KBV was contacted by a dog-owner who was subjected to most unkiter-like behaviour after a kiter crashed his kite near the owner and the dog and the dog damaged the kite.

According to the communication the kiter was upset at the damage and subjected the owner to threats of various nature including harm to the dog. He then "dognapped" the dog until the owner retrieved identification he demanded and insisted on the kite being replaced. The kite was uninsured.

We understand that the situation has in the meantime normalised and the dog owner has agreed to pay for the repair of the kite HOWEVER there are some points to note:

1) Dog owners have a clear undisputed responsibility for the control of their dogs at the beach and also are responsible for any damage caused by the dog to kites or kiters. They also however have an equal right to use the beach.

2) Kiters have a responsibility to remain clear of swimmers, beachgoers and other kiters at all times. If this crash occurred when the kite was being launched or landed then the kiter has the responsibility of due care to not launch/land when anyone is close enough to be endangered. If the crash occurred when the kiter was sailing then he was definitely not adhering to the standard 50m from shore rule.

3) The above are both pretty well understood by most kiters BUT what we find most difficult to understand is why the kiter "lost it" and displayed the most atrocious form of behaviour to a member of the public who had equal right to be there. Threats (unwarranted or otherwise) of any form are equivalent to abuse and as such could land a kiter in legal hot water.

Without going into detail (protect the innocent?) suffice to say we ask all kiters to
be considerate in the way they kite and, in the event of an accident, in the way they react. This is a highly visible sport - Every interaction with the public is important - from handing issues to simply explaining kiting to a stranger.

Please do what you can to contribute to a positive public image of kiting and kiters.

Postscript: The AKSA/KBV insurance does not cover a situtation like the above. Kiters should consider insuring their sporting equipment in the same way they would cover a bicycle, glof clubs, or anything else that could be considered relatively expensive.

Some household insurers (sorry cannot advertise here) also cover sports equipment (specifically kiting equipment at home or while out of the house or being used) - worth looking into.

What an imbocile and not a great reflection on the kiting community not to mention he could be formally charged with the "dognapping"

IMHO it is the kiters fault.....whilst dog owners are supposed to keep control of their dogs, it is blindingly obvious that dogs are going to chase kites it is a natural instinct to chase. If i took a cat to the beach and every dog there chased it and or caught it who could I blame ? The dog owners for not having control of their dog? yeah right. Having kited many many times around dogs even at dog beaches it is known that they will chase the kite, any sensible person will wait until clear before landing their kites or ask the owner to lead up their dog whilst you are landing.

Dogs and kiters co existing almost harmoniously



taking someones posessions or animal and then demanding something for its return is not something that is delt with lightly by the authorities and a charge for kidnapping or extortion is pretty serious, all it takes is for the effected person to lodge a complaint.

I can honestly say that if someone attempted to kidnap my dog they would have more than the authorities to deal with.

You dont mess with another mans woman, vehicle or dog.

My dog would be so proud right now

always two sides to the story

Under wraps eh? maybe the fact that its on a public forum that any man and his DOG can read might just not make it under wraps. And if any little stkilda f_agot touched my dog there would be hell to pay. Eating your kite or not.Kiting has an element of risk this being one of them.What if someones kid had touched your kite?Or knocked over your Latte?You people need to be taught the laws of reality.Maybe you need a little visit.

sleek1 said...

Under wraps eh? maybe the fact that its on a public forum that any man and his DOG can read might just not make it under wraps. And if any little stkilda f_agot touched my dog there would be hell to pay. Eating your kite or not.Kiting has an element of risk this being one of them.What if someones kid had touched your kite?Or knocked over your Latte?You people need to be taught the laws of reality.Maybe you need a little visit.

First off, the ****** comment is just as stupid. There are kiters in our community who would take that word just as badly as this lady did.

I don't see how this is a risk you accept. Let's remember:

a) the owner tried to make a getaway without taking responsibility for the damage
b) the dog wad unleashed on a leashed beach

As someone mentioned before, kites aren't insured while being used so if I was tight on the cash front and someone's dog did in my kite, I'd probably also be a tad upset. Then if the person tried to make a hasty getaway, that would just add fuel to the fire. When someone leaves without paying, what alternative do you have?

People make rash decisions in the heat of the moment. I'm not condoning it, but just remember we've all probably made a bad decision in the heat of the moment.

Wise words but please beware of taking unsubstantiated statements as The Truth - the unleashed and the getaway statements are **not** verified by either the lady concerned or the kiter. And conducting a witch-hunt on Seabreeze was not the intention so its really not that important now - especially as the situation has been resolved.

As for another comment about keeping this under wraps let me explain this means no names named in public - no need to go that far!

The reason for making a forum statement about the incident is the appeal to all to try to exercise some control in what is understandably a high-tension/stress situation.

Also FYI there are some insurance companies that do insure equipment in use - not cheaply but they do - its a case of shopping around. Question is whether there would be enough interest in payimng for this if KBV took this up for the kiting community? We are already in discussion with a broker to investigate personal insurance to supplement the AKSA insurance and cover personal injury to self and other kiters.