Safety and Smarts

Hi all,

First of all it is awesome to see most Henley kiters using the designated area and displaying their SAKSA tags also setting up clear of walkways and generally being respectful of other beach users, good job crew - keep it up !!!

Noticed a situation on the weekend where a guy had gone out too far, put his kite in the water and due to the wind dropping out and being slightly easterly he was getting slowly dragged out to sea. Another kiter went out to check on him, as he bobbed in the middle of a sailing race, and told him to "water pack down" and swim in- only to be told he didn't know how. A quick verbal was given but as the wind became more sketchy the second kiter headed for shore. The wind died totally and a second kite ended up in the water Whilst packing up and preparing to swim in a boat came out offering help. The boat was waved to the kiter further out who was still struggling and the second kiter swam in. The first kiter was dragged onto the boat and taken back to shore.

What is the moral of the story and why am I posting it ?

1. Be aware of your abilities- do not go out further than you can swim (with all your kit in tow)
2. Gusty and slightly offshore winds are not a good time for anyone to be out, definitely not for newbies.
3. Know about safety- water pack up and self rescue, keep an eye on the weather ( the warning signs were there that it was going to drop out).
4. If somebody helps you out hunt them down and say thankyou.

If we get enough interest SAKSA will run a safety day for all members. Please pm me if you are keen.

I want to stress that I am not singling out the kiter who had this misfortune. It happens a fair bit - I do want everybody to take care of themselves and this is a good example of what can happen. Not only was the first kiter in trouble, the second kiter put himself at risk by trying to help. We do not need boats rescuing people as it will damage our reputation and makes us seem irresponsible.

Stay safe- I'll see you on the water.

For once I think this thread needs to stay on topic- it is just a reminder that everyone needs to look after themselves and no matter how experienced we are or think we are mother nature is a nasty mistress.

I would like to see everybody enjoy this summer safely.

The offer of SAKSA running a course on safety and self rescue was for those who need a refresher or were never taught (like me).

By making sure everyone understands how to look after themselves the need for kiter to kiter rescues or even worse boat rescues can be limited....

I love seabreeze!!!! It brings a smile to my face everytime I log on. Fair point Jordy about the self rescue!

A few updates and clarification.

The first kiter was rescuing another kiters board when he got stuck without enough wind, he was doing the right thing and trying to help somebody else out. He did know how to water pack down, just wasn't real keen on the idea ( easy for things to get confused when you are bobbing in the ocean together). He also bought the boaties who picked him up a couple of beers. The first kiter is also not a newbie he is a capable rider- and a really good guy as well.

The point that I am trying to make is that we all need to be proactive in looking after each other as well as looking after ourselves. We all need to arm ourselves with the tools to look after ourselves and others- in this case knowledge of the weather conditions and self rescue techniques.

The other point is that the second kiter, myself, was quite stupid- If I had stepped back and thought about the situation I would have gone to the sailing club and asked for the boat to go out and maybe gone with them. With the wind dropping out there was nothing I could do to help once I got out to the other kiter - all I did was put myself in a position to possibly need assistance as well, compounding the situation.

I didn't identify myself in the original post as I did not want to seem like a martyr. I saw the situation as an opportunity to highlight an important issue.

Keep safe all.

Water Pack Down.

For those who can do it show others, those who cant learn. Hopefully you will not need to use it, but if you do you can. The generall idea is to depower the kite then wrap the bar and lines up so the kite doesnt relaunch and rescue boats propellers dont get caught in them. Then you can either wait for the boat or swim in.

KEEP YOUR SAFETY LEASH ON
1. Release your kite to leash so it flags out onto one line.
2. Swim towards your kite not getting tangled in the line untill you reach the bar.
3. Wrap the single line around the bar till all the slack is gone. You should now have a bar with one line wrapped around it which goes tight to the kite and three slack lines.
4. Wrap all the lines around the bar till you get to the kite then secure them to the bar with some Half hitches.
5. Leave the kite inflated as a 12m kite is easier to spot than your head in the water. If a boat rescues you deflate the LE roll then kite up with bar and lines in the kite use your safety leash to secure the kite as a bundle and pass it to the boat.
or grab the wingtips and body drag back to shore
or start swimming.

If you decide to ditch the kite and let it blow out to sea while you save yourself. You can always buy another kite. When you get back let the coastgaurd/police/lifesavers know that you are okay but the kite has gone. That way when/if they find the kite but no kiter attached they wont launch a air-sea rescue mission and if the kite turns up youll get it back.

Im more than happy to give free safety lessons and equipment checks. I can be found on the beach or at the Kiteshop 255 Military rd west lakes shore.

Water Pack Down.

For those who can do it show others, those who cant learn. Hopefully you will not need to use it, but if you do you can. The generall idea is to depower the kite then wrap the bar and lines up so the kite doesnt relaunch and rescue boats propellers dont get caught in them. Then you can either wait for the boat or swim in.

KEEP YOUR SAFETY LEASH ON
1. Release your kite to leash so it flags out onto one line.
2. Swim towards your kite not getting tangled in the line untill you reach the bar.
3. Wrap the single line around the bar till all the slack is gone. You should now have a bar with one line wrapped around it which goes tight to the kite and three slack lines.
4. Wrap all the lines around the bar till you get to the kite then secure them to the bar with some Half hitches.
5. Leave the kite inflated as a 12m kite is easier to spot than your head in the water. If a boat rescues you deflate the LE roll then kite up with bar and lines in the kite use your safety leash to secure the kite as a bundle and pass it to the boat.
or grab the wingtips and body drag back to shore
or start swimming.

If you decide to ditch the kite and let it blow out to sea while you save yourself. You can always buy another kite. When you get back let the coastgaurd/police/lifesavers know that you are okay but the kite has gone. That way when/if they find the kite but no kiter attached they wont launch a air-sea rescue mission and if the kite turns up youll get it back.

Im more than happy to give free safety lessons and equipment checks. I can be found on the beach or at the Kiteshop 255 Military rd west lakes shore.

Thanks Andy, proactive on safety is what we are looking for. The safety day sounds like it might go ahead. Good excuse to have a bbq as well and sit around and talk about kites.