Let's play safe this weekend

[Tighe]

Looks like the winds may be directly onshore on Saturday at Malmo. Just wanted to throw out a few suggestions to help reduce the chance of problems.

- if you're launching someone's kite, check in with them how far they want to go out prior to the launch. If launching someone less experienced offer to take them a good distance upwind before launching. People hate to be a bother and may not ask.

- if you're a less experienced kiter, give yourself an extra large buffer zone downwind when launching (and when riding)

-if you're less experienced and have any questions....ask anyone. If you're uncertain of anything, ask.

-Spread out. It may get congested in close. The shallows extend at least 2 miles in each direction and upwind almost 1/4 mile.

-Look before you transition ( I made this mistake last year and it cost me a line)

- if you see someone in trouble, get to their kite first.

- if you have tangle with another kiter, both should flag their kites.

- wear your helmet

- obey right of way rules. If you are traveling with your right hand foward, you have the right away and should maintain your line. If you don't and someone is coming toward you, you should head downwind. The person with the right of way can give away their right of way by breaking their line, or by motioning to the other person to take it.

- DO NOT PUT YOUR KITE DIRECTLY OVERHEAD within 2 kite line lengths of shore.

- Remind yourself of your safety systems before you launch.

- wind your lines on your bar when on shore.

- Bring your kite in as far as possible to free up the launch areas.

- experienced kiters remember you're role models. Demonstrate safe riding practices, riding etiquette, and the stoke that defines our community

looking forward to a great weekend.

[jeffengel]

Tighe,

As a less experienced kiter I have a couple of questions regarding your recommendations:

Not knowing all the kiting terminology, I just want to make sure I know what it means to “flag your kite” I assume that means to hold one of the back lines so the kite turns parallel to the wind?

Also, wondering about the recommendation of not keeping the kite directly overhead within 2 kite lengths from shore? I assume that’s ok if your launching or landing, but is that just to keep out of peoples way?

One thing I would like to point out is last time I was up there and there were quite a bunch of people, twice I had a hard time getting anyone’s attention to land my kite – even though there were people standing on the beach right in front of me. I walked in close to shore and it took a while before anyone saw me standing there needing a catch. Finally someone would see me and I could signal them I wanted to land. As a beginner I probably don’t have any business saying this, but pay attention folks and give a guy a hand!

jeff

[Tighe]

Jeff,

Yes "flagging" is releasing all but one line. This line is usually attached to your leash. Depending upon the kite it is either a front or rear line. The one exception to this would be 5 line C kites that don't actually flag but rather 1/2 invert to completely depower.

The reason for not putting the kite directly overhead is to avoid lofting. If a gust comes in with the kite directly overhead you can easily get lofted. Not as prevalent with the new 100% depowering kites but still possible. Having the kite down low and preferably to the outside, gives you the ability to drag through the water as you release your safeties.

Also kites directly overhead are more prone surge, fall and power up in gusty conditions. With the kite low the impact is reduced.

Even during launching and landing the time directly overhead should be minimized.

Yes, let's all keep an eye out for eachother. Riders coming off the water should stop at least 2 kite line lengths out and pat their heads. With high onshore winds a botched launch or landing could have serious consequences. Another option would be to do a self rescue (flag of kite) well away from shore.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT NO ONE ATTEMPTS A DRIFT LAUNCH. There will be plenty of other riders around to launch you. If you're going to do a drift launch make sure you are well away from shore and to one side or the other of the Malmo Park (not upwind of the park).

ride safe

[steveb]

There's so many newbies how about an intro to the rules and safe riding 5 minute discussion in the park before people get on the water?.

[Tighe]

Sounds like a great idea Steve, though not sure when that would happen since people are showing up at all different times. Maybe scheduling something midmorning would work. You want to run it? I'll help if needed.

[steveb]

Is there people gong to be at the gathering that have questions about riding in crowds. I'd like to see how many people feel they want a little information.

[Bluewatergirl]

As a "newbie" I am thankful for the saftey tips. I would also like to point out that there are many times that the experienced kiters are riding/jumping/kite looping really close and riding right behind us "newbies" as we are coming in or out this is frusterating as we maybe ready to transition and are getting pushed out further than our comfort level.. Although I love watching all of the cool Tricks/Jumps in really close and those of you with the talent to hold kites over head and walk up the beach to grab a new board,water or a beer this is fine when there aren't many of us out there but this will be a high traffic weekend so lets keep this to a minimum or take it where there isn't a crowd on shore or in shallow. In short I believe that saftey is formost and that ALL kiters should be respectful and watch out for others new as well as old.

See ya in the wind
Bluewatergirl (Heather)

[steveb]

Wise words.
See ya up there Heather...can't wait.

[Dave Z]

Can't make it this weekend but it's looking like White Bear will be great tomorrow and Saturday.

Speaking of "safe" how 'bout making sure nobody put's up too much kite if it happens to be gusting up to 40 w/onshore winds! I know the temptation can be great but ya'll wanna be around to kite another day.

[RobH]

Steve - your a suck up !

[ollie]

Hey All
Great posts about safety & consideration!
Just one note about our kiters "community reputation".
We noticed signs that say- no cars in picnic area-.
Shouldn't we honor this to stay cool with the locals?

Bryan Z

[steveb]

Come on Rob I'm married, I was mentally castrated years ago.
I figured if I complemented Heather she may be so happy she'd give you one of those smiles, then I realized you don't need my bloody help.

Still I meant it when I said it'd be great to see you guys, it's b.s that we see more of you when we're in Tx than Mn, go figure.

[Denis]

Steve,

With my arm where it is, I can't ride much and I'd be willing to help you out with the safety thing. Just let me know.

Denis

[TomG]

wow .. holy wow you guys hit that one on the head good timing. Sat looks awesome. You guys have fun. I have to do some bullshitting. I actually shoot an event called the "Running of the Bullshitters" its like the one event of every year I look forward too.

its high winds so you rookies be safe.

[steveb]

Denis, I'm going to have some students up there so helps great.
It seems to me we may have to identify some sources for questions and be available during the day.
I've received a few question e mails so I know there are some people with questions.

Heather brought up a very good point ( here I go again Rob ), with the onshore winds the experienced riders should do their best to get out and stay off the beach, no showboating close to shore. It'll make space for the newbies who may struggle to get away from the beach.

[tnautique]

Roh ! Could you bring my HD zippo lighter with you if you still have it in your house. I lost it last year at your party. Thanks !

[RobH]

Hey Andy,

Thanks for the reminder - we have your zippo in the car, we will be looking for you - hit us up if you see us on the beach and we will get the zippo back to ya

[Tighe]

One more thing I thought might be a good idea.

If something was to happen, on or off the shore, to someone where they were physically hurt and in need of attention, right now we don't really have any protocol for handling it. Most likely will not happen but if it did, what would we do while we wait for the help to arrive....most likely from Garrison.

If you have any medical experience, even CPR experience, and would be willing to provide support if needed, please introduce yourself to Mike Fox. Most likely he'll be onshore most of the day and will have a megaphone/siren to contact you if needed.

Let's hope we don't need it but having your expertise available is extremely valuable.

[P R Key]

Wouldn't it be more safe to ride at Reddy? I have never been there on this wind direction but it should work shouldn't it? I wish I were able to make it up for the event but I have family in for the weekend. I will be stuck riding local at the Wac. Have fun and be safe!!

[djmadmike]

I am certified in emergency care (ski patrol) including CPR, AED (doubt there is one there), etc. I will have my emergency pack of supplies there too if anyone needs anything.

Looks like it will be a great weekend! Can't wait! I haven't been to Reddy, but my understanding is that there is a big swimming area there.

Mike N