place by wind and/or current, or if the rider appears to have stopped moving into shore for an extended period or has stopped moving entirely, the weather is deteriorating or the sun is setting, it would be a good idea to send assistance by boat if possible. Effective rescues can also be undertaken by waverunner or paddleboard by qualified personnel. Two rescuers are better than one in these efforts. 5. APPROACHING THE KITER AND KITE Approach from the windward allowing for the seas, AVOIDING THE KITE LINES at all times. The kite lines may be beneath the surface between the kiter and the kite downwind/current. Kite lines can be sucked into a waverunners impeller and can easily foul a boat’s propeller. If the rider is awake and able, ask him to secure his kite, i.e. deflate the leading edge and roll it or deflate all the bladders and tie it up. He should then wrap up his lines. Once the kite and lines are secured by an able rider he be brought onboard the rescue craft. It is important to observe this sequence as the kite can exert great force potentially lifting or cutting individuals in the area of the rescue IF the kite is not first properly disabled. 6. DISABLED KITER If the rider is unconscious or unable to deal with his gear, the second person on the rescue boat should jump into the water and CUT ANY THREE LINES. Approach the kite from the side. Compensate for the speed of downwind drift or movement in any surf or current. Avoid approaching from upwind OR downwind, because from downwind the kite could drift quickly into you and from upwind you or your vessel could get caught in the lines, which usually trail upwind of the kite. This should depower the kite as it drifts, detach the control bar from the victim (unhook the control bar, release the snap shackle AND kite leash), and do the remainder of the rescue per normal procedures. If you have time or another craft, have it intercept the kite, deflate the leading edge, roll and tie it, the wrap up the lines on the bar. Experienced/trained personnel may wish to use less destructive means of taking two lines from one side of the kite however the victim’s welfare needs to remain as the first priority. 7. SOLO RESCUE If a rescuer is solo, he should first depower the kite and set it adrift as described before dealing with the victim per normal procedures. Some rescue personnel carry hook knives specifically for this purpose (see Figure 6) as they have no exposed tip or sharp edge to cause accidents. Hook knives are readily available online at hang gliding/paragliding and some diving retail sites. Figure 6 - Hook Knife 8. RUNAWAY KITE If a runaway kite is coming ashore, try to clear bathers and bystanders from its path and trailing lines beneath the water PARTICULARLY IN SURF. Grab the center of the leading edge of the kite in the shallows--before it comes ashore. Be aware of and avoid the lines. Turn the leading edge into the wind to stabilize the kite. NEVER TRY TO GRAB ANY OF THE LINES OF A MOVING KITE as a serious cuts may occur. DO NOT TRY TO GRAB THE BAR OF A MOVING KITE as this will power the kite up. Grabbing the chicken loop MAY or MAY NOT depower a properly functioning kite depending on type of kite and windspeed. Bring the kite on to the beach, place it leading edge downward into the wind and pile 20 lbs. of sand just behind points along the leading edge. Disconnect both lines from ONE SIDE of the kite or better disconnect them all. Pull the plug in the center of the long bladder at the leading edge of the kite to deflate it. If the kite is trailing lines, coil them up or wrap them on the control bar AFTER the kite has been thoroughly anchored. SPREAD THE CONCEPTS Lifeguard and park ranger orientation to kiteboarding is encouraged. This allows for first-hand impressions of the sport and equipment to be formed by rescue personnel. The basic skill of how to do an assisted landing of a kite including hand signals is also covered and should help save other potential problems at the beach. Possible rescue scenarios should be discussed or even demonstrated by the kiteboarding instructor during these sessions. Your local kiteboarding association, retail shops or instructors could be approached in this regard. © FKA, Inc. 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Labels: accidents, Safety

Labels: accidents

Labels: accidents

Coastguard on the lookout for Kiter's who may have been out just before a squall hit in the UK. This one hopefully has a happy ending. Take a look at the bobby, though, he looks like a nautical specialist doesn't he?

Labels: accidents

Even kitesurfers need an assist from the barrel-chested hasselhof warriors every once in a while

"Two kite-boarders were rescued after being swept out to sea by strong rip-currents at Port Alfred at the weekend and, in separate incidents, a man nearly drowned and a search was conducted for a boat in distress at False Bay.The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was alerted early on Sunday following reports of a kite-boarder being swept out to sea at West Beach, Port Alfred. A second man, who had swum out to assist the kite-boarder, had also struggled in the surf."

More after the jump

Labels: accidents, Kites, rescue, south africa

Hi my name is Kevin, and as part of my doctoral studies at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions I am investigating participation levels in kiteboarding and events that lead to the occurrence of injuries in kiteboarding.

I have developed an on-line survey that is 100% anonymous and confidential.
Would you mind filling out the survey?

You can enter the survey even if you have not had any kiteboarding injury. I need 281 subjects to have a valid study. I have included the Sign-Up form which can be accessed through;

http://www.stats-consult.com/survey-signup.html

The information from the survey is going to be vitally important for kiteboarders considering risk management issues, orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitation specialists in understanding the unique causes of injury found within the sport of kiteboarding.

Once you have read the consent information and sent it back to us, the software will send you out the survey which should take about 3-4 minutes to fill in.

Thanks for participating.

Aloha Kevin

Labels: accidents

54 kiteboarder deaths worldwide have been reported to date since 2000.


How do kiteboarding accident fatality rates compare to that of other activities in the USA?

Motor Vehicle 15 per 100,000 *
Kitesurfing 6 to 12 per 100,000 ** 1
SCUBA diving 5 per 100,000 ***
Pedestrian 2 per 100,000 *

So, kiteboarding might be interpreted to safer than driving in the USA by this limited statistical indication. A more sensitive index would be offered by losses per hours kiteboarded just as in the case of losses per driving hours. No recognized estimates are currently available regarding hours kiteboarded vs. skill/years riding vs. time of year, etc..



* WISQARS www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars (2003)
** http://fksa.org/ (pending, 2006)
*** http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/report/index.asp (2003)

1. Three kiteboarders were lost in the USA in 2005. Using estimated rider populations in the USA (25 to 50 thousand that own kiteboarding gear), this equates to roughly 6 to 12 fatalities per 100,000 riders for 2005. Sorry for the USA only statistics, global loss statistics are hard to come by.

NOTE: all of these statistics are estimates to varying degrees and are derived from differing assumptions. Also, actually fatality rates per country vary substantially year to year. The statistics have been calculated from generally unconfirmed reported observations received from around the world. If new credible information is received regarding historical accidents as happens on occasion these statistics can change.

FKA, Inc.

Labels: accidents

Kiteboarders meet with NSRI - iKiteboarding.com: "Kiteboarders meet with NSRI

More information about how to prevent excessive search and rescue efforts after the jump:


Following a recent article in a local newspaper that highlighted unnecessary sea rescues in South Africa, ikiteboarding.com organised a meeting with the NSRI.

We met at the Melkbosstrand NSRI station on Friday 2 June 2006. Several kiteboarders were present along with the NSRI station crew.

Various ideas from the recent thread on the forums were mentioned, including the use of flairs and a Kiteboarders Alert Network (KAN).

There is no easy solution to the problem of unnecessary NSRI callouts. There is however a few things that kiteboarders can do to help eliminate unnecessary callouts.

Station commander Rhine Barnes explained that every minute counts in emergency situations and it is therefore not always possible to assess the seriousness of a situation when a call comes in from the public. When a call comes in from Port Control, the local crew will respond to the call immediately and receive further updates and information on their way to the incident via dispatch.

Labels: accidents, south africa

ISSUE #22 OUT NOW!

If you're a subscriber it will drop onto your door mat very soon. If you're not a subscriber then get yourself down to your local shop or subscribe here on the website.

In kiteboarding, equipment is all important. There are more variables and bits and pieces to match up than for other freeride sports like surfing, skating or snowboarding. Finding the perfect set-up that works for you can elevate your riding to levels you only dreamed of. As for the wrong choices... well, let's not even go down that ugly road. In Feel The Love we interview three people whose recent lives have been dedicated to kiteboarding design excellence. Have you ever felt the redirection of energy as you come out of a turn faster than you went into it on one of Simon Harvey's carbon fibre boards; the smooth flowing lines and contours of Bob Yates's hand-made fins; or the sublime handling of David Pilkington's new flat kite? We take you behind the scenes and find out what goes into their designs, and what we should be looking to get out of our own kit.

Hopefully you've managed plenty of well-earned time on the water this summer and are starting to get to grips with whatever you have on your menu of accomplishments. Issue 22 has technique features for every level.

The IKO continue their beginner and intermediate series; this issue dishing out the secrets of re-launching a bow kite and good self-rescue technique. Motor Drive has morphed into a bigger, bolder and more focussed feature than ever before - over ten pages we introduce the hop to blind and then take you through the next manageable and logical steps that should see you through to landing the style-heavy front to blind in no time. We have dealt with all the stages for land and water riders alike. Don't miss it.

We also got our hands on the ultimate in summer fun; a skimboard. In just ten knots of wind we couldn't wipe the grins off our faces. We roped Mark Shinn in to demonstrate some key moves on Nobile's latest creation.

If boards a little longer in shape with a pointy nose and three thruster fins at the back are more your cup of tea, then Jeff Pfeffer will guide you through four top surfing moves to be executed at various points of the wave to make sure you're keeping everything tidy and looking good. Off-the-lips, snaps, cutbacks and handle-passes off-the-lip are spread out and broken down for your pleasure.

All this and much, much more, including reviews of the North Vegas, Flexifoil Ion and Ozone Instinct.

Under the influence of kiteboarding's leading photographers, the inkjets have been whacked full of the printer's finest, and imagery you'll find hard to believe awaits your poppy-out eyes.

Labels: accidents, Magazine, North

Squamish Kitesurfing Area Expansion:

An interesting concept: Pay $15 a day or $145 dollars a year. In exchange, you get a fully manned kiting area. The launch area is quite large, you have a large rigging area, and a jet ski is available for rescue. On top of that, the squamish government is now funding a major expansion of the facility. Check out the article, it's definitely worth it.

Labels: accidents

Kiteboard Access Port of Hood River Waterfront: "low is a press release to clarify the Commission's position after all of the discussion and input last week. Thanks to everyone and the kiteboard community for participating in this discussion regarding a difficult issue. Please believe that ALL of it was carefully listened to and considered and it is very appreciated. We will continue to study/address the access/safety issues related to kiteboarding and other water based recreation and strive to work together so that all of our waterfront users can have fun and be safe.

Port of Hood River affirms kiteboard policy

After meeting last week with its Waterfront Recreation Committee and discussing options with nearly two-dozen kiteboarders present – at a meeting prompted by Columbia River access that has become difficult due to temporary high water – the Port of Hood River has affirmed its policy of allowing kiteboard launching only at two designated sites, the Spit and the Hook.
Temporary kiteboard launching at other Port sites, including Port Marina Park, were explored at length. Problems with any of the short-term sites are many and complicated, especially with increased use by families and visitors, says Sherry Bohn, Port Commission president. Safety is the key reason, and the high potential for an accident involving a non-kiter, she adds.
“While we recognize and understand what the high water has done to the kiteboard schools and kiteboard launch area, the Commission is not changing its policy at this time and will continue to limit the sport to the designated areas at the Spit and the Hook,” Bohn explains.
Bohn says safety to all users of the waterfront is key to that decision. The Port’s policy does not allow the mixed use of kiteboarding and other water-based recreation, whether passive or active, due to safety and liability issues. Because of the large space required for launching and landing of kites the Port has and will continue to limit kiteboarding only on the "

Labels: accidents

href="http://www.outdoornewswire.com/v/current/htdocs/etc/sa.php/63617465676f72794c6162656c3d4b697465626f617264696e67266c6f636174696f6e3d323030362f30362f313135303438323331382672737349643d33383233">Portimao Kitesurf World Championships

Portimão, Portugal - There was plenty of exciting action on the water for the second day of the Portimão Kitesurf World Championships 2006. Overcast skies were ominous in the morning, however, the bad weather held off until mid day when there was about an hour postponement in the competition to let the first of several squalls pass. The wind was even better than the first day, in the morning averaging from 18-20 knots, fluctuating somewhat with the rain storms, and becoming very strong for the afternoon heats, hitting as much as 25 knots before the event was called for the day due to the foul weather. Conditions were pretty extreme with waves reaching 4-6 feet as the day wore on. The strong downwind current, the choppy shorebreak and the changing tide also wreaked havoc on riders trying to land smoothly and perform tricks close to the beach.

The first competitors took to the water at 10:30 am and the riders seemed to take the first round to warm up. Local Portuguese riders gave a good effort but were no match to the seasoned regulars on tour. Leshai Miller (Naish, Israel) won the award for the most powerful kiting of the day nailing the best back mobe, and going huge on every move, however, he wasn't able to land many of his tricks which held him back. Jan Korycki (Naish, Poland) was fired up, advancing three rounds displaying solid, powerful riding including a sweet Pete Rose, big kiteloops and back mobes, before being halted by Rui Meira (Naish, Portugal) in the fourth. Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha), the recent Italian champion, was also on fire passing to the third round with some nice kiteloop slims and blindjudges, to the thrill of his family cheering him on the beach.

Youri Zoon (Slingshot, Netherlands) ended Rondina's charge with some bold kiting, firing off a blind judge 3 and an arsenal of handlepass moves.

Youri's big, fast, fluid style with the kite at extreme angles is reminiscent of Ruben Lenten (still missing in action due to an ankle injury) and keeps the crowd on the edge of their seats. Cesar Portas (North, Spain) ended Youri's run in the fourth round with a close 2-1 judge's vote. Youri had the kite lower, firing off the same moves, such as a raley 3, mobe, slim, and KGB, however, Cesar was a bit more technical landing the higher scored switch KGB and back mobe to blind.

Cesar, struggled in the next round against fellow North teammate, Mallory De la Villemarque (France), breaking his board and not landing many tricks, overpowered with the oncoming storm's higher winds. Mallory nailed a switch mobe and switch aerial back to blind, keeping his kite lower and more powered, securing the win, commenting afterwards he had fun but sometimes felt like he was caught in a washing machine when crashing in the waves.

Madison Van Heurck (Naish, USVI), the youngest and smallest male on tour braved the elements, often getting lost behind the waves pulling huge moves, rattling off a full arsenal of handle pass tricks, advancing to the fourth round before losing his kite in the waves and shorewash against Mallory. Guilly Brandão (RRD, Brazil) also had a nice comeback charge in the doubles. His smooth, flowing riding style with good combination moves helped him advance to the fourth round before he was halted by Mikael Blomvall (JN Kites, Sweden).

Mikael Blomvall had an epic day, his best ever on the PKRA tour, even having to borrow kites along the way to the finals. After Guilly, Mikael took on Rui Meira in a close heat. Rui ripped, hitting a big kiteloop handlepass (L3) and back mobe but carried his kite higher and missed most of his landings in the waves. The nailbiting action continued against Mallory, who had a slick nosegrab slim but also carried less variety and power. And in the final men's heat of the day, Mikael battled it out with Etienne Lhote (F-One France). Etienne came out with a bang, blasting off a wave for a big air jump and getting the crowd cheering with a wave. Mikael, by this time tired and running out of energy, was still able to execute his textbook perfect KGB, slim, mobe and switch mobe, however lost a lot of time when he was ripped out of his board near the end of the heat. Etienne was not able to capitalize though, breaking his board going for a huge L3, coming in to switch it out but never managing to wrack up any more strong moves. Tomorrow Mikael will continue his charge for the winner's podium, knowing he has at least secured 4th place overall.

The stand out of the day for the women was Ania Grzelinska (North, Poland). Ania was on fire, first charging past Laima Baradaite (Cabrinha, Lithuania) then Angela Peral (North, Spain), who got lost in the waves and struggled to land her tricks. She went on to meet up with Katja Roose (Airrush, Netherlands), who was also having a strong day, having bested Jalou Langeree (Naish, Netherlands) in a close heat just prior, both with their families cheering them on from the beach. Unfortunately, Katja's lines were tangled from the mid day storm that even blew parts of the judge's tower away, and she had to switch bars, not knowing that the replacement was the wrong size causing her kite to crash due to no power and ending her winning run.

Ania seized the opportunity to continue her charge for the winner's podium taking on Bruna Kajiya (Best, Brazil) next. They seemed to match trick for trick, but in a close 3-2 judge's vote, Ania edged out the victory, displaying more moves on both tacks and riding with a ton of confidence and power. The day ended with Ania winning the quarterfinals against Karolina Winkoloska (Naish, Poland), who was seemingly washed downwind and unable to perform in the choppy water, before more rain brought the action to a halt until tomorrow.

Tonight the party is at the XL bar starting at 10 pm in the town of Alvor.

There should be a good turn out as most of the riders are finished the freestyle main event. For those who want to continue into the wee hours, the Katedral Disco is open every night from 2 am.

The skippers meeting at 10 am, with first possible start at 10:30 am.

Labels: accidents, board, Cabrinha, Competition, Naish, North, Ruben Lenten

Seabreeze Forums! - Kitesurfer Rescued by a Waterbomber...: "A Canadair WaterBomber water lands on the Berre Lake to Save a Kitesurfer

This is the story of an extraordinary saving, of an extraordinary action from an experienced waterbomber pilot, who, the same way as sailors do, carried out the safety procedures in case of a 'man overboard'. He saved the life of a 34 year kitesurfer from Aix en Provence, from the cold water of the Berre Lake. Jean-Yves Derieu, pilot of the waterbomber, says: 'We were coming back, with three planes, from a fire in the Gard region. Before landing to the Marignane airstrip, we were advised by radio that the boat from the sea rescue team was looking for a body in the lake, after a torn apart kite was identified without anybody around. An helicopter was already there. Our three planes did a detour to the lake.

At this time, there was a 40 knots gusty wind. The pilot flought along the eastern and northern boundary of the rough lake when Jean Yves' copilot see an arm agitating. 'The victim had a black harness, thus we could not see him much in the very dark water. I decided to water land in the waves. The copilot noticed that we were about 200 m from the shipwrecked person.
The two other Canadairs guided me from the air. I piloted the plane as I would have steamed a vessel during a 'man overboard' procedure, and my copilot managed to get the victim on board by the rear door.

Happy but exhausted and in hypothermic state after three hours into the water, the victim is flought to the emergency centre of the airstrip. There, the sportman received medication and got recomfort by dining with the firemen. 'He was very happy, speaking a lot, explaining that he could not believe that the Canadairs were there for him. The pilot admitted doing this type of manoeuvers for the first time in 17 years of flying.

The miraculously saved kiter promissed that he will not take any risk during strong wind. "

Labels: accidents, board

Seabreeze Forums! - Kitesurfer Rescued by a Waterbomber...: "A Canadair WaterBomber water lands on the Berre Lake to Save a Kitesurfer

This is the story of an extraordinary saving, of an extraordinary action from an experienced waterbomber pilot, who, the same way as sailors do, carried out the safety procedures in case of a 'man overboard'. He saved the life of a 34 year kitesurfer from Aix en Provence, from the cold water of the Berre Lake. Jean-Yves Derieu, pilot of the waterbomber, says: 'We were coming back, with three planes, from a fire in the Gard region. Before landing to the Marignane airstrip, we were advised by radio that the boat from the sea rescue team was looking for a body in the lake, after a torn apart kite was identified without anybody around. An helicopter was already there. Our three planes did a detour to the lake.

At this time, there was a 40 knots gusty wind. The pilot flought along the eastern and northern boundary of the rough lake when Jean Yves' copilot see an arm agitating. 'The victim had a black harness, thus we could not see him much in the very dark water. I decided to water land in the waves. The copilot noticed that we were about 200 m from the shipwrecked person.
The two other Canadairs guided me from the air. I piloted the plane as I would have steamed a vessel during a 'man overboard' procedure, and my copilot managed to get the victim on board by the rear door.

Happy but exhausted and in hypothermic state after three hours into the water, the victim is flought to the emergency centre of the airstrip. There, the sportman received medication and got recomfort by dining with the firemen. 'He was very happy, speaking a lot, explaining that he could not believe that the Canadairs were there for him. The pilot admitted doing this type of manoeuvers for the first time in 17 years of flying.

The miraculously saved kiter promissed that he will not take any risk during strong wind. "

Labels: accidents, board

Sierra Sun - News: "Bruce Sato, 45, of Truckee, died Sunday as a result of multiple injuries sustained in a kiteboarding accident south of Reno, said Washoe County Deputy Coroner Steve Woods."

Labels: accidents

BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Isle of Man | Kitesurfer rescued in high winds: "Kitesurfer rescued in high winds
A kite-surfer
Kite-surfers are warned to be careful in high winds
A teenage kitesurfer had to be rescued from an Isle of Man beach after strong winds started carrying him offshore."

Labels: accidents

An article reminding kiters to watch the weather, kite safely, and respect others.


"AN inconsiderate and thoughtless approach to the sport as displayed by certain members of the kiteboarding fraternity on the West Coast is putting severe pressure on the already? strained resources of the National Sea Rescue Institute.

“It is time the authorities stepped in to put regulations in place to control the sport of kiteboarding,” says NSRI Melkbosstrand Station Commander, Rhine Barnes. “Kiteboarders have been promising for years to regulate themselves but this has not happened.”

Barnes was not amused by the two separate incidents – on Thursday 4 May and Friday 5 May – when the NSRI had been called out to assist kiteboarders in trouble. “Each rescue call for a kiteboarder is a drain on limited resources.”

Labels: accidents

FKA Fort Pierce Heavy Surf Rescue: "KITEBOARDERS TO THE RESCUE!!! "

Kiteboarders rescue three from 12 ft swells in Florida. A great article/description of the rescue and all the details after the jump. Kudos to Mike, Doug and Dave for saving the day.

Labels: accidents

Local News | PensacolaNewsJournal.com: "Kite surfer rescued
A kite surfer is being rescued by Pensacola Beach fire officials after his kite fell in the Gulf of Mexico.

The surfer was about 200 yards from the shore when the kite fell into the water. Pensacola Beach fire and rescue officials responded aboard jet skis, said Bob West, director of beach safety.

“Those (kite surfing) mechanisms are not easy to get up on and maneuver,” West said. “It sounds like he just had a little trouble out there, but he should be OK.”

Surf at Pensacola Beach currently is calm but is expected to increase throughout the day, he said.

“It will slowly build this afternoon and I think we’ll have red-flag conditions by the weekend.”"

Labels: accidents

Nice Article on Wetdawg...

2006 Venezuelan World Cup: "The men's single elimination kicked off the day right at 1 pm with winds at 15-20 knots. The first round of the singles held very few surprises as the world’s top riders took to the water thrilling the spectators on the beach with sensational trick after trick. The judges were focused on power, technical difficulty, variety, height, smoothness, style and innovation in all of tricks that were performed. Not an easy job, as the top riders all have such a high level of ability, fairly equal in scoring, and often the decision comes down to only one or two tricks.

One big upset came in the fourth heat when #2 in the world, Ruben Lenten (Slingshot, Flexifoil) was beaten by #63 Sebastien Garat (RRD, France). Ruben, suffering from an ankle injury incurred in Australia this past January that has never fully recovered, came out lacking his usual fire. His repertoire of handle pass tricks were there and technically sound, however, Garat was able to capitalize on Ruben's unusually tentative performance, advancing to the next round where he was then defeated by Mallory De La Villemarque (North, France). Mallory had a stellar day, riding with good power, even in the lighter winds, showing off a nice variety of moves, nailing mobes in both directions advancing all the way to the losers final where he could place as high as 3rd or 4th based on tomorrow's 'secret' results announcement!"

Labels: accidents, Competition, North, Ruben Lenten

Kitesurfer lost at sea:

Helicopters and police and fire boats searched Long Island Sound on Saturday for a kiteboarder who lost control of his craft and tumbled into the frigid water.

Rescue workers from the Stratford Fire Department have recovered only the kiteboard and the parachute sail that ripped away from it.

Labels: accidents

WFTV.com - News - Kiteboarder Swept Off Shore, Into Building By Wind Gust

Kiteboarder Swept Off Shore, Into Building By Wind Gust

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A bizarre accident sent a kiteboarder in Brevard County to the hospital Tuesday afternoon. A big gust of wind carried the man attached to his kite right into a building.

Labels: accidents