Some Lessons Re-learned

[Tighe]

Scott,
I'm sorry if my post came across that I didn't think the hand signals were a good idea...I do, and I think they are just one of many precautions we can take. I especially think they are valuable when and if we are in the water and approached by a boater and/or the sheriff, checking to see if we are in trouble. We can communicate with them without them getting too close to put themselves at risk.

We discussed at length last year, a group being formed that would develop contacts with the authorities (sheriff departments, DNR, etc) with the goal to legitimize and ensure future lake access as well as inform them more about our sport. There was quite a bit of concern about how to best approach these groups because it is a bit of a double edge sword. How do you inform them about the dangers, without giving them concern that might limit access? Currently we are classified as Water Toys. Eventually we'll get classified as a Water Craft and will have regulations applying to us. It happened with Windsurfing and it will happen eventually to kiteboarders. I think we may want to be proactive, as you suggest, but we also have to be careful. I would like to see us be in a position to work with the authorities, maybe even at a state level, to develop our classification of watercraft instead of someone who may no very little about the sport.

Having said all that, as far as I know that group hasn't really taken any action in this regard (I was asked not to participate). Your intention and initiative is great Scott. I, in no way want to detour that, just wanted to let you know about some of the concerns.

[Catzo Ikiro]

Hi!

In Japan we bow head to signal everything ok. Would that work for kitemare? Also, I like idea...

It's almost like we need a little flashing light on our helmet that if we get in trouble we could slap it to turn it on and continue to deal with the situation at hand while the light continuously put out the signal for help.

Maybe this could work? http://www.villagehatshop.com/miners_helmet_light.html

Catzo

[champlin]

Not a problem Tighe, I didn't take it the wrong way, I just thought doing something is better than doing nothing, we can always chit chat at the lakes when people all get together, sort of chew the fat to see what types of ideas everyone has.

[drknap]

Catzo

I like your idea of miner hat. But I like this better:

http://www.villagehatshop.com/elope_giant_king.html

However, may fall off if bow head.

Japan cool. What part you from?

Dave????????

[Tighe]

I was thinking more like a small bike light that was like a dome and could be seen from all directions. Is there a emergency light like this for boats? Better to adhere to a marine standard if there is one.

[Geo]

How about, if you are out in the middle of the lake, you do the hand on top of the head thing (pat a few times, wait, repeat) is there are those who can see you?

Or: when the conditions are like that, just go out with your local friendly windsurfer - not tough to head downwind and drop everything where needed.

[ice_kmauve]

What a ridiculous discussion. How about we drape christmas lights all over our kites, when the lights go out, we know the kite's on the water.

How are people going to remember one more piece of equipment when they already have to wear dry suit, thermal layer, helmet, life jacket, knife, booties, gloves, goggles, leash, water bottle, lucky barbie doll head, etc. I think waving your hands wildly like doing jumping jacks is the most widely known distress signal. Putting one arm curled around touching the top of your head is the scuba for "A-Okay" (as I have been told). I think if you're in water that's 34 degrees and a mile from shore being dragged by a kite, it's safe to say you need some assistance.

[seamonkey]

An experienced kiter died last fall on a shallow lake just south of Madison,WI. He had a 3/2 wetsuit and no booties or gloves. I think most of you will remember. Hot tub or not, a little slice of humble pie is good for all of us.

[Kevinousdigian]

Mike - thanks for posting these lessons and Kurt - hearing from you that day made me glad I picked windsurfing. I'm also glad you grabbed the kite so Dave Z and I didn't have to avoid it while having fun riding the swell at Mahtomedi.

The funny thing is that I told Terry Dunklee that morning that I wouldn't go kiting on a gusty day like this, especially a cold one at Bellaire because if you broke down it could be a looong float down to Mathomedi from Bellaire.

More winds on the way the next 2 days. Enjoy.

Kevin

[drknap]

this is the ticket to safe riding:


Photo Credit: Avery and Kurt

[Tighe]

I like it!!!! Are the Christmas lights the twinkling kind?

The best advice that came out of this is that we should all just keep an and extra eye on eachother on these big days. If one of us is really really in trouble, I doubt we'll have the energy, or where with all to do anything but struggle to save our own butt.

ride safe.

Oh and by the way, Moondog (who now resides in the Gorge, had the idea years ago:

[RandyL]

FUNNY

[ice_kmauve]

rotflmao !

[Barry P]

Although I've never used it, I always a have whistle in my life vest. My voice does not carry at all.

I agree that waving wildly over your head is a good universally understood signal that you'd really like some help.

Are the Turbo 3s going to have lights?