Scott Michael Murray ‘No Fly Day’ Thursday 5/27

BayAreaKite · Since 18 Jul 2006 24 Posts

Pic posted by one of his friends on iKite

Kiter Passes Away After Ocean Beach Accident
http://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8432

Reposted from iKite, please join us.

"I think we should all take a day to reflect, and not fly your kite tomorrow.
Make his death one that is remembered your entire life.
I never met Scott, but I know he would have wanted to live and kite again another day.
Take the time instead, to practice executing your safety system, whatever it is. Spend time with your loved ones. Let his family and friends know that he won’t be forgotton, and his tragedy will keep all of us kiting just a little bit longer. "

Best winds, Scott.

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

Sad day for sure for the OB crew... Wishin all the best for his family and friends...

That place can be super super nar... Even I was close to death there a couple times... Please ride with caution at advance spots such as OB.

RIP Scott you will be missed!

One last drink for ya... Drunk

Sella · Thu May 27, 10 8:41 am

RIP Scott and prayers to the family.

Definitely sad news...but instead of not flying we should be out flying in respect to Scott and think about when shit hits the fan...because it will...what exactly would you do to prevent another tragic accident.

It sounds like Scott was a novice ocean rider, had trouble quickly in bad conditions, had buddies watching him and riding around him but 2-5 minutes is a lifetime. After reading the Bay Area Forum thread about this accident it listed stories of no matter how prepared you are with your quick release you will get dragged under eventually and a knife won't always be your savior.

One feedback post that seemed legit is below.

If you're going to kite in the ocean, you need to be a strong swimmer and be able to hold your breath under water for a good long while.

If you drop your kite in the water, let it go (release the Chicken Loop) before the next wave hits. On the average day, you only have 7-12 seconds to relaunch your kite. Count to 5 and if your kite is still in the water, let it go. You are better off swimming without your kite than getting pulled underwater, even it means getting rescued by the CG. Your kite be better off too, it will wash up on the beach in a few minutes.

Unhook your leash from the kite once you get into the water; otherwise you will have to pull two releases when things go bad. Most kiters attach their leashes to the back of their harness; if your kite gets pulled by a wave you will be pulled backwards underwater and never be able to pulled the release on the leash, even if you release your Chicken loop.

Kiting in the ocean is the ultimate form of expression of our sport, but it is also potentially the most dangerous. Have respect for the ocean and the wind and always exercise humility in their presence.

I would like to hear anyone with long-term wave experience thinks about riding with, or without, a leash in the surf. (Boardrider, Twin- fin, Slither, Barfly, Norby etc) I realize conditions mean everything but less than stellar conditions is what I'm most interested in. What situation typically makes you punch out instantly before you're a pig in a blanket of lines? Help me with my learning curve por favor.

I've always ride with a leash in the Ocean but never in gnar conditions, nor ever thought about unhooking it after hitting the water, but it makes sense. The Gorge is gusty but fairly tame IMO compared to the learning curve of the Coast if you don't think ahead.

With the long weekend ahead the coast is a good call so people are going to hit it. Ride safe amigos/as