Kitesurfing is out of the Olympics.
It is only out of the Olympics because of the dumb ass companies
and their almost total disregard for safety and a long term vision of a true "industry".
Just look at just about any dumb kite company video. Promotion for them seems to equate with taking stupid risks and making that the image of kite surfing.
Just look at the total lack of helmets in their videos and endless "pro" kiters doing lame ass beach buzzes at high speed in shallow water.
Just look at the story of Theo Fusban. He broke his neck in shallow water and is now a quadriplegic
trying desperately to recover.
A few "pro" kiters got together and autographed a board and auctioned it off to help Theo. They probably raised enough to pay for less than a week of therapy that he will have to do for many many years.
The same "caring pro" kiters still make the same lame promo video.
Pastor and Zoon
You can find video of these two doing the same dangerous shit in shallow water, as well as the other "pros".
Even the manufacturer of the board that was donated has videos of high speed bullshit in inches of water.
They really don't give a shit or are just too stupid to realize what they are doing.
maybe it will take a good class action lawsuit to wake them up.
Going back to kiteracing. Just look at the ISAF promo video for kiteracing. The riders are riding very close to each other at very high speed on choppy waters. They are riding these large boards with massive sword shaped sharp fins AND NO FUCKING PROTECTIVE GEAR.
All this bullshit about the box rule that is really just to make things easier for the companies, but there is absolutely no safety gear required.
A high speed accident at the front of the pack could lead to a real mess.
Message to the kitesurfing industry. TIME TO FUCKING GROW UP!
Cool is when your customers can still walk.
IF you wonder why this pisses me off... well it's because I know a thing or two about what it means to be paralyzed. I have a cousin that is a paraplegic due to an accident.
Kitesurfing can still be incredibly spectacular and just as cool with a better approach to safety.