ryuu wrote:As an American I agree 100% with you BUT this is an international board so laws and culture differ vastly.
Also as an American I know that if you were to help and if ANYTHING were to go bad you are now open to a lawsuit.
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=6498405&page=1
ryuu,
While I do not think it's your intention to discourage coming to someone's aid, let's not encourage that attitude (i.e. don't help because he's a dumb ass, flys brand x, should take care of himself, etc.) to those who have questions about it.
Under any circumstances we should not let fear of litigation prevent us from doing the right thing. I tend to think that most people, even some of the antagonists on this thread, know what it means to do the right thing - hopefully from the age of 4 years old and on. Of course, it's a personal choice to help others, and sometimes it does keep people from harm.
Apparently some individuals are so blinded by the idea that, in their right to have a differing viewpoint and personal attitude, ridiculing others with good intentions supports their position. Pretty sad to see that. But I reckon "it takes all types"....blah blah. I think this sort represents less than 10% of kiteboarders...room for improvement perhaps
Nothing wrong with building good karma and helping others. It is unlikely you will be sued unless you do something incredibly stupid or negligent.
Here's a short bit that touches on the topic.
http://www.atlanticmaritimeacademy.com/goodsam.html
While kitesurfers may not be classified as vessels...who cares. If you were floating around on the sea with a piece of wood and someone else could be saved by paddling over to them with it that is still the same principle... I would hope anyway.
