Kiter Dies in LA

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

http://www.dailynews.com/ci_20162319/kite-surfer-pulled-from-malibu-surf-unconscious-dies?source=most_viewed

http://www.ikitesurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18444

Really hard to determine exactly what happened, but it looks like inexperience and kelp played a role. Sad stuff.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

RIP

It is always sad to hear about a fatality with our sport, he was at least enjoying life and having fun in the moments before his death.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2623 Posts The 503 METAL

Yes, very sad. Visiting from abroad, he was underdressed in a shorty for the 55 degree water. Wind got light and he was in the middle of a kelp bed when he dropped his kite. It's not certain if he spent some time trying to relaunch, but he was found in the kelp separated from the kite. He was not injured, the cold, kelp and inability to get the kite back up appear to be the culprits.

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

Sad news .. Water has been unusually cold lately ..

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Very sad

- cold and fighting to untangle lines and self from kelp can be extremely sapping - have had my lines get fouled on underwater rocks and seaweed - add current or surging swell things can go quickly sideways

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Yes, very sad and we should learn from this...4/3 in the Comlumbia isn't going to cut it in the Spring if you have to be in the water for a long time (plan for the swim, not the ride) ...difficult call sometimes, but gear is replaceable, we are not. Ditch the gear sometimes and swim. In the surf, better sometimes to have to downed kite pull you in the break, just detach for your chicken loop.

My regards to the victim's family...RIP.

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers with the family. Respect the kite, but more importantly respect Mother Nature and prepare accordingly.

RIP.