Yesterday 4 idiots where trying to learn to kitesurf with a 2006 North Rhino - a expert only kite. They were not having much luck - as they could not even setup the lines correctly.
After numerous crashes into the beach, I went to try and talk some sense into them. And whist I was talking to them a lifeguard also came and told them they could not fly kites on the beach.
They assured us they knew what they were doing - and would be out on the water shortly. Other kitesurfers also spoke to them, but they ignored all advice, and continued trying to launch the kite. Thank god not one of them had the skills to actually get the kite at 12 o clock as I have no doubt there would have been an injury. I had to actually tell a few bystanders to stand back .
Last week another kiter went kiting between the flags at manly - the lifeguards called out to him on the loud speakers, but he ignored them completely. Eventually they did get hold of him - and it turns out he was not ignoring them - just listening to music through head phones - some people just cant go without Justin Bieber for a couple of hours. After a long chat - they actually allowed him back in the water.
He was a decent kiter - so I cannot understand why he would be so stupid as to (1) use headphones whist kiting, (2) kite between the flags.
Very disappointing behaviour,
Come on Bigmark, think laterally,
. Get the lifeguard or ring the ranger to confiscate the kite, due to imminent and present danger to the public after repeated warnings, go in a few days later and claim it.
Ha Ha Funny!
I know these North Shore boys quite well. They are some good mates.
I told them to get some lessons but the guy who sold them the kite said it was easy to use, and get up and going no worries. ** like that was bound to happen on a busy beach. Look where I live in St. Kilda its Mental 24/7.
If anything should be blaming the idiot that sold them the gear, as he told them it would be o.k. and no drama's at Manly, trying to make a quick sale with a ****ty old kite no one would want.
They are decent dudes, so don't just start yelling at them to get off the beach. have some decency and walk up to them for a chat, explain a few things, its an easy way to see your sport maintained at your location a little longer. Then burn their crappy kite. Kites are not made with a warning, just a little paper book that has a few pictures and written in another language that is ment to last as long as the kite?.
Or just don't care and blow it all, before the Euro's come for summer, dump all their trash at the beach and drop in on everyone.
Cheers AP
Hey picker maybe you should have another word with them. Don't know, they might listen after they hear about this convo. Blaming the guy that sold them them the kite, maybe, but ultimately it is their choice to do what they are doing. I was asked only yesterday to teach a young lass, straight away I said I wasn't accredited and have her a number. But not all of us operate like that.
You can only tell your mates so many times before you sound like their mum..
But i have Facebooked them a link to this thread thanks x
Jem "Oi picker... The guy who told us off was an absolute knob. Out of spite we are going to keep turning up. Tell him that on the forum"
about an hour ago via facebook mobile · Like
Picker - you suggested I speak to the guys. I did. As did a life guard and other kiters.
I did not yell at them, I approached the subject gently - suggesting that the kite was a very hard kite to learn with and this was not a good place to be learning as there are people and concrete about.
I only got ratty with them when they basically told the life guard and me to piss off.
They might be decent mates, but they are idiots for risking their and other peoples lives. They clearly have no idea how dangerous a kite can be,
I'm guessing they don't have insurance, and any injuries to a 3rd party will change their lives somewhat.
If you are a decent mate -perhaps you could give them some advice.
From my point of view this is more of a society problem than one for the kiting community.
If I drive recklessly with my car I get a fine and my car might get confiscated. Same thing should apply if someone handles a kite without care, like trying to launch among beach users or kiting within flags.
Every decent kiter would benefit from that. The government loves to smash out fines whatever I do so why shouldn't this apply to kiting?
. I dont think your qualified as a instructor, but you can offer a free lesson........ Its easy.
picker - I am happy to meet your mates at narrabeen and show then how to setup and launch the kite if they like. Not in a bad way, I simply think it would be to their benefit to be taught properly.
tell them to get in touch if they like.
love to know who sold them the kite.
Thanks Mate!
I'll let the boys know, but also bring a camera, might win Funniest Home Video.
Back up in a couple of weeks so i'll show them then when they get a better kite and we'll burn that old one down on the beach as a sacrifice to the wind gods
