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Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2002 7:27 pm
by RickI
Here is something that we should talk about. The kite that gets fumbled could be yours someday. If we adopt universal signals this will be far more unlikely. Please checkout and comment on:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf/ ... EFERENCES/

under:

7. Kiteboarding Signals
Universal signals to be used to coordinate launching, landing and rescues.

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2002 11:42 am
by Toby
looks logical to me.
first impression is that these are many to keep in mind, but after a while it came to my mind, that we need that many signs (13).
But the "OK" can be generalized with the "Launch" IMO.
You always show your thumb when everything is ok or ready to launch.

We shouldn't promote any signal, where you have to take of both hands, so one has to be always at the bar.

Maybe for "land kite" we should use the thumb down.

What do you think about it?

Toby

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2002 2:41 pm
by RickI
I agree, it would be good if we could at least agree upon a small list of universal set of signals that will be recognized from Key West to Tarifa to Durban to Fiji. Thirteen is a lot of signals to be sure. Eventually it wouldn't surprise me to have that many and then some but there are the early days.

The head patting signal meaning that someone wants to land is pretty universal in the US to this point but I am wide open to whatever is widely accepted. The two handed signals are only for people that don't have a kite in the air, anymore, or are desperate!

I think that the signal dialogs are the most important part. The require complete understanding of both the signals and the kiteboarders intent. They reduce the chances for misunderstandings or worse, a clueless newbie contributing to an accident our of well meaning but inappropriate assistance.

What does everyone think about this?

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2002 2:47 pm
by Toby
here ingermany I never saw the signal on your head for landing.
Interesting...

For me it is rather logical:
thumb up - everythin is ok and let the kite go

thumb down - something is wrong, kite down.

Easier or not?

The rest is ok to me.

Cheers
Toby

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2002 2:48 pm
by jever98
Rick,

from my experience, you need a sign to tell someone to walk in a certain direction with your kite (come toward me, back-off, go upwind, go downwind). In some launch spots, when there are lots of kites around, it is necessary for the "launching personnel" to move around.
Also, a few of the signs look a bit similar:
-Wait and hold kite
-Get ready to launch / land kite / ok - couldn't we use the diver's ok sign? (although it has a rude second meaning in some cultures :smile:

Cheers
Nico

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2002 5:50 pm
by RickI
Hello Nico,


Perhaps the signals to have the assistant move could be accomplished by pointing or if necessary more specialized signals.

On the wait and hold signals, I agree they are similar. I have had to use both though more than once during kite launch. The wait signal really says it all. The hold signal just adds emphasis and a bit of comfort to an uneasy kiteboarder in strong gusty conditions during an interrupted launch. At any rate we could toss one or the other out.

Thanks for the input,

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2002 4:36 pm
by Guest
What happens if you just wanna wave to your mum on the beach?

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2002 5:13 pm
by RickI
Hope they don't send a marine squadron to rescue you! Checkout the latest signals at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf/ ... EFERENCES/

Use them, it could make a difference someday.

Say hi to mum,

Rick Iossi

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2002 6:12 pm
by Guest
Rick,

Glad to see you're posting the signals everywhere. Everyone should know them.

In terms of the comments regarding the "OK" and "land the kite" signals being similar, landing the kite is a movement of the hand up and down over your head. "OK" is a one, or two, handed signal that keeps the hand on the head in a fixed position. It can be confusing if you don't realize this.

The OK signals come from Mariner signals and are universal. Lifeguards, boaters, Cost Guard, etc. all know these signals for OK (either one hand on the head, or both hands above head with fingers interlocked forming a big "O"). Even scuba people are required to know this. Changing that signal to something else would be bad. I think the signals are fine as they are and will be putting them on my site this week.

V
http://www.chicagokitesurfing.com

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2002 7:33 pm
by RickI
Thanks! Calling them "Universal Signals" implies expending some effort to try to get them to used relatively commonly. Hopefully, they will catch on and spare some riders a bit of misfortune.

I too thought that the OK signals was pretty universal. I was proven wrong by some local EMTs and lifeguards during an unnecessary but unavoidable rescue attempt about a year ago. I have spoken with the lifeguards though so hopefully there won't be any repeats to waste their time.

Thanks again,
Rick Iossi