Yet another kite blew across the road from the pond today and in this case almost took a man pushing a pram waiting to cross the road, the kite hit powerlines giving him time to jump aside before the whole lot exploded. The event closed Safety bay road till electrical services got there. It was caused by a small front that came through increasing the wind quickly from a 15knotts average to a 27knott gusts (recorded at Garden Island). This isn't the first time this has happened and probably not the last, but if we want to keep this place open then here are a few tips for the new players.
If you choose to kite in a place that does not have a safe beach to wash up on, and in this place a major road, well used foot path and overhead powerlines then ditching should be your last option as it puts others using the foot path and passing motors in danger.

1. If you are in immediate danger and tried everything else then ditch your gear (sometime with equipment failure its your only option everyone would prefer to see this than a person seriously hurt from hanging on to long)

2. Know how to flag your kite using the safety systems on the kite; don't hook in suicide if you're not skilled enough to handle a squall.

3. Learn to drop your kite to the water on the edge of the window and sit and wait for the squall to pass. It will happily sit there even when you reach the sand stay on your butt in that position and someone can come and land you.

4. Watch the horizon and know the local patterns, NW and Westerly winds are quite often associated with frontal weather, keep and eye on the horizon and if you have to land for 15 minutes to find out the front didn't bring much wind, better that than being caught out.

5. Kite places that are in you ability.

I would hate for any passer by enjoying the foreshore to be hurt because someone couldn't handle there gear. It does not look good for us kiters. Stay safe and keep the places that are loved by all open!!!!