Kiteboarding Association Website Links

[phree]

Kiteboarding associations are surely one of the best lines of defense we have in protecting our beach access rights, worldwide. These groups are actively promoting a kiteboarding culture of safety that is on a par with other high risk technical sports. They are also working with the public and government, often to repair the damage already done by kiteboarding incidents. I think it is a good idea for there to be more networking between Kiteboarding Associations, worldwide. Learning from each other always helps the learning curve. If you know of a Kiteboarding Association's Website, please post it here.

http://www.hawaiikiteboardingassociation.org/

[Toby]

Hi Phree,
Thank you for your support.
I agree that the associates should communicate and exchange experiences.
Our users already contributed most of the associates before.
Here the link to the topic:

phpBB/viewtopic.php?topic=65&forum=1

Cheers
Toby

[Guest]

Hello Phree,

Great suggestion! Manyof the Associations list links to other associations worldwide which is a good thing. There is another list at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KSAG1/

Which lists a cookbook approach to forming a kitesurfing association in the "files" section for folks who feel the time is right to organize.

One initiative that many associations are trying is to bring lifeguards, rangers, municipal officials, etc. into the sport. They get some local kitesurfing instructors to put on a couple of hour, free intro to kitesurfing session to hopefully win over some new riders. They also talk with some of the local gear shops about giving these public officials a discount on gear. The actual number of guys that make it into the sport is often limited but even two guys per group could form very strong allies in important locations.

Also, as a premptive measure, several associations are giving a short presentation to the lifeguards or rangers on how to deal with kitesurfer rescues or with runaway kites. Unfortunately, taking intuitive measures is often the wrong way to approach these incidents. A good guide was put together by the SCKA at:

http://www.scka.org/lifeguard%20tips.htm

With more positive public sector participation in this sport, hopefully our continued growth will occur more smoothly with fewer serious problems.

Rick Iossi

[Toby]

Great idea og bringing in officials and other people who could be against it.

Rick, you mentioned very important point:

most accidents happen, because the people who want to help, do the wrong thing.
Not knowing the sport, I would grab the bar and not the kite. So this issue, the informing of the public on how to react in special situations, should be a major topic for all associations and riders worldwide.
The sport has to be more in public, like magazines, newspapers and TV. Not tellinmg about an accident, but explaining the risks and how to avoid it.
Maybe we should create an information sheet to be posted at every kitebeach. I think bystanders would read it while having a walk at the beach and watching us, since they are curious about it.

[Guest]

Toby,

Great ideas! The FKA is trying to circulate launch area signs. I will be happy to upload a copy of one to this site, if that is possible. I print them out on 11 x 17 paper, have them laminated resulting in an instant, $2 USD sign.

It would probably be good for the various associations to have canned press release packages, will essential information for the public on how to safely interact with kitesurfers. Emails could be sent out to various publications in their area that the releases with text and photos are available. Nothing too scary, just down to earth, sensible precautions. I encourage all riders to be patient and explain things at all opportunities. The good will and awareness that you build may come in very handy at some point.

Rick