smidgeon wrote:leash around the neck?
Never gonna happen...
This may come as a surprise but ...
Kiteboarding is an extreme potentially hazardous sport, particularly for the rider.
If someone is trying handle passes they had better be very competent with a proven leash system or way out away from others, (miles away with a chase boat to pickup runaway kites). Hamish has developed a workable leash system for the few guys that do handle passes. Does it make kiteboarding safer for bystanders, absolutely. Is kiteboarding completely safe for riders particularly those doing more extreme kiteboarding? Could a leash cause a kiteboarder injury? What do you think but who chose to do this sport in the first place?
We must assume responsibility for our actions, (sounds like a lecture to a youngster right?), if not there will likely be hell to pay. It has happened already in at least three cases on different continents that come to mind. Time to get real and responsible or get ready for some strong, unwelcome heat on this marvelous sport. No more excuses, if we do this sport the RISK NEEDS TO STAY WITH US, if not there is always golf. It is past time to be using well tested and maintained kite leashes.