Saunton Beach death

[Hugh2]

Okay, I will bite. Sometimes I end up in overpowered conditions in Cape Town on my 7m. If I try to keep the kite low when on the beach, as advised by several folks above, while understanding that the wind strength is less down low, I feel vulnerable because if I get pulled off my feet and tumbling sideways, I will likely lose control of the kite and end up in a worse situation. Instead, I feel more comfortable keeping the kite above me and under control, even if I'm getting lifted a bit, because I know I can keep control of the kite above me and not get tumbled sideways and lose control. And note that I routinely dump my kite to leash at the end of long downwinders as my way of "landing" on deserted beaches, but I do it from having the kite directly above me so it falls directly downwind of me under control in a place I choose, so I know what to do in an emergency. In summary, I disagree with the idea of keeping your kite low if you are overpowered on the beach.

[Toby]

The problem is that people get lofted and due to less experience and too fast kites they start pulling on one side and go off like a rocket.
Happened most of the times when things went wrong...just watch the videos of those accidents.

And...spending time on the beach in nuking wind is a really bad choice anyway...so you should approach the beach with a low kite and someone to catch it on the go. Same for launching on a wide beach.
A narrow beach is a different story again...depends on local conditions.

So much can be done the wrong way. So not experienced kiters should stay home on strong wind days...as we just learned it can kill even the most experienced kiters.

Be warned and keep reading the forum to become more aware of the challenges we have to face in this sport.

[iriejohn]

The problem is that people get lofted and due to less experience and too fast kites they start pulling on one side and go off like a rocket.
Happened most of the times when things went wrong...just watch the videos of those accidents.

And...spending time on the beach in nuking wind is a really bad choice anyway...so you should approach the beach with a low kite and someone to catch it on the go. Same for launching on a wide beach.
A narrow beach is a different story again...depends on local conditions.

So much can be done the wrong way. So not experienced kiters should stay home on strong wind days...as we just learned it can kill even the most experienced kiters.

Be warned and keep reading the forum to become more aware of the challenges we have to face in this sport.

No, we did not learn this.

All we know is that an experienced kiter died on a high wind day. We do not know why.

[ScoopZ]

Completely irresponsible conjecture from Toby once again.

[plummet]

Ahh shit, That sucks. That's the second experienced dude to die this year.

What do we know about this situation?

The guy was an avid kiter and experienced waterman.
The day was a small kite gusty day.
The accident occured in the water. They tried to resuscitate him on the scene but were unsuccessful.

Considering he was in the water that rules out launch/land issues. It must have been while riding.

Is there an more information about the accident its self? kite size? what actually transpired.

[downunder]

Completely irresponsible conjecture from Toby once again.

I actually don't think it's Toby Someone else is filling his shoes?

Or Toby's writing English has changed significantly in the last few months...Dare to comment Toby? Your commenting style completely changed recently.

[nothing2seehere]

Okay, I will bite. Sometimes I end up in overpowered conditions in Cape Town on my 7m. If I try to keep the kite low when on the beach, as advised by several folks above, while understanding that the wind strength is less down low, I feel vulnerable because if I get pulled off my feet and tumbling sideways, I will likely lose control of the kite and end up in a worse situation. Instead, I feel more comfortable keeping the kite above me and under control, even if I'm getting lifted a bit, because I know I can keep control of the kite above me and not get tumbled sideways and lose control. And note that I routinely dump my kite to leash at the end of long downwinders as my way of "landing" on deserted beaches, but I do it from having the kite directly above me so it falls directly downwind of me under control in a place I choose, so I know what to do in an emergency. In summary, I disagree with the idea of keeping your kite low if you are overpowered on the beach.

I kind of see what you are saying. But do you fly it directly overhead at 12? Or more like 10-11 or 1-2 when you are massively powered? It makes a difference to be slightly off centre.

You are right that there isn't a one size fits all and it depends on the situation and the hazards around you. Sometimes being dragged sideways will be a preferable result to be lofted downwind depending on the terrain. Never been to Cape Town so can't comment on the conditions but in the videos of the pros, it generally looks like they favour the kite at 2ish pulling them towards the sea.

If you can't keep your kite low without being pulled off balance how do you launch or land in those conditions? Sounds really sketchy to be in conditions where you may be pulled off balance during the launch. Do you find you have to get it up to the zenith as soon as possible?

[matth]

I think the idea is to keep your kite low and pointed towards the water. I would much rather get dragged or tossed towards the water than lofted and flying towards danger.....to each their own..

[andylc]

I’m not sure many right minded people will recommend keeping your kite high in overpowered gusty conditions...!

[RickI]

RIP and strength to his family and friends.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-47197466