Very Very sad news, especially when such an extremely nice and young person as silke is taken away from her beloved sport (I met her during the worldcup in the last two years - she had too many plans to die that early) my deepest condolecence to her friends and family.
BUT what makes me extremly sad is that accidents like this this CAN BE AVOIDED if people would use their BRAINS before starting a Powerkite in extreme conditions (anything beyond 5bf)!!
1. YOU f*#&% BRAINLESS IDIOTS (sorry, but stupid people make me angry) who ride without a working kite safety USE A KITE SAFETY THAT DEPOWERS YOUR KITE 100 % even in extreme gusts!
I AM TIRED OF LAME EXCUSES (handlepasses) for not using the proper safety equipement in kiteboarding - this time it did cost the life of a young lady who had outstanding kiteskills, but (as reported - i wasn't there) did not use proper safety equipement by herself (chicken loop quick release, impact vest, (helmet?)) - but next time this type of stupidity can cost your life, the life of another kiter or bystander TOO !
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REMARK by Admin: please note that it wasn't a handlepass or trick when he had to let go.
The initial posting has been changed according to eye-witness reports, which you can find here:
phpBB/viewtopic.php?topic=1243&forum=1&5
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2. IF YOUR KITE DOESN'T DEPOWER 100% when the safety is applied use a diferent safety setup OR think about using a different KITE (YES, there are kites on the market that are 100 Safe in high winds when you let go of the bar and activate the kite safety, not only arcs also some inflatables)
3. ALWAYS use a SNAP SHACKLE or new wipika style RELEASE on the Chicken loop in Addition to your kite safety
4. ALWAYS mount your kite safety to your harness, never use a velcro attachement to your arm
5. Always use a quick release shackle for the kite safety,too (in case you have to let go of the complete kite e.g. kite gets hit by another kiters kite or fast traveling boat)
6. Extensively and regularily TRAIN the USE of your Saftey Equipement BEFORE you have to USE IT in an actual emergency situation
additional, compiled Information on safe Kiteboarding can be found on my personal website
http://www.psn.at in the kite-info section (sorry international readers, so far only in german)
Kiters Please use your brain, check our equipement BEFORE you put up any powerkite - as seen in this tragic accident you can not only safe your own life, but also the life of someone else.
Sad Regards
Paul
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Admin on 2002-06-12 11:54 ]</font>