I read your profile today, I thought I would drop you a line and hope to become
your friend! Check my personal page here:
http://mariesuze.zoomshare.com/files/friend.htm

I'm sure some of you have seen the recent footage of the kiter getting
lofted and injured in Florida. If not, there are links below.   I thought it
was worth sharing the info as well as the comments that my brother James and
another fellow kiter had to say in an email thread earlier today.


http://cbs4.com/local/Kite.Surfer.las.2.798049.html

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2350693

As James says... be safe my friends,

-Jeff Brown

------ Forwarded Message
From: Michael Behar

Subject: Re: Florida accident

Good advice, James. I'm actually out at Mac today with Bruce. Great
wind, very smooth, 18 knots, clear skies ... perfect conditions. Yet
around midday we noticed a lone kiter trying to self launch about 300
yards downwind of us. Earlier he had walked up to where we were and we
basically insisted he not kite alone and to come down to the beach
where we were riding. He did not. Instead, he tried to launch his 11M
RRD in 22-plus-knot winds. He got lofted HUGE, like 40 feet or so and
about 100 feet downwind. He hung onto his bar and got lofted AGAIN,
about 20 feet. We hopped in my car and sped down the beach. We grabbed
his kite as it tumbled ashore. He was conscious but had broken a rib.
Also, he did not have a helmet. I politely chewed him out about kiting
alone, no helmet, too big of a kite, etc. I think he got the message.
He told me he is a beginner, had taken a couple lessons at the Kite
Ranch, and was just learning to get on the board. Driving out to the
middle of Nebraska and kiting completely alone at a lake is not safe,
ever. Maybe this is something that should be incorporated into
teaching curriculums?

On Aug 19, 2008, at 9:36 PM, James Brown wrote:


>
>
> I got the inside scoop by way of Neil Hutchinson and Hamish
> Macdonald who were on the scene. Apparently Hamish had his kite down
> near the ground and was getting drug up the beach with his heels dug
> in. He yelled at the kid in the video to put his kite down as the
> real brunt of the squall hit too soon. He didnıt put his kite down
> and you can see the results. When you get lofted, slammed and lofted
> again, you usually donıt have the time or wherewithal to pull your
> releases. Thatıs a lesson not to get into sketchy situations like
> that with hard objects downwind in the first place. So apparently on
> that second lofting toward the building he hit the cement with both
> knees and stop before actually slamming into the building. Neil ran
> over and there was tons of blood and all the meat and skin were
> missing from his knees, down to the bone. He was unconscious at the
> time. The paramedics showed up and he woke up for a bit and kept
> saying ³I donıt want to go kitesurfing anymore. Please donıt make me
> go kitesurfing...². He may have slipped back into a coma from what I
> heard. Weıll see...
>
> This is why I get on a soapbox when my fellow kiters donıt use
> common sense and a little caution. For instance, jumping close to
> shore, walking between campers and launching or landing with cars
> and campers anywhere downwind in the wind window out at the Mac can
> get you into this kind of trouble to. Donıt think it canıt happen to
> you. Bow kites have made people especially lulled into a feeling of
> security, but donıt be fooled. Pilot error only takes a second to
> get you in a situation that you canıt get out of. Anything that can
> sling your body into the air on purpose has the potential to do the
> same if you make a wrong decision or panic and pull in on your bar
> at the wrong time. Iıve seen the deadly effects and a few very close
> calls in person. It can happen to any of you if you donıt keep these
> kind of consequences in the front of your mind at all times when you
> are out riding.
>
> Be safe my friends.
>
> James Brown

------ End of Forwarded Message

Hey all,
I dont who sent this to me, but check it out.  Its a childhood illness
group from Belgium who have some kind of bet that they couldnt get
5000 pictures of people with kites.

If you want to upload some pics go to

http://foto.zita.be/6857484196

1/ In the 1st box, choose 'bladeren (=browse)' to select the file.
2/ In the 2nd box, enter the location where the picture is taken with
some short info (in your language) and maybe your name or hometown
3/ Press 'opladen (=upload)' That's all.

their main site is here.
www.keldertrapken.be

I uploaded one and am going to send more soon.

Traveler Terpening

check out this video of a kite tethered to a generator in the
Netherlands to create electricity. And the other link is about wind
turbines that are using the kite concept to produce electricity.
Pretty cool stuff.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2008/aug/01/electric.kite

http://www.magenn.com/index.php

Garrett

So bummer news on my end. My boss needs me to stay up here until the
26th or possibly July 3rd! So it looks like I wont be able to make it
this year. Really bum deal on my end but I hope everyone stays safe and
has a blast!

GREETINGS.
Its looking like Fri. will be the most windy so i hope some of you can
make it out.  Who knows what will happen sat and sun, we will have
some wind for sure but just how much, who can say.

Ben. thats great you have some vids and gear to bring to share.  See
you all soon.

Traveler

PS. im not gloating but i do have 15 knotts in Kodiak right now...

Hey all.
I've been very much off the radar lately. Been reading the posts, but
not taking time to post any myself.

Just a heads up, I plan on heading down from Palmer sometime on Friday
afternoon (anyone need a lift?) Planning on beach camping throughout
the weekend with y'allz.  Probably have to head back on Sunday night.

I will be bringing a few extra Ozone Trainer kites, DVDs and mags to
share with everyone.

Looking forward to seeing some new faces,

Keep yer nose in the wind,

-Jeff

--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, "Traveler Taj Terpening"
<travelerphotography@...> wrote:
>
> Hey all,
> So the kitefest is upon us!
> I just wanted to give some updates to you all.  Who knows how much we
> can trust the weather forcasts this early but i get my info from NOAA,
> and the government never lies right?  Anyway, right now its looking
> like partly sunny with very little chance of rain for the whole
> weekend and temps in the high 50's.  waves will be best in Fri. and
> peter out.  Wind will might be best on Fri. with a slight drop Sat.
> then up again on Sun.  Mon. through Wed. will be better but there may
> be a little rain.  But again who knows.  I'm just glad it doesn't say
> "Mostly cloudy, wind to 2 knotts" like it sometimes does in Homer.
> Anyhow.  Im not sure if everyone will be able to get down on friday,
> especially you anchorage folk, so we will plan to have th more
> advanced classes spread out across Sat and Sun.  Those just getting
> going can learn even if there is only a little wind.
>
> THINGS TO DO FOR DADDY (thats me):
> ---Bring any kite videos you may have.  you may have seen it a
> thousand times, but we havn't.
> ---Plan on feeding everyone.  It would be nice it we were able to
> share all our food and drinks with one another for lunch and fireside
> dinners.
> ---Bring any extra kite gear you have for others.  We have some folks
> coming with loads of gear and some with nothing. if you have an extra
> suite, booties, board, kite, trainer kite, life jacket, impact vest or
> helmet, anything, please bring it.
> ---Bring your friends and families. (be advised: screaming, annoying
> or otherwise ill behaved children will be drown).  Seriously though,
> kids are welcome.
> ---We are looking for anyone will a decent video camera and any kind
> of skill to shoot some footage.  It would be fun to cobble together
> some kind of video of the event for posterity.
>
> Thanks everyone.
>
> See you friday
>
> Traveler
>

Hey all,
So the kitefest is upon us!
I just wanted to give some updates to you all.  Who knows how much we
can trust the weather forcasts this early but i get my info from NOAA,
and the government never lies right?  Anyway, right now its looking
like partly sunny with very little chance of rain for the whole
weekend and temps in the high 50's.  waves will be best in Fri. and
peter out.  Wind will might be best on Fri. with a slight drop Sat.
then up again on Sun.  Mon. through Wed. will be better but there may
be a little rain.  But again who knows.  I'm just glad it doesn't say
"Mostly cloudy, wind to 2 knotts" like it sometimes does in Homer.
Anyhow.  Im not sure if everyone will be able to get down on friday,
especially you anchorage folk, so we will plan to have th more
advanced classes spread out across Sat and Sun.  Those just getting
going can learn even if there is only a little wind.

THINGS TO DO FOR DADDY (thats me):
---Bring any kite videos you may have.  you may have seen it a
thousand times, but we havn't.
---Plan on feeding everyone.  It would be nice it we were able to
share all our food and drinks with one another for lunch and fireside
dinners.
---Bring any extra kite gear you have for others.  We have some folks
coming with loads of gear and some with nothing. if you have an extra
suite, booties, board, kite, trainer kite, life jacket, impact vest or
helmet, anything, please bring it.
---Bring your friends and families. (be advised: screaming, annoying
or otherwise ill behaved children will be drown).  Seriously though,
kids are welcome.
---We are looking for anyone will a decent video camera and any kind
of skill to shoot some footage.  It would be fun to cobble together
some kind of video of the event for posterity.

Thanks everyone.

See you friday

Traveler

Thats a great price for the wetsuit if its in good shape.
and great job with the kite!

The wind should be good today and my mates will be down there.  give
Trace a call, his number is on the site
www.kitesurfalaska.com
they would love to have you.  Jimmy from Tasmania will also be there,
great guy.

**EVERYONE**
Starting tomorrow i will be posting weather reports to the site
www.kitesurfalaska.com
so those of you in anchorage will know when the wind is happening.
I will also be modifying the schedule a little so please stay tuned.

Also give a call anytime (except in the morning before 10am) if you
want to chat or have any questions.

Traveler
907 299 1119



--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, Ben Belfiglio
<benbelfiglio@...> wrote:
>
> Got the 9.0 Cabrinha Crossbow up for the first time today and
figured the lines and controls out.&nbsp; There wasn't quite enough
wind to try to get up on the board but slid around in the mud for a while.
> &nbsp;
> Yesterday we flew the trainer and ran into 3 people down on Bishops
Beach who were setting up kites for the first time.&nbsp; We put the
trainer up and then they launched a 14.0&nbsp; which was cool to
see.&nbsp; Made sure to tell them about the fest and to check it out
next week.&nbsp;
> &nbsp;
> If the wind is up tomorrow, I'll try to get on the water, if not
we'll do it next weekend! See you then.&nbsp; Also if anyone is
interested in a wetsuit, I've got one for sale.&nbsp; It's an O'neill
6/4 Psycho II, I've only used like 3 times, it's size Large
Tall.&nbsp; I got it when I was right out of school and didn't have
much money for a good deal but it's a little to big for
me.&nbsp;Asking $150.&nbsp; I'll have it next weekend, or can bring it
up to Anchorage the next week.
> &nbsp;
> -Ben
>

We are glad to have you!
The main days of the event will be that fri, sat, sun but if your
there on monday, no problem.  we will get you going for sure.

Im not sure if Tom with all the demo gear will still be there, if not
we will find some gear for  you


Traveler

--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, "mattdamedic" <mattdamedic@...>
wrote:
>
> Its awesome that Kitefest is happening in Homer. I have been trying to
> find a new sport to get into and have been researching kitesurfing for
> the past week. The kitefest website just popped up and its perfect
> timing. I work on the slope and get off on the 23rd. Hopefully there
> will still be some seminars and kites to try. I will definitely be
> there! Thanks for putting it all together.
>

Its awesome that Kitefest is happening in Homer. I have been trying to
find a new sport to get into and have been researching kitesurfing for
the past week. The kitefest website just popped up and its perfect
timing. I work on the slope and get off on the 23rd. Hopefully there
will still be some seminars and kites to try. I will definitely be
there! Thanks for putting it all together.

Sounds like fun. We will try to make it there for a day or so depending
on my work schedule. My Wife Mechelle and I are Both kiters. We will
also be bringing our kids, Yeager 4 and Avianna 8 mo. Look forward to
meeting more kiters.  Jim

Hey great! the more the merrier.

Dont even worry about gear, we can sort it all out on the beach.  just
make sure you have all the required parts.  lines, bar etc.  I dont
know if you all will be able to come down for the whole event (June
20th - June 25th) which would be great, but if you are flexible and
the wind isnt perfect the whole time, pay attention to the site
(www.kitesurfalaska.com) as ill be posting weather updates to it.  so
thos eof you who are flexible can come when there is wind.  otherwise
come for the weekend and we can all hang out, have fun and learn
something.

I just had a french canadian guy come up to me on the beach today and
ask about some lessons.  I told him free lessons june 20 - June 25!
he's psyched and hell be there.

If anyone has any extra gear, please bring it.  if you have an extra
harness, bring it.  if you borrowed the gear and arnt even sure you
will get in the water, bring all the gear anyway and someone else can
use what your not.

Also, everyone please advertise this event in your area, the more
smiling faces the better.  Though it has been cold... so the more blue
faces the better!

Trace and I just got out today and it was blowing 15 knotts!  the best
this summer.  We did a down winder but i couldnt go anymore because im
on this stupid detox diet for 2 weeks and i live in cranberry juice
and salad.  i passed out for a bit but im ok now.
Anyway, Tom in coming down from Anchorage tonight with some guys and
he is going to show us how to jump properly.  cool, we cant wait.
Trace is all about the 360 now so he spend  more time twisting up his
lines than riding.  and if he goes to high and has some time, he'll do
a 720.  George got about 1 hour of HD footage of us so we might have a
short video on the site soon.

Just to let you all know.  Tom, who is now a rep for BEST KITES will
be at the event teaching all the more advanced classes and he will
have some gear for people to use.  He is also able to sell kites, and
though this event is a "no money exchanging hands kind of a deal" this
may be a great opportunity to try a kite in real life and buy one.
Its not often you are able to try something like a kite before you buy
it.  Your free to weasel any kind of deal out of him you like.

Traveler


--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, Ben Belfiglio
<benbelfiglio@...> wrote:
>
> Add 2 more to the count!
>
> Looks like our neighbors will be heading with us to Homer that
weekend.&nbsp; They are both interested in kiteboarding.&nbsp; I'll
see if we can get them out on&nbsp;the trainer kite before we head
down.&nbsp; I'm stoked to finally try this in the water.&nbsp; I'm
going to layout my brother in law's kite this week and figure out the
control bar and set up.
> &nbsp;
> See you then!
>

Just bring beer!
Who knows how the wind is going to be but we will have fun no matter
what!  The tides are good.

There will be at leased 5 of us who "know what we are doing" so we
will be more than happy to show you what you need to know to rip.

We are going to try to gave a small inflatable boat there on the beach
to make the whole event very safe for everyone.  if anyone has any
trouble we can go get them from the beach.

A helmet for use in the water is always a good idea and sometimes even
a life jacket.  generally in cold water your suite floats you, but a
suite can never hurt.  one of those low volume suites, like they use
for river kayaking.

See you then,

Traveler
--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, "Ben Belfiglio"
<benbelfiglio@...> wrote:
>
> Hey guys,
>
> First of all thanks for putting this all together it sounds awesome.
> I've been wanting to learn to kiteboard for a few years now.  I'll be
> down in Homer at least over the weekend and part of Monday for the
> festival and would love to get some pointers on getting started.  My
> wife really wants to try too.
>
> We have a trainer kite and borrowed her brother's 9.0 Cabrinha
> Crossbow  and board.  We've watched a few videos but I haven't been
> out on the water yet.  Look forward to meeting you guys and thanks
> again to all those who put this together and are giving lessons.
>
> Is there any registration fee or should we just bring beer?
>

Hey guys,

First of all thanks for putting this all together it sounds awesome.
I've been wanting to learn to kiteboard for a few years now.  I'll be
down in Homer at least over the weekend and part of Monday for the
festival and would love to get some pointers on getting started.  My
wife really wants to try too.

We have a trainer kite and borrowed her brother's 9.0 Cabrinha
Crossbow  and board.  We've watched a few videos but I haven't been
out on the water yet.  Look forward to meeting you guys and thanks
again to all those who put this together and are giving lessons.

Is there any registration fee or should we just bring beer?

Garrett,
Its great your psyched about the fest and please do come down to hang
with us.  We will be happy to help you in any way we can although you
will have to renounce the band you mentioned.  If its a toss up
between the first ever alaskan kitefest and 3rd eye blind, you may
want to reassess your priorities.  just kidding... but not really.

I have never used a dry suite but i hear they are good and bad, like
anything in this world.  bulky with air and material in the water and
when you get out of the water you simply unzip and there you are in
your   tux looking cool as hell.  Wet suites rock because they are
skin tight and generally feel like second skin in the water, keeping
you warm while you not noticing its there.  The problem with them is
that if you can manage to get out of the suite (they tent to stick to
you and be tight) then your standing there naked on the beach with ice
forming on your pecker and nipples in 20 knotts of wind looking like a
total jackass.

I like the wetsuite but hey, ive never tried the alternative.
wesuites are cheaper too.

Traveler

This date falls smack dab when 3rd Eye Blind is going to be in
Anchorage (21st). I haven't actually surfed or boarded yet with a
kite. But I know how to control them well. I've been flying stunt
kites since I was a kid. I now own a 12 ft. quad power foil and
another inflatable giant kite that I haven't even taken out of the
backpack. I would need some instruction on setting up the harness and
everything. Also, is it necessary to invest in a full body dry suit?
Would love to meet more kiters. And I'm interested in volunteering
with controlling a dual or quad line kite.

Blessings
Garrett

Kite Crawl eh?  sounds good, especially since I dont drink!  Ill have
a shot of milk each round.  Thanks alot Tom for coming down, its going
to be fun.  we have some pretty good tides too.  -1 feet for 12pm
(noon) most days of the fest.
Trace has an idea of bringing his Uhaul trucks down to the beach
parking area and have them set up for whatever we need.  one for
changing out of the wind, another with couches and a TV with a
generator for watching vids and maybe another with food.  Hey
everyone, please bring some kite videos if you have them and also plan
to make food for potluck dinners or lunches.  Though Trace and I have
houses here, we were thinking it would be fun for everyone to just
camp on the beach for a few days.  I have it reserved for the 5 days
so we are all set for mayhem.

I think the event board is a good idea, it will help with people
coming in off the street and wanting to learn.  I am going to have
KBBI (the local radio station) run an ad for the fest because i think
it would be great to teach a bunch of people how to kite.  and with
Tom's trainers, I think we might be able to do that.

I have an extra wetsuite and booties if someones doesnt have one.

As far as advertising the event, i was going to have one of the wind
banners things made but they are expensive so Trace and I were
thinking we would just make some big signs bu hand and hang them on
the side of the Uhaul trucks.  ghetto but functional!

Tom, I am all for down winders and cross bayers.  I really want to try
to go off the end of the spit and all the way down the bay to glacier
spit!  My father can provide boat support.  I just have this little
board though.  do you have anything bigger?  I think George down here
has some home made boards that are bigger.  half a sheet of plywood
with some double stick tape for the feet. ha ha

I just arrived in Homer so trace and I are going to be around on and
off until the fest, June 20-25.

please start spreading the word.

Traveler
907 299 1119