kite reps

eabmoto · Since 10 May 2012 123 Posts seattle Stoked

I'm wondering if there are any liability issues with "demoing" kites. Is it common to take any precautions against being held responsible for any accidents while someone is trying your kite?

mxwllms · Since 26 Jul 2006 110 Posts Boring, Or Stoked

I cant believe nobody has gotten back to you! When you let people demo the kites that a company gives you, you are typically held responsible for damages. but nobody will sign a waiver to try a new kite. SO just make sure they are competent riders before they try them and if there is a problem Just call the company......................... payed for the only damage my kites ever received while being demoed even tho it wasn't their responsibility. No questions asked. I guess in conclusion... you need to make sure the kites wont be damaged by the demoee's just to be safe (watch them ride first) the last thing you want is a new kiter who says he knows what he is doing, but in reality has never flown a four line kite, get it caught in a tree Rolling Eyes

it happens.
Good luck!
Max

eabmoto · Since 10 May 2012 123 Posts seattle Stoked

Thanks for the reply. My question has more to do with the person flying the kite though. If that person hurts him/herself while flying my kite to see if they want to buy one, is there anything that I should do protect myself from liability?

mxwllms · Since 26 Jul 2006 110 Posts Boring, Or Stoked

ah, I see. I'm unsure about how you would protect yourself from a lawsuit if someone was injured. hopefully someone will chime in with a good answer. I've never seen someone use anything like it for demos but perhaps a similar liability form to the ones that the kite schools have people sign before renting out gear would work for you if you wanted a little safety net?

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

Ask anyone who wants to demo if they have a homeowner's or renter's policy with liability coverage.
Most decent homeowners' insurance policies include $1M of personal liability coverage, applicable to most anything.
Also, be poorer than the guy demoing the kite.
Attorneys follow the money.
Keep in mind if you do something a reasonable person would find silly, like handing a kite to a rank beginner or a guy with a spliff dangling from his lip, anyone aho gets involved will blame you, and rightly so.
If you do just screen them by asking if they carry liability insurance, the ones who say yes are likely to be mature and responsible enough to not do anything stupid.
The ones who say, "what?" are not such a good risk

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

I find it odd that you can't usually rent a kite unless you are in a supervised lesson, but you can get a free demo if you know who to ask.
Maybe the liability increases if you are accepting money for the demo/rental?

eabmoto · Since 10 May 2012 123 Posts seattle Stoked

Thanks for the comments. I've been told that, under product liability insurance, the person in "possession" of the kite is responsible for damages, meaning the person flying the kite. Do I need product liability insurance? I just thought maybe others have dealt with this issue. It doesn't seem like it's something people have worried about.

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

There are places that rent like real watersports in cape hatteras, but you have to provide an iko certification or do a quick supervised session and prove your not a über kook.

Sabo · Since 13 May 2013 51 Posts Hood River

At Best we do have a waiver we have people sign at larger demos. It just covers our butts in case anything goes wrong. There are so many disclaimers on kites that every user is exposed to and if all hell broke loose and you had to defend yourself in a court of law - these "should" hold up. Always best to play it safe and form some type of liability waiver to emphasize if you are nervous about any lawsuit or potential legal action.

eabmoto · Since 10 May 2012 123 Posts seattle Stoked

That's great info, thanks.