Fallen from heaven...ouch!
mexican bandit - 8-9-2003 at 13:39
The following event might work as a lesson for other keen kite fliers about.
Being in Madrid, as far as one can get from the sea, I've really gotten into kite jumping and boarding.
Yesterday, as I took out my 6.5m^2 viper in 20 knot winds with 28 knot gusts, I broke my jumping record. On my third jump, as I took
off from the ground, a gust struck and took me from the usual 2m to some +5m in the air. On the way down the gust disappeared taking
the kite’s lift potential along with it. 
I'm sure that landing
on a beach would have been fine, but similar incident in the park I was have ended with compound fractures and knackered ligaments. I
managed to get away with a sprained ankle.
As far as safety is concerned, kneepads, elbow pads and helmets are not really of any use when flying on grass; however I should
mention that a good pair of hiking boots would have saved my ankle and not kept me away from my "business" trip to Fuerteventura this
week. That bit of ankle support would have meant a week of climbing a hill for work’s sake and a few escapes to the beach - that
will teach me.
I must add: the view from up there was quite good!
Mexican Bandit
justal - 8-9-2003 at 16:03
Nice one Mex!!!!
Did you need clean underwear after the event as well??
Check out the video in this post for some real
hang-time!!!
Al.
mexican bandit - 8-9-2003 at 17:05
I think the permanent grass mark (with a few highlights where the phone, keys and wallet left there imprint) will all the rage in the
highstreet.
My air time was nothing like that in the video, but then crashing into water is not as painful as the ground.
Mex. Bandit
[Edited on 8-9-2003 by mexican bandit]
adam - 15-9-2003 at 10:20
Hi Mex,
Hope your injuries are healing, you must have been well powered up using a 6.5 in those winds!
quote:
As far as safety is concerned, kneepads, elbow pads and helmets are not really of any use when flying on grass
Why do you say this? Have to say I think grass is a lot more unforgiving than sand to fly on and especially when jumping. The dry
summer has just made things worse meaning the ground is very hard.
Pads and helmet are a good idea not matter how good you are and what surface you are on, even the most experienced people have
accidents. With recent accidents and the tragic death of a young kiter it should make you realise the risks.
mexican bandit - 15-9-2003 at 13:26
Adam,
The ankle is coming along slowly.
I'd say a helmet may help, but the kneepads and elbow pads get in the way rather than helping. I'd use them if I were flying on harder
surfaces - maybe the grass in your area has gone rock solid.
Sad to hear about the young kiter. What happened? Power cables? Tree? Solid objects?
zelwaters - 16-9-2003 at 23:14
hey guys video is awsome im gonna have to get me sum kite surfing in!
hey mex hope your up to some more kiting v. soon take it easy zel x