[ricki]

Guys, we are dealing with TWO accidents that happened within the same hour about 25 miles apart. Both were caused by squall gusts associated with TS Fay. I don't know about you but I've been pelted with feeder band squall gusts from 25 to 50 mph about every 1/2 hour since yesterday! Why would any sensible adult expose themselves to such an obvious hazard with potential harsh consequences for the sport (and themselves)?

We have to get a grip on weather for the health of our sport and some participants fast.


Just learned more about this accident from one of the first responders:

The responder ran up to the chairs which the kiter had slammed into. He felt a pain in his neck and was instructed not to move and get to the hospital pronto. The responder spoke with him this morning. He said he had screws put into his neck and will keep them for several months. He had not suffered any paralysis despite breaking his neck. He said it wasn't his fault as he was landing his kite when his bar got tangled with the lines of another kite already on the ground? As the high wind was sliding unattended kites around, maybe one was blown across the ground and into his lines? The other kite was unattended and was said not to have left the ground. This part is unclear. The man was lofted by his kite, the other kite didn't launch by the report and lofted him near to the chair storage box. He was observed to hang on to the bar not attempting to emergency depower. The kiter learned how to ride in March of this year through a certified instructor.

I hope to learn more about what happened and put it up soon.