One of the great dangers of powering anything with a kite (buggy, board, kayak, etc), is the out of control kite. The industry has stressed fail safe devises on the kite control bar, or handles. The kite attached to an empty, out of control kayak without such a devise is very dangerous for other people on the water or beach. This is the primary factor that Kite Surfers worry about that may hurt their sport. Windsurfers don't like to share the water with them, fearing the out of control control handle. Often the safety line is a single line attached to one corner of the kite that would collapse it in the event of your capsize. Kind of a deadman switch. In that case only that line can be attached to the boat. Traction kites are very powerful and the power has to be respected. There have been serious injuries of innocent bystanders. I really can't visualize how the Jet Skier is going to effectively stop this boat without a safety line. Before you continue, talk to some people in your area involved in one the traction kite sports. This safety issue has been fairly well though out by them. Rick Kincaid Hollister, CA. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Rick Wrote; >Traction kites are >very powerful and the power has to be respected. The three different kites I use are all single line Parafoils. With the single line parafoils the wind pretty much has to be going in the direction of your intended course. So it's use is rather limited as far as navigating off wind. They are still fun to just go out and play in wind. I have never used a traction kite. I don't think I would feel comfortable not having my hands on the paddle while controlling the kite. >I really can't visualize how the Jet Skier >is going to effectively stop this boat without a safety line. Test with jet ski and kite will be performed prior to any test with the kayak and kite. First I will have my buddies experience the kites pull on land. Secondly they will have to safely be able to either reel the kite's line in or cut it away while in the water with the jet ski. Cutting away the kite and maybe losing it will be a small price to pay for the jet skiers safety. The kite typically floats on the water with the air entrapped in the parafoils chambers. Even if the kite is cut away I think they will be able to retrieve it. My buddies and I will meet and discuss ALL the known safety factors involved. Also try to anticipate anything that can go wrong. The area the test will be performed will be well away from the possibility of endangering anyone not involved in the maneuvers. I have full intention to inform the Coast Guard of the "man overboard maneuvers". In the large lake (24 miles x 45 miles) I normally train in, I've learned (the hard way) to informed the Coasties of any "man overboard maneuvers". It started a few years ago, twice I was offshore practicing self rescues when I was reported to the Coast Guard. I was reported as someone in distress. Ever since then we had a understanding. I starting calling the Coasties and inform them of my intentions via the VHF if I am planing to practice self rescues. The first call was prior to launching informing them of my ETA of completion of the maneuvers. Would inform them of the exact location I will be and the color of the kayak. I would by no means vary from my given location. Upon completion of the maneuvers I would inform them of my safe return. Rick, thanks for your input. You brought light to an important danger in traction kites. Arthur Hebert *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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