Is it important to be a good swimmer?

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

Are there people who stay away from water sports because they can't swim? I'm just wondering if there are people who would love to kite, but don't due to inability to swim?

sromano1995 · Since 22 May 2013 240 Posts Portland Stoked

Can't swim = SHOULD NOT KITE (on water that is)

The difference between FUN and PANIC is around 5 to 10 seconds when in the water...

And PANIC is the worst enemy to survival when in the water. Only if you are a confident swimmer, can you control panic in the water.

The temptation for a non-confident swimmer would be to stay within shallow water zones but that is just equally dangerous when attached to a powerful kite.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

I have had several students who took swimming lessons at the hood river pool to strengthen their swimming skills and improve confidence in the water.

The small investment made a big difference in their comfort level and reduced stress as they continued to learn to kiteboard. This allowed a quicker lesson process with fewer lessons.

Swimming lessons are inexpensive and the learning curve is quick and painless.

I strongly recommend everyone have the ability to swim, it could their life regardless if they are kiteboarders or just standing beside a swimming pool.

Sella · Wed May 22, 13 9:05 am

This ^^^^^ = Common sense to ridiculous questions.

As an instructor Bulae I would think you would understand and preach the aspects of strong swimming skills for any water related activity. If a guy wanted a lesson but said "I can't swim" would you take that person on as a student????

I swear dude....just when the anti-Bulae dust settles you open the door to another bashing but if you think tapping into the "non-swimming crowd" is your market for future students.....have at it bruddah because I'm sure your insurance coverage is current. Si?

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

You may need to avoid a barge or swim a mile if gear breaks or escape an outgoing riptide

Kiteboarding in Oregon = strong swimmer

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

If a person is not willing to learn how to swim, what makes you think they are going to be willing or able to learn how to kite? This is quite possibly the dumbest question I've seen anybody ask on here.

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

It bothers me that I still can't figure out if Bulae is just a nudnik or a comedic genius. I'm definitely leaning toward the former though...

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

Then again, a person who knows that he can't swim, would always wear a lifejacket, right?

A case could be made that there are times when a good swimmer needs a lifejacket, and without one, will drown.

Put these two thoughts together. Risk Averse vs. Risk Taker analysis would conclude that the Lifejacketed non-swimmer will never drown, but the Good Swimmer eventually, will.

Shocked

Dan k · Since 31 Mar 2013 87 Posts

Always wear a pfd and carry a radio along with other safety gear depending on where you are. Doesnt matter if youre an instructor or just learning its common sense. If you are giving lessons and don't know this already I fear for your students safety.

sromano1995 · Since 22 May 2013 240 Posts Portland Stoked

How about a helmet? Shouldn't that actually be one of the most important safety devices. An unconscious rider, whether wearing a PDF or not, confident swimmer or not, is most likely to drown.

Dan k · Since 31 Mar 2013 87 Posts

I agree. I always wear a full face helmet.

Procktor · Since 11 Apr 2013 46 Posts Hood River

Being good at swimming is important but if you don't wear a life vest you must be stupid. A helmet and radio are no brainers. If you don't have a radio at least carry a flare or whistle.

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

A helmet and a PFD are always a good idea. However, they are not substitutes for common sense and general life skills. You don't need to be Michael Phelps, but you should be able to tread water before you are hooked up to a kite and sent out into the river. I can't believe I've posted twice on this. Damn rain!

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2315308

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

better keep them on boards with bindings and leashes before a life jacket at the coast.. Twisted Evil

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

I asked if people avoided watersports. As far as teaching I have coached swimming for years and I teach sped.

Thanks for the information Mark!

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster