Newbie - which kite/bar set up is the VERY safest?

fokiten · Since 04 Mar 2005 188 Posts Stoked

Don't get me started,

Fine Dano, and you?

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 124 Posts Portland Stoked

This board has allowed me to pay attention and move slow --- time to test both kites and systems both via reviews and test flights. And yep, the best "safe system" is really knowing WTF I'm doing; that trumps the kite/brand any day. Active participation in this board makes the entire sport safer. Y'all rock! Very Happy

And to the couple of folks that dissed the question as that of a wuss; I've skied off the tops of volcano's in the Cascades and climbed in the Himalaya (more than once) --- the goal is always to get back to the base camp, trail-head, launch spot, or car (vs making it to the top of the mountain).

Safety keeps you playing for a long time - till I die at an old age I hope.
BTW, amazing how the safety priorities shift as you get older --- almost in my 50's, I have no shame in wanting to be safe (I won't go into all the body parts I blew out as a reckless younger man). Anyone that questions it --- get back to me when you cross the big 50.

fokiten · Since 04 Mar 2005 188 Posts Stoked

Just a gentle heads up,

find someone who can, or is willing to show you the ropes, this board has some quality folks and all, but the river is what calls the shots...

You need to get to know it, and that takes time...

getting to know your gear is fine and dandy, but the trick lies is in not putting yourself in a position where you need to use it.

It's a special place, these guys know it better than anyone.

If you can hang here, you can kite anywhere...

So take it easy at first, time passes and you'll get tuned in, the trick is lasting long enough to spot the trouble

Sorry for the speech..
Regards, and good luck
fo

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

great responses
getting lessons is for sure one way to keep you going
even with that
there are plenty of ways to eat shit
your launch and landing areas are the most critical
when on the hard kites are much more difficult to handle
so get into the water and use the water for your forgivness
sand for the launch is the best I've found
when you can launch and land your most dangerous part is over
there is no combination of gear that will do it all
I also use the Surefire and can by reaction can release
be sure to replace it every year
and a good kite leash will keep your hard earned assets
I also started in my 49 th year
8 yrs. ago and haven't been waylayed more than a couple days.
By going slow and being afraid
My first year I met gentleman who a couple months later was drug on the rocks and killed
he was such a good kiter it didn't seem possible