Lizard Island kitesurfing trip

If you are interesting in a kitesurfing trip to Lizard Island from August 1 - 7 this year, contact Bretto from Windswell on 0427 498 042.  There is a vacancy for this trip due to a cancellation.

I won't be there as I will be kitesurfing in Bali at this time.  Next year I hope to visit Lizard Island.

More information

A sunny day with a good northerly at Brighton

Session 92, Sunday 11 July 2010
Kite: Switchblade 14m
Board: S-Quad 
Location: Brighton
Wind: 15 to 22 knots N
Duration: 2+ hours
Weather: Sunny


There was a good northerly blowing at Brighton during the morning and early afternoon, after the gale force winds of yesterday.


Stuart and I headed to Hampton and got on the water about 10:15.  I used the S-Quad surfboard to get more familiar with it in preparation for my upcoming trip to Bali.  


It was about 18 knots when we started, then after half an hour it dropped back to around 15.  The advantage of the big kite and board meant I could keep going while others ended on the beach.


I did some longish runs out against the bay swell, then coming back in I was able to surf the swells quite well.   The wind picked up again to around 20 knots so going upwind was easy.


I tried moving my rear foot out of the rear footstrap and up behind my front foot.  It worked well.  It is similar to a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) stance.  I could relax, the board speed drops and going further upwind is easier.


To turn I am still doing water restarts - manually grabbing the board tail, flicking the nose around, re-setting my feet in the straps and then powering up again.  I am getting more proficient at this.  A bit of pull from the kite helps locating my feet in the straps; just toes in is enough to get going then I can wriggle further in once moving.


No kitecam today - but a northerly would get some good shots as the kite and camera would be pointing back towards the shore and city.  Next time . . .

New video added - Kitesurfing Inverloch in 35+ knots

I have just added this new video made from some footage from our Inverloch trip last year.  Enjoy.

More videos are available here.

Good wind in winter at St Kilda - at last

Session 91, Saturday 26 June 2010
Kite: Switchblade 14m
Location: St Kilda
Wind: 15 to 22 knots SW to W
Duration: 2+ hours
Weather: Cool but some sunshine

I had coffee with Brendan, an old friend, at the St Kilda cafe overlooking the beach.  He has a boat moored in the marina which he slept on the previous night.  There was little wind while we sat and chatted, but it picked up when Brendan left at about 10:00am.  I rigged up and got going on my directional board.

There has been very little good wind during winter of late so I have been hanging out for a good session.  I have booked to go to Bali in August on a Ben Wilson Wave Camp so I am also keen to get some more experience on my directional S-Quad board.

Some wind at last!

The wind was around 15 knots initially, and the half dozen kiters out were scratching around for wind close to shore.  A westerly at St Kilda is onshore so it can get a bit crowded at times near the shore.

I was able to get going upwind better and stay out from the fray a bit.  I haven't tried gibe turns on the board yet so at the end of each run I stop, grab the rear, spin it around, reset my feet then get going.

The air temperature was around 13C and the water quite cold, but my nice new 4/3 steamer wetsuit, booties and neoprene gloves kept my quite warm as I dropped in the water for these turns.  In the shallow water I walked out past the shorebreak before restarting.

To get going I grab the rear footstrap and poke my foot in it with the kite gently pulling to the right. I then bring my front (right) foot to the front foostrap and poke the toes in it too, with a wiggle to get them in.  Some power in the kite then whoosh - up and going.

It was great to be out again after a longish break.  After about an hour the wind picked up to around 20 knots so I was able to go upwind and get some good speed up.  I tacked as far as I could along the beach getting up as far as Middle Park, then returning to the Marina breakwall.

The limiting factor turned out to be the muscles in my forearms - they were aching from the exertion.  I hooked my palms over the bar to rest them and also had short breaks while turning.  I came in around 1pm, trying a few carved turns and riding toeside down, which was not too successful with the seat harness.  So I did some slalom turns onto toe side without actually executing a full turn and landed my kite.  Tired but very satisfied.

Note the wind chart does not show all the day's wind due to an apparent problem with the Fawkner Beacon data feed.

Driving along beach road a rain squall came through so I think I left the water at the right time.

I dropped in at SHQ to buy a replacement line knife as I had lost the one tucked in my harness pocket.

I am also sussing out what to take to Bali and how to carry it.  I may take my directional board in its own bag with bubble wrap around it inside the bag.  It is a bit too long for my main gear bag.

The advice was to:

• Kite in surf without a safety leash and let go of the kite (pop the IDS) if you crash so that waves don't rip the kite apart.  This only works on non-crowded beaches though, and where there is no rocks on the shore.  Then paddle the board in without the kite.
• Use a 10' board leash to keep in contact with the board, but use on that will break if very heavily loaded for safety

A new waterproof camera - Pentax Optio W90

I used my Pentax Optio W80 camera underwater while snorkelling at the Low Isles on my recent trip to Port Douglas.

To my horror, it started to malfunction in the water, well above its 5m depth rating!  Sea water got into it.  I returned to shore as soon as I realised but the damage was done.  When saltwater gets inside a digital camera it is basically dead.

I researched options for a replacement and chose the W80s successor - a Pentax Optio W90.  It is rated to 6 meters and a waterproof case will be available rated to 40 meters.  I have read a couple of user reports that this camera has leaked while snorkelling too, so caution is in order using it underwater.

Used in a kitecam rig, the camera does not tend to get very wet.  It might get splashed if you crash your kite, but it doesn't really get immersed.

I read the manual carefully.  Pentax recommends "replacing the packing" regularly.  I contacted the local Pentax service agent and they recommend getting the camera pressure tested annually - if they find any leak they replace the packing (waterproof seal on housing flap).

Now I just need some wind to test it out.

Two good downwinders along 4 Mile Beach

Session 90, Thursday 27 May 2010

Kite: Switchblade 14m
Location: Port Douglas - 4 mile beach
Wind: 10 to 15 knots SE
Duration: 2+ hours

First downwinder 

From the South end of 4 mile beach to the Surf club at the North end.

The wind was blowing at last in the morning.  After a few upwind tacks it dropped a little so I decided to go for a downwinder while the going was good.

Great fast runs with some excellent carving on the small swell. Good speed and a few jumps. Dodged the "wind hole" half way along the beach.  Landed about 100m before the jellyfish net swimming area.

Coffee and a rest at the cafe, then walked into town and caught the bus back. Stoked.

Second downwinder 

The wind picked up again on my return so I headed out again. It dropped off as I headed out so I went downwind again. Less wind and speed this time. I did quite a few kiteloops in both directions to keep powered up.

Landed about 500m from the surf club. Realauched the kite a couple of times using the front lines with the kite on its trailing edge (low wind relaunch) but not enough power to get going. Walked to the surf club then out to the road.

Fabian, a fellow kiter (a Columbian who lives in Port Douglas and works on Quicksilver) gave me a lift right back to 4 mile.

A short ride on the Ozone Zephyr 17m 

The wind was still light. Brett and Al took out the new 17m Zephyr. I gave it a go late too late in the day. It turns very well and flies similar to my Switchblade 14m and has a little more power.

All photos

2010-05-27 Kitecam 4 mile

Still no wind so a bike ride to Cape Tribulation

A low pressure cell has settled down south and is disrupting the SE trade winds in Far North Queensland.  However, this means sunny days and clear skies, so I did a fantastic bike ride to Cape Tribulation and back today.  Riding through the rainforest is superb and its a stiff climb over the Alexandria range.

I dunked my legs in the sea at the Cape Tribulation beach, then returned for a nice lunch at the Thornton Beach cafe before cycling back to Port Douglas (in about 3.5 hours).

There are many things to do in Port Douglas when the wind is not blowing - such as cycling, reef trips, walks and day tours.  But I would rather be kitesurfing!

The four flavoured icecream from the Daintree Icecream Company was superb too - blueberry, wattleseed (like coffee), passionfruit and soursob.  All made locally without chemicals.

The Daintree is a very special place, and on this occasion was not overrun by cars and tourists,  It is well worth a visit.  Now I just need to kitesurf along the coast - giving the mouth of the Daintree River a very wide berth.

Upwind at Port Douglas

Session 89, Sunday 18 May 2010

Kite: Switchblade 14m
Location: Port Douglas - 4 mile beach
Wind: 15 knots SE
Duration:  1h 15 minutes

Good wind blew up during the afternoon. I headed oiut at 3:30 and kited for over an hour. There were about 10 other kiters out in the warm water and fine weather.

I took out the 14 - it was well powered. I decided to kite upwind through the reef to get some flatter water. Two other kiters were having fun.  One of them was Juoko - a Port Douglas winter regular.

Nice flat water behind the reef and some small surf near the shore. It is a great area to practice and play.

I did some kite-down turns successfully, and stuffed a couple up. On one occasion I lost my board and was glad I was wearing some reef socks as I walked back to get it over the uneven shallow reef.

I saw a couple of sea turtles duck under as I passed by.

I got some big jumps in too - some landed nicely. A great session to get back onto tropical waters. The breeze picked up for the last half hour by another 5 knots.

Got my gear washed and stowed on the grassy rigging spot. No beach shack this year though - looks like the Council has had it removed.

Don't go kiting or surfing at Flinders Back Beach right now - shark sighting

There are reports of a rotting whale carcass on the shore at  Flinders back beach, leaving a slick of blubber and oil in the water.   The carcass is attacting attention from a Great White Shark that has been sighted in the area.

This increases the risk of shark attack at Flinders and nearby Westerport Beaches, so please think twice about venturing out on the water in this area for the moment!

More information: Whale carcass a danger, say surfers, The Age, 27 April 2010

A brief session at Hampton with a kitecam video

Session 88, Sunday 25 April 2010

Kite: Switchblade 14m
Location: Hampton Beach
Wind: 15 knots SW
Duration: 15 minutes

The wind was a lot more fickle today.  I spent a couple of hours at St Kilda waiting for the wind and hanging out, then headed to Middle Brighton.  There were a few yachts out and the wind seemed to be coming good but no kites were out.   By the time I got to Hampton there were a couple of kites up and a few doing OK on the water.

I rigged up, then it dropped off, so I waited a while.  I fitted the Pentax camera to the kite and activated the video before I went out at about 2:30pm.

I was feeling a bit stiff after yesterday's efforts.  It was nice to get back into the seat harness, even though it is much more restrictive (a bit like a giant nappy).

The video worked well.  I even got a few jumps filmed.  But alas the wind did not last long so I was back on the beach after about 10 minutes.

I saw another kiter doing lots of nice jump transitions, giving me ideas of a few more progressions to practice.

Here is the short kitecam video

Downwinder tour on my new S-Quad directional board - great fun

Session 87, Saturday 24 April 2010

Kite: Switchblade 14m & Switchblade 10m
Location: Hampton Beach
Wind: 15-30 knots W
Duration: 2.5 hours - two sessions.

Stuart and I headed to Hampton with a good westerly blowing and a forecast for good wind during the day.  We arrived at about 10:30 and were on the water by 11:00am.

I used my new waist harness (Cabinha) and directional board (Cabrinha S-Quad 2009 6'1") for the first time.  There was nobody else there, which seemed strange given the wind was good.

The board is amazing.  It is quite floaty compared to my smaller thin twin-tip (Naish Haze).  It tends to bob on the water more.  It turns well and goes upwind really well too.  I was concentrating on keeping the power going through the harness against the board and keeping the kite low.  If the kite goes high the harness tended to rise up and contact my lower ribs.  And yes, the harness was done up tight.

I turned the board by stopping, reversing its direction (easier done from the rear) and then doing a water start.  No jibe turns yet!

Stuart and I got out past the Sandringham marina breakwater, turned before some yachts that were racing, then headed off for a wonderful tour.  We went past Green Point, Brighton, Brighton Marina and got as far as Elwood, where the wind died a little.  Then we headed back.  It was really nice having a good look around, and touring on the S-Quad was easy and relaxing.  Some gusts came through enabling us to get some good speed up too.   I didn't have my GPS so no track log for this part of today's kiting

On the way back the wind dropped again off Green Point, but I was able to keep on going OK with the flotation of the bigger board.  We got back to Hampton around 12 noon, with the wind dropping right off.

Stuart headed home while I had a rest and chatted to another kiter who was packing up.

Then the wind came back in - I could see it coming across the bay as white caps sprang up further out and moved towards the beach.  I am glad I didn't fly the 14m kite as it was much stronger wind.  I packed away the 14 and got out my 10m kite, which was perfect for the conditions.   Here is my track log for the second part of today's session, which commenced at about 2:15.

I was concentrating on technique and keeping the chest harness low.  I de-powered the kite as the wind was quite strong.  The board handled the bigger swell with ease.  I tried a couple of small jumps as I had the footstraps on the board.  I did a longer run to Green Point and back, then tried some toe down riding.

I found it much easier to ride toe down on the S-Quad.  The board's flotation helps with the reduced speed and it feels more stable than riding toe down with a twin tip board.  Cranking turns onto the back foot is nice too.  By this stage there were 6 to 8 others out.  Everyone was having a ball.

I eventually stopped at about 2:15, tired, but very satisfied.  I stopped in at SHQ to buy a board cover for the S-Quad then had a coffee and muffin in a Hampton cafe before heading home.

I

Hampton in Victory At Sea conditions 30 knots plus

Session 86, Sunday 11 April 2010

Kite: Crossbow 7m

Location: Hampton Beach
Wind: 27127  -32 knots W
Duration: 1:30 to 2:34 pm - 1h 15 minutes

The forecast gale force winds arrived on Sunday with gusto.  Stuart and I were watching the wind chart for Fawkner Beacon and saw a 50 knot gust rip through with one of the fronts.

I headed down to Hampton around midday.  There was one other kiter on the beach, who said he was having trouble getting out through the raging surf.

Once rigged up, I had a lot of trouble getting out too.  The waves were pounding a 1+m shore break, which pushed me back in.  I tried a couple of times to get going and ended up on the sand,

I fully powered the kite, then waited for a lull in the waves in a quieter spot.  Once up and going I was fine.  What a buzz - big waves breaking way out.  Heaps of power in the 7m kite which flew like an angry hornet.

Going upwind was easy.  Surfing the big swells was fantastic.  Getting into the surf zone was interesting.  It was big.  I was careful not to get too close the beach so I wouldn't end up on the sand again.  I did several runs right up to the concrete barrier at the marina in from the rock wall.

I was careful jumping as a big prang tday could have ripped the kite and turned into an epic.  I did one jump closer to the shore and popped a few metres into the air, to the surprise of four beach-goers who were watching.

There was only one other kiter out - also on a 7m kite - and riding a Cabrinha S-Quad board.  He was really ripping it up, and toured all the way to Green Point and back.  

I landed after over an hour's kiting with my hands and heels bit numb, but exhiliarated.  It was great to get out in such wild and invigorating conditions.

A local kitesurfer in action on the day, using a 7m kite and a Cabrinha S-Quad board 5'9"

A personal speed record at Altona in the late afternoon

Session 85, Saturday 3 April 2010

Kite: Switchblade 14m
Location: Altona
Wind: 15-20 knots SE
Duration: 6:01 to 7:21 pm - 1h 20 minutes

GPS data

• Max speed 47.0 km/h
• Trip odom 28.6 kim
• Time 1:16
• Average speed 22.3 km/h

The forecast SE was building up late in the afternoon so Stuart and I headed to Altona.  We arrived at about 5:30 with lots of kites on the water, but the wind was a bit light on so many were struggling to stay upwind.

I stuffed up the shallow water start (more practice required) then did a long run up along the beach and back.  The flat water is nice, but I find it difficult to go upwind when travelling at speed.  On the return leg I came into shore gradually and eventually had to stop and walk out again.

Then I was able to kite right up into the mouth of Laverton Creek, turn and return.  Quite a few other kiters about but they all knew what they were doing so there were no major mishaps.

Then the wind picked up about 5 knots and it was on.  I did some really fast runs back into the flat water - and clocked my fastest ever speed of 47.0 km/h.  With the tide in the sandbars were all covered, so the flat water was great.

A couple of tacks through the surf were nice too.  I was able to get upwind enough to return the beach where we started.  With the wind pumping I headed out a short way and did my highest ever jump, which was quite a buzz.  The landing was good too.   After a few more jumps it was time to pack it in.  

Weary but very satisfied.

Downwinder from Hampton to Brighton

Session 84, Friday 2 April 2010

Kite: Switchblade 14m
Location: Hampton
Wind: 15-20 knots S
Duration: 3:15 to 4:22 pm - 1.5 hours

GPS data

• Max speed 45.3 km/h
• Trip odom 28.9 kim
• Time 1:17
• Average speed 22.3 km/h

Easter in Melbourne this year has a poor wind forecast for kitesurfing and windsurfing.  However, a good southerly sprang up during the afternoon.  I headed for Hampton and arrived with about 20 knots and quite a few kiters and pole dancers out having a ball.  

I rigged up the Switchblade 14 (and checked the pulleys; all OK) as I thought the wind might drop a little, which it did.

By the time I got on the water the wind was about 15 knots, and most kiters had returned to the beach.  I headed out quite a distance to get some clean wind and was rewarded by enough to get some good speed and even a few jumps.  

I tacked back to the beach and into the first groyne area into the small surf several times.  After a while, I decided to head downwind and try the surf at Green Point.

It was nice to let the board run and crank up some high speeds.  Playing in the surf along the main Middle Brighton Beach was fun too.  There were two other kiters at the point, on directional boards.  The turn around at the beach is a bit dodgy - there is a nasty small reef very close to shore - but it is easy enough to avoid.

After a few tacks their I headed down a bit to come right into the rock wall of the point.  The scenery is nice and there were heaps on onlookers in parked cars.  The reed there is not a problem.  However, further north closer to the bathing boxes there are some very shallow sections that need to be approached with caution.

I did some longer fast tacks out and back as I approached the Brighton crew who were having a ball.

I landed the kite, packed it away and walked back, electing to carry my gear rather than stash it.  The downside of this was that I managed to get a small rip in the kite - presumably where I brushed against a bush while walking back.  So I will repair it tomorrow.  More wind is forecast for Saturday so I will head out again if it is good.

No new tricks this outing; mainly speed and just keeping powered up during turns.

Jelly fish in Port Phillip Bay and a Pelican

I got some close up photos of the Blue Blubber jellyfish that we see in Port Phillip Bay while kitesurfing and swimming.  While they are not classified as poisonous, they can apparently cause an itchy rash.  If you come in contact with these the treatment is to apply vinegar or Stingose then wash it with salt water (not fresh water).

The other jellyfish found in the Bay are the Lion's Mane (treat as for the Blue Blubber), Southern Tailed and Moon.

And here is a Pelican taking off

Kitesurfer Natalie Clarke crosses Bass Strait and sets new record

Natalie Clarke successfully kitesurfed across Bass Strait on Monday 22 March 2010.

After much preparation and training, Natalie departed from Stanley in North West Tasmania at 6:30am and kitesurfed solo and non-stop all the way across Bass Straight, landing at Venus Bay in Victoria at about 4:15pm.

Natalie broke the previous record for kitesurfing across Bass Strait, set by James Weight and Ben Morrison Jack in late 2009, by 2 hours completing the trip in around 9 hours 30 minutes.

Natalie is also the first female and solo kitesurfer to make the crossing.  She was accompanied by a support boat for the trip.

The total distance covered was approximately 240km.

Natalie's track log; note detour when she sights land (Natalie Clarke)

Natalie made the crossing to raise funds for the Swim 4 All Foundation who are still accepting donations.

(Photo: Paul Cousins)

{Photo: Paul Cousins)

Leading the boat.  (Photo: Natalie Clarke)

 (Photo: Natalie Clarke)

Crossing   (Photo: Natalie Clarke)

Approaching Venus Bay beach (Photo: Paul Cousins)

Into the surf at Venus Bay (Photo: Natalie Clarke)

Arrived: on the beach at Venus Bay  (Photo: Natalie Clarke)

Links

• http://natalieswim4all.blogspot.com/
• Natalie Clarke's GPS log, sportstracklive.com

Hampton in an onshore Westerley

Session 83, Sunday 21 March 2010

Kite: Switchblade 14m
Location: Hampton
Wind: 15-20 knots W
Duration: 1:00 to 2:30pm - 1.5 hours

GPS data

• Max speed 42.3 km/h
• Trip odom 21.2
• Time 1:17
• Average speed 16.5 km/h

Some frontal weather patterns brought strong westerly winds this morning.  By afternoon they had moderated to around 20 knots so Stuart and I headed down to Hampton.

We initially planned to do a downwinder from Middle Brighton to St Kilda and back, but the wind dropped just as we got on the water.  Stuart kited back to Hampton while I packed away my 10m kite and drove the short distance back to Hampton.

I took the Switchblade 14 out and had a ball. Njord (the Norse wind god) smiled and provided some good wind and a moderate swell.  The westerly wind was blowing right in towards the harbour entrance so I was able to crank up some good speed on the flatter water.

I landed a few good jumps too in either direction, but didn't attempt anything more ambitious.  Easing back into it.

Ivan was kitesurfing the shorebreak along with about 8 others.  It got a bit crowded in close at times.

I took out the GPS, kite mounted camera and helmet cam.

Here is the video



And here are the photos

Landing a jump!

Links

• More photos

An evening kite at Hampton

Session 82, Friday 19 March 2010

Kite: Switchblade 14m
Location: Hampton
Wind: 15 knots S
Duration: 6:10 to 7:00pm - 1 hours

It has been a while between kiting sessions.  A southerly sprang up late in the afternoon so I headed to the beach after work arriving at about 6pm.  The wind has dropped to around 15km by the time I got on the water, but heading out I was able to pick up some good wind past the breakwater.

Several really good runs, focusing on technique.  The diesel grunt of the 14m kite proved its benefits again.  There was only enough wind for a couple of small jumps.  Heaps of the big blue/white jellyfish lurking beneath the waves.  A windsurfer told me later he can feel the fin of his board slicing into them!  They seem to be a bit too deep for the kiteboard to connect with them.

It was really nice to be on the water again.

The wind is dropping out now as we get closer to April.  I hope there is enough for Natalie Clarke to complete her crossing of Bass Straight - which could happen the coming Sunday or Monday.

An evening kite at Port Melbourne

Session 81, Tuesday 02 February 2010

Kite: Switchblade 10m
Location: Port Melbourne
Wind: 15 knots S
Duration: 6:30 to 7:00pm - 0.5 hours

I got the all clear from the very efficient Eye and Ear Hospital for my ear on Monday.  My eardrum has regrown and kitesurfing is OK, at last.  The doctor said earplugs would prevent the ear drum rupturing, so wearing them is a good idea.

The challenge is to get earplugs that stay in place.

I headed to Port Melbourne after work, arriving to see a good sea breeze coming in.  The Spirit of Tasmania was berthed at the pier, loading passengers.

I took out the 10m kite so I wouldn't be overpowered.  Stuart was out already having a ball.  It was fantastic just to get in the water again.  I was up and going without any hassles.  However, the wind dropped so I had the fly the 10m kite hard to get enough power.

The waves were rolling in too.  I got some good runs in, just enjoying being there.  I did some kiteloops on the beach after I stopped.

First solo attempt to cross Bass Strait is imminent

Natalie Clarke, a keen Melbourne-based kitesurfer, is ready to attempt the first solo unassisted crossing of Bass Straight kitesurfing.

Natalie has been training hard for this feat, and is also fund raising for the Swim 4 All Foundation.  

The attempt is now waiting for the right wind conditions.  Fingers crossed that the wind god smiles and that Natalie makes it.

Links

• http://natalieswim4all.blogspot.com/

Sean Richardson rescues a drowning woman with his kite

Sean, a kitesurfing buddy who frequents South Melbourne beach and environs, rescued a drowning woman using his kitesurfing gear.  The woman, who had apparently fallen oft a jet ski, was floating face down when Sean kitesurfed out to her.

He was able to drag her in to shore using the kite controlled by one arm, and his other arm around the woman.  Well done Sean.

More details and a video interview are available in this article:

St Kilda psychologist rescues drowning woman after Albert Park jetski accident

Self rescue

Hi, my name is Stuart Webb - I've shared some great adventures with Peter over the last year or so, and thought I'd share some tips that have helped me out.

I've been kiting for about 6 years and last week I had a bit of a disaster. One of the pulleys on my Switchblade (IDS 10m) broke on one of the leading edge lines. The wind was about 25 knots and the kite just kept on picking up and spinning around. It took me some time to figure out which line had been broken, by which time the lines had become very tangled and I was unsure as to the best way to handle the situation.

After a forum discussion, the consensus for self rescue procedure is

Self Rescue Procedure

1. Depower
   Get as much depower as possible. This will typically involve taking all the tension out of the back two brake lines. If you have a switchblade, use the absolute depower.
2. Regain your bar
   Depowering typically involves letting go of your bar or activating a depower mechanism. You must swim up to the bar to regain it.
3. Tidy up loose lines
   To be sure that tension remains out of the back brake lines, wind in the middle leading edge lines onto the bar.
4. Secure your board (Optional)
   Remove the board from your feet and secure it to your body to leave you free in the water. You can use your safety leash by detaching it, threading it through your board and reattaching. Or carry another leash. This step could be done prior to step 1 depending upon personal preference.
5. Regain your kite
   Wind in all remaining lines onto your bar, exactly as if you are packing up at the end of a session. This will take you up to the kite.
6. Ride the kite into shore

Self Rescue Procedure (Switchblade)

In my instance, I have a 2009 Cabrinha Switchblade IDS. The pulley broke. Apparently these pulleys have known issues - so my advice is to replace all your pulleys with the warranty Cabrinha pulley replacement. Apparently for some extra cash you can replace these pulleys with an Aluminium slider (which comes as standard with the 2010 model) - reducing the chance of failure and wear on the lines.

Safe riding,

Stuart

Snow kiting in Washington D.C. and a cautionary tale

From Keith Edwards, my neighbour who is living near Washington D.C. - here's a novel way of enjoying 40+ inches of snow in DC,  with the Washington monument in the background.

Back in Australia, a friend of Keith's had a kitemare at Merimbula.  He got tangled in his kite lines when body dragging and was hurt badly after being "tea bagged" repeatedly.  He was rescued eventually by a tourist boat in the vicinity.

Some tips to avoid this type of accident::

• Have enough lessons to learn kite control and safety drills. Five is a realistic minimum.
• Practice your safety drills - such as releasing your kite completely.
• Carefully check your set up before heading out.  
• Carry a safety knife and cut your lines if you get tangled in them, don't try to "sort it out" unless the kite is safely on the beach.
• if you get tangled, land the kite and re rig the lines before flying it again.
• If in doubt, release your kite without delay.

Link: Happy to be alive, Merimbula News