tungsten222 wrote:Hey Rick,
this is really well done.
Couple of things I would suggest:
1. of course it is a lot of info, but it's not supposed to be read in a minute i guess. add some graphics, imagine a 10 page PDF made of it with a couple of pics, that you can download and read through it every now and then.
2. Add a chapter about common sense ("seamanship") and the use of it.
3. Gear. Appropriate safety gear depending on the situation and riding (cruising in tropical seas or a 20mile downwinder in rough 16ºC waters, and everything in between):
Always: a hook knife or two
When appropriate: flotation / impact vest, helmet, radio, whistle, flashlight, water + energy bars... every sailor knows about it, why should kiters not.
True, we could go even longer with this as a stand alone reference. I had thought about embedding links to other related articles in the text. A single pdf document could provide an effective way of conveying the ideas.
You've hit a touchy point, "seamanship." I strongly feel that the role models or ideals for our sport shouldn't be limited to guys that can throw down sick tricks but be expanded to include well rounded and highly capable watermen. These are guys who will get it done regardless of conditions in most cases, are aware of bystanders, avoid threats to access, the whole deal and not just flashy bits. Strong swimming, board skills, weather and water knowledge and stamina to go with. If folks look up to these attributes they may work to attain it them themselves, benefiting all of us. The joke of it is a lot of the current role models may exemplify this already but word never gets out or is hyped. This was part of the motivation for creating the "Way To Go" series dealing with kiter rescues.
I've avoided to some degree, perhaps wrongly, expanding content dealing with cold water sailing. In an expanded reference there would be no reason not to have a healthy cold water section in it.
Knives are good.
Thanks for your suggestions!