A Tad WIndy

Just posting this because it shouldn't go by without mention.

There were about 10 kiters out when it hit. Lots of kites thrashing around on safety leashes.

It was hard to see much due to the blowing sand and water.

Surprisingly nothing that looked too deadly happening and I don't think any injuries happened.

Some 12m kites were seen getting a mega-beating. The kites and owners were last seen walking casually up the beach back to the packup area.

It lasted 8 minutes and turned into a very nice beach day after. There was no obvious indicator of the severity of the blow beforehand. Yes there were storm cells on the radar, but nothing that looked particularly extreme. The upwind weather stations were not showing any particularly strong winds.

Also curious is the Bay Winds web site only shows the lower wind speed, not the gusts. I was sitting on my kite on the beach and estimated the wind at 130-150kph. Fawkner Beacon is 4km away in the middle of the bay and the BOM readings show the true strength.

Thanks for sharing Gorgo. Very glad to learn no one was injured. I understand Vic and to a lesser extent Sydney, get some unexpected and violent squalls at times.
Safety should be the first priority and part of this is learning to read the conditions. I was caught in a pretty serious squall back in 2005 which was very unusual for Southeast Qld. I was launching in a steady 20 knots when a 45 knot, clear condition squall came through. I was lifted off the beach, into a car, over a road and into a steep embankment.

My mates told me afterwards that I was a good 6-8m high at the peak. Pulling my safety at this height still would have resulted in injury. My 9m C-kite had minimal depower and the Slingshot safety at the time was a tiny loop for you to stick your finger through and pull. Not something one could easily do in a moment like that.

i suffered a spiral fracture of my femur, a fractured L4 vertebrae, a broken nose and wrist. I needed 4 operations and 6 months off the water (the worst part).I had been kiting for just over a year but I was naive to the dangers. I should have been more aware of the the changing wind-line and other more subtle signs. With kite technology, depower, safety etc. this would not happen the same way these days.

i'm certainly not as extreme as I use to be on the water, no more wake-style. I now ride the waves and foil (nuff said ??). But I cringe when I see dudes rigging up a 12 in 28 knots.
I don't talk about it much due to the traumatic memories it congers. I learned the hard way and really don't want others to experience anything similar.

Stay safe and see you on the water ??

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Gazuki said..
Looks like an average day in WA

Pretty much, was maxed on the 8 today's meant to be stronger

I've been known to knock over a few of my neighbours marij , tomato plants in my time

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cauncy said..

Gorgo said..
It was a storm cell in the middle of the bay.

Tomato plant, declared disaster zone

was a crap film "Attack of the killer tomatoes.. i recall Donny Osmond ( tiny teen heart throb) flattened them created "rotten tomato" film reviewers..
years back had clients with warehouse in s.morrabin .. tornado like cell off the bay trashed double brick back wall..
on a map it looked like someone had drawn a penil line thru and rubbed it out.. v.narrow v.destructive...path=v. nasty

glad u are ok Gorgo
still a g8 bay to have on your doorstep

cheers AP
2weeks left on drydock