Fatality in France

[winduser]

Sad news. A kiter 24 years old died in Kerhilio France



http://forum.flysurf.com/bar/accident-k ... 77756.html

My condolences to his family and friends

[matth]

So sorry...RIP

[Toby]

Sounds horrible. My condolences. RIP

Here an online translation:

I wanted to hear from the guy I saw before my eyes fly 200-300m in the dunes of Kerhilio this afternoon and finish on the parking lot behind the dune. I had for the first time in my life a horror vision when this young was literally pulled off the takeoff, I do not know why. At that moment there must have been not far from 40 knots, he took off in front of the dune, he went to the horizontal at a speed crazy to 2m from me. I pass the details that followed ...
Congratulations and thank you to the 5-6 people who helped him, the UAS arrived 20-25mn later, and the helicopter a little later, but obviously his condition was very disturbing.
I remain traumatized by this accident, I would have liked to know if he would get away with it.

I add that barely 3 minutes before, another youngster did the same thing, he had the chance to be flattened on the ground after a flight of about thirty meters. I talked to him after, he was not sailing with his usual helm and I think that the line lengths were not adapted to his wing, he felt rear too short, it was too late, no time to drop.

Again, caution to all ...

[sarc]

See my launch unhooked thread in the safety topic.

I realize that much of the hate and nastiness to my posts is because people have not watched the videos and think launch unhooked = both hands on the bar (maybe with death grip if something goes wrong). That's not what I mean - again, watch the videos then ignore them if you want.
Launch unhooked means both hands on the Chicken Loop and do not touch the bar (OK you can hold it with 2 fingers to stop it from snagging/rotating). If you get lofted, get a death loop etc. the CL gets ripped out of your hands and kite falls to safety leash.

It pains me that since I made that post, 4 or 5 people would literally be alive if they had watched the videos.

I forgot how to paste the link but you can search youtube for "Quand se hooker avant le décollage ? - One Launch Kiteboarding"

[Kitemenn]

See my launch unhooked thread in the safety topic.

I realize that much of the hate and nastiness to my posts is because people have not watched the videos and think launch unhooked = both hands on the bar (maybe with death grip if something goes wrong). That's not what I mean - again, watch the videos then ignore them if you want.
Launch unhooked means both hands on the Chicken Loop and do not touch the bar (OK you can hold it with 2 fingers to stop it from snagging/rotating). If you get lofted, get a death loop etc. the CL gets ripped out of your hands and kite falls to safety leash.

It pains me that since I made that post, 4 or 5 people would literally be alive if they had watched the videos.

I forgot how to paste the link but you can search youtube for "Quand se hooker avant le décollage ? - One Launch Kiteboarding"

How can you say these deaths could have been prevented with YOUR way of working. Your method would not work in 40knts and hooked launch is way more controlled, ofcourse there is always a chance for things to go wrong but to simply blaim it on their launching technique is rude!

My respects to the family...sounds aweful.

[bragnouff]

How can you say these deaths could have been prevented with YOUR way of working. Your method would not work in 40knts and hooked launch is way more controlled, ofcourse there is always a chance for things to go wrong but to simply blaim it on their launching technique is rude!
(...)

Because this is inherently safe, so yes, if trouble appeared just when launching, as seems to be pointed by the comments on the French forum, then not being hooked-in IS a life saving technique. The kite should be reasonably stable on the edge of the window when only held by the chicken loop. This gives an escape route in case the bar is badly trimmed, oversheeted, or plain wind strength misjudgement. Past those first 10 seconds, then the rider can make a go/no go decision.

Also the person assisting in a launch has a responsibility to hold onto the kite until clearly notified to let go, and should check the lines aren't wrapped, that the kite seems fine when lines are pre-tensioned, ... even more so in tough conditions. With a duty to not launch if anything is not right. Talking to the assistant beforehand is also good practice. "Wind is strong, haven't used that small kite in a while, and maybe not on that bar, so before you let go of my kite, make sure you wait for my signal so that I can check if the lines are OK, if trim is alright, etc... Thanks mate!"
Because it's hard to find a trusted assistant, it's sometimes preferable to self launch, potentially with an anchor.

Anyway, don't know the details of this tragic accident, be careful out there!

[Kitemenn]

With launching you always need to check/wait before all is clear! If your doing self launch you might check everything again as there is even less room for error.

[Toby]

Unfortunately people launch without a hand on the quick release...one of the first things which need to be taught...who of you is doing this? Barely anyone.
I do, and it saved me few times.

People who don't do it...be prepared to die.

Cannot repeat it enough, but people do what they do...and are responsible for their doing.

So listen to instructors, friends, helpers, people on the forum. All these want to help.

[Leon van Bergen]

Very sad news, same here in Holland yesterday, a 54 year old guy dies during kiteboarding at the north sea ocean.

[Toby]

Very sad news, same here in Holland yesterday, a 54 year old guys dies during kiteboarding at the north sea ocean.

Another sad story...my condolences.

What happened Leon?