The other day I had a front line fail.

With out going into too much detail.....
Wind was slightly off shore...
Pretty strong current...

I really needed a tow to the beach.
I had the kite safely on the 5th line folded in half (flysurfer Foil)
I had the broken line safely wrapped around the bar.

I waved down two kiters.... both expert judging by their riding.
Both refused to help.
One even yelled if you can't relaunch it's your problem.

Anyway after a difficult ordeal in the surf and current I got back to the beach.
I had to rest a bit but my board was still out there.
At that point another kitesurfer had just arrived... he threw on his wetsuit and asked me to
spot for my surfboard while he swam out through the surf and current to get it.

So two very different types of kitesurfers.
The type you ask for help and they refuse and the ones you don't even ask for help and they go way oput of their way to help.

Big thanks to Rich of www.malibukitesurfing.com for retrieving my board!

To the other two kiters...... If your in distress don't worry I will help you out regardless..... because I'm just that kind of kiter.

Hi Fred,

sad but true.

But, can we change such people? Anyway, life will strike back on them, and life will be good for those who care.

And it can be so easy to help someone else...just do it, no matter what.

Gladly all worked out for you!

I actually feel disgusted that one kitesurfer would treat another in such a manner....

Glad your ok Fred....

That's just pants, plain and simple.

Somebody has started a thread recently about what makes kitesurfing uncool these days - people like those two blokes I would say??

Good you got the board back

That is simply BULLSHIT to hear that anyone would decline to help. Unfortunately it happens quite often though. It seems that there are quite a few out there that are "too cool for school" and are so selfish that they cannot spare a moment and give up some riding time. I don't understand it, but it is apparently a part of certain people's nature.

That kind of behavior goes against not only basic humanity, but also any mariners codes that we are morally bound to.

Without joking about it...those two kiters should be publicly flogged...or at least called out for it. Inexcusable, period.

indeed!

-
Yeah, pretty offensive.

I can see some kiters having problems with those newbs who get in over their head,
but why discriminate? Even experienced kiters sometimes get in a bind and could use a little help.
Help first, then chastise those who need it after the crisis has been dealt with.

A few months ago, a friend of mine told me that an experienced kiter
(whom he did not know) actually refused to launch him.
We were both shocked, as it was so unusual.

I am always offering my kites and boards (to those kiters I know are competent),
so that they can broaden their experiences with gear other than their own.
I dont work as a rep for any company, just spreading the goodwill.

I have also spent over an hour, flashlight in-hand, helping an unfamiliar kiter try to locate his lost kiteboard.

Building my Karma credit.

Marc

Here in Corpus people are really cool and we all try to help each other out when we see someone in trouble. When I was learning here, my C-loop snapped (I learned on C kites) and was using the kite to drag in. I made it in and let it go on the oh shit loop but I had to leave my board behind. Luckily a fellow kiter grabbed it and brought it in for me and it was awesome. I try to pay it forward when I can. If everyone follows this then the sport is a hell of a lot more fun but in some areas people are too interested in being cool. Still plenty of room out here and we get AWESOME wind most of the year. Oh yeah, we are in our board shorts from late February to late November. Come check it out.

Glad to hear you are safe Fred.

Its one thing if you are acting irresponsible and get in a bind. But, when bad luck just hits you and you really need some serious help, people BETTER help. That is total bullshit. This sport has too many bad mishaps that can occur. People need to have more common sense and lend, they will for sure need the same in the future.

Just wait though, those that don't help ALWAYS get whats coming to them...


Ask yourself next time, are you that guy that doesn't have a moment to spare to help someone in need?

-John

With kiting being kiting it's just a matter of time till they have a problem, sadly they"ll learn the meaning of the phrase " what goes around ,comes around"
I just hope they don't drown shortly after they're enlightenment.