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  #1  
Old 08-18-2008, 11:03 PM
Skyway Scott
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I hear you Steve. For the most part I feel the same in terms of it being avoidable. I too can't relate to kiting in rain and squalls with predicted gusts to 60 plus literally around the corner.
Not sure anyone deserves that, but it's unfortunate some of the choices some people make.
With the driving analogies - what happened today is no where near the same as getting hit by a drunk driver. Not sure how anyone could say that.
Victims of drunk drivers are just that, innocent victims.

Today's weather didn't run a red light and T-bone this rider with zero warning. It was obviously coming, honking it's horn the whole way. Steps could have been taken to not be attached to a kite today with a TS bearing down on us.

I hope he gets well and soon. One mistake shouldn't be paid for with a heavy price.
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Old 08-18-2008, 11:05 PM
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ricki ricki is offline
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Some more information was posted on kiteforum:

Quote:
Originally Posted by mastree
I was there today... still shaken up from the incident. I hope "K" will be OK. He is still in the hospital and we are waiting for an update on his condition.

Before the squall line moved in, there was one other kiter out with him and they were attempting to get back on the beach and land their kites. The other guy (no names mentioned) kept his kite low until someone was able to land it. "K's" kite was higher and as a result he was lofted. There were several of us standing there watching the whole thing unfold. Wishing that we could have reached him before he lifted off the second time. But It happened so fast! I will now be practicing with my eject knob on a regular basis. Ejecting the kite (or engaging the safety) needs to second nature and able to be done with your eyes closed. I still can't believe how quickly it happened. Reaction time needs to be immediate!

Good luck "K", we are all pulling for your speedy recovery.
If it is the other kite, you can see it clearly to the south of the lofted kiter, Kevin. It is near the ground and bouncing slightly despite the strong gusts. I suspect it was near fully depowered if a flat kite or high depower C kite. I don't know what sort of kite Kevin was flying, perhaps a C kite leaving Emergency Depowering as about the only option, dropping his bar to the leash.
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Old 08-18-2008, 11:49 PM
sean92989 sean92989 is offline
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wow that video is insane.. I think its a bit harsh to say that he was getting what he deserved. although every kiter should know there limit and make better judgement calls than that. hope hes ok.
-sean b
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  #4  
Old 08-19-2008, 01:06 AM
Kiting cutie Kiting cutie is offline
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Default K's accident

Guys, I am a good friend of Kevin on and off the water, and care about him deeply. Can we please not argue about who was wrong or right about this decision and remember that he is critically injured.

I do not know if he will be awake tomorrow, but when I go and see him I will bring him well wishes from anyone who wants to wish him well. Please leave your messages for him on the forum or via private message. I will print them out and give them to him. Make sure to leave a name if you want him to know who you are.
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  #5  
Old 08-19-2008, 01:29 AM
OttoNP OttoNP is offline
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Wishing him well. No one deserves that...

Hope we all can learn from it. Brazil and now this, a sad day for kiters everywhere.
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  #6  
Old 08-19-2008, 05:49 AM
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An accident with a lot of similarities happened many years in the past in another Tropical System, in another squall from another feeder band resulting in another severe lofting and building impact. If we can't learn from the past, what will it take?

http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?p=35936#post35936

That rider was extremely lucky to have survived and fully recovered. I wish the same for Kevin. Does anyone know how he is doing? I would say, attack the behavior if you must (others may plan on repeating that same behavior today) but lets take it easy on the man. He is in the throes of dealing with the aftermath of that decision and fighting to recover. Let's support Kevin in his recovery. At the same time why not direct additional energy to redouble efforts to change the behavior among kiters that resulted in his and so many other accidents over the years in violent, unstable weather.


btw, it is fairly EASY to avoid accidents like these. Such accidents are NOT inevidable,
we just need to use good procedures and judgment. Many kitesurfers do so all the time.
We need to remember that and work to expand the trend.
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Last edited by ricki; 08-19-2008 at 08:09 AM.
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  #7  
Old 08-19-2008, 08:21 AM
Cborges Cborges is offline
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Angry wishing Kevin a speedy recovery

I was sick to my stomach after watching this on the news this morning as I was scrambling around getting my gear dialed in, ready to possibly ride the winds of Fay. It saddens me to see any other rider get hurt. We all have this fever to ride and get our session in...unfortunate for Kevin's to end this way. My heart goes out to him and his family.
Here is wishing you a speedy recovery Kevin.


CJ

St. Pete Florida
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  #8  
Old 08-19-2008, 09:19 AM
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This made the news up here in RI/MA, i hope the guy recovers. Man that video just throttled me. Really sorry to see this

CJ, please be carefull!

Last edited by John-; 08-19-2008 at 11:45 AM.
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  #9  
Old 08-19-2008, 10:14 AM
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I've just received a full report of what happened. I will be working on a write up of the events and hope to put it up later on today.

In the meantime, avoid squalls and keep Kevin in your thoughts.
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