Just a reminder on how things can quickly go wrong on the flatside of Woodies.
I was just finishing a photo session with Matt Wesson when someone noticed a kiter in trouble. His leading edge had deflated and he was drifting off down wind rapidly.
Someone picked up his board and someone else dragged him in.
Matt went to try and rescue his kite but it was impossible to pull in due to lack of air in the LE. Matt ended up about 1km downwind as a result.
In the end we launched the rescue boat from the yacht club and they managed to find the kite and bring it in.
Many thanks to the yacht club for helping out, and thanks to all the kiters who helped pull the kiter and his gear to safety.

Dave, one thing you need to understand is that the rescue boats at yacht clubs are used on race days in case dinghy's need towing in because stuff breaks... Yacht clubs usually have a grounds manager or an admin on ground most of the day to keep everything in order... When the dinghies aren't being used they just sit on the land and haven't got much purpose.... It's not like the dinghy decided not to rescue a boat to go and rescue the kite instead....
Don't be so negative...
Props to matt, he's a bloody good kite rescuer and I have heard the full story on the phone....
But yes, Dave you are right, kiting at woodies is risky...
But without risk, there is no reward.. woodies is kite haven...

This doesn't just happen at woodies, I've been up at lanno for the past 2 days and between me and my mates we had to rescue 3 people... and 2 of us had to self rescue ourselfs....

happens most days only this time matt was doing the rescuing

Dave Spruce

Why so negative all the time. Smile once in a while!

I dont think Sprucey is being negative here (necessarily)
Its just that this sort of thing happens all the time at beach 3. Maybe not a lost kite everyday but rescues would average several per day. Luckily they are usually just assisted relaunches or board recoveries but its always on.
Its great that kiters are prepared to help out so often but this doesnt mean everyone should flock to the flatside expecting a rescue service. If you cant self rescue and rescue others competently then its not the place to kite. Theres plenty of cross-on beaches nearby.
And yes its great that the rescue boat came to the party this time to bring in the kite but I dont think it is reasonable to expect that level of service as often as it may be needed.
You have to be prepared to accept gear losses and/or the big swim if you go to beach 3.

You guys are not very smart are you?

My post had nothing with to do with negativity. I'm (well, actually not so) sure you will understand that if you read it without prejudice. I'm only saying that to have a rescue boat retrive gear is a bit silly really. If you go there, be prepared you can lose gear.. not to have it retrived by a boat meant to rescue people. If you're in deep **** you can hopefully get the rescue boat to save your life, if it's not out getting someone's kite back, that is. A RESCUE BOAT is there to SAVE LIVES, IMHO, not to taxi around and bring gear back.

You don't call the avalanche search team to search for your lost skis in pow just because they don't have anything else to do at that time and they're around.. Or call for a heli-rescue on the mountain when you've lost your skis in pow. Unless you're in grave danger and might die you leave it as someone else may need it more than you..

Maybe one day when the rescue boat is ACTUALLY needed, it's not available...

So dirtyharry, sandgroper, Rob C and all you other haters. Seriously, think before you act..

DaveSpruce said...

You guys are not very smart are you?
...<snip>...
So dirtyharry, sandgroper, Rob C and all you other haters. Seriously, think before you act..

Yes Dave.

1.I am an idiot 2 I was bored I did realise you meant powder,we do get it here that was the the joke FFS don't take yourself to seriously and chill. snow or pow whatever you like

Did you know that Sweden has one of the highest suicide rates in the world?

You know that if the dinghy was just sitting there, getting it in the water in the first place to get the kite would probably reduced the time it would have taken to rescue someone in a 'real' emergency if one had occurred.

How can you compare a helicopter to a boat? Boat is plonk in the water steer and throttle, chopper takes far longer to mobilize and navigate etc.

Its not like people drown every 30 seconds or so...