axion said..

I had intended on not posting, as being a local in I don't want this to get too much publicity but after reading all of the comments I feel there are a few things that I would like to say. Firstly I watched the whole event unfold and I have to say it is easily the worst thing I have ever witnessed, I still feel shaken about it today. My heart goes out to his family and friends and I really hope he survives this as it was a horrific accident. Also to everyone that was there a big pat on the back as I think we all did everything that could be done under the circumstances. Our responsibility now is to make sure this never happens again.

I was probably only 20 metres from the poor guy when he was lofted. There was nothing anyone could do to help him it all happened so quick. The only chance the guy had was to pull his safety the instant he got in trouble which he did not. The first thing he hit was the brick wall that runs parallel to the footpath, he went headfirst into this and I am certain it would have knocked him unconcious. Maybe if he was wearing a helmet this would have given him enough of a chance to pull his safety before getting dragged into a car, over the road and ultimately into powerlines. I wear a helmet and after seeing this I think it is a sensible precaution for anyone kiting.

In relation to the launching area in Altona I think there is a little confusion and I think it would definitely help to have some more signage. I have kited in Altona for the past year and I thought you were ok to launch past the last lamp post and this is past the kite launching sign but not far enough along so as to be in front of the trees. After watching this accident yesterday it should be mandatory at Altona to launch with the trees at your back and I will always do this from now on and as kiters at Altona we should refuse to launch kites for people who do not launch in a safe area. it may be a good idea to have a large sign that spells this out so there is no confusion.

There is also a large range of kiters that use Altona and I think it is fair to say that there are some very experienced kiters that need to take more responsibility there. You are the role models of our community and it you self launch in the open in front of the car park or bring your kite in and land it on the grass 5 meters from the road because you do not want sand on your kite beginners will see you and try and imitate you. I will certainly be taking more precautions for my own safety and I will also not tolerate watching others take risks as the consequences are far too severe.

NoBS said..



Quick question?

Are you a memnber of AKSA and have insurance??

NoBS said..

Good move..

At least now you have peace of mind that your family won't have to fork out if you become disabled or even pass away..

random101 said..



I don't think this has anything to do with the shops... nor should they take onus.

The idea of selling KBV memberships instore is a good idea but it's just as easy to get it online...


In the end it's up to the individual, if he isn't allowed to buy one from a shop they'll just ebay one... Anyhow this is all very much offtopic

I wish him and his family a speedy and healthy recovery - and again thank everyone that was there. It's a great sport and community let's not see it go to waste.

r1mick said...
#2. Melbournekiter - You are a dick. Trying to sledge a kite shop based on a brand. Get a hobby F#$%wit

Dl33ta said..

Bit confused about the couple of posts that say it would be better to launch in front of the trees. I have no idea about Altona but isn't going through a tree potentially just as bad? I'm sure we've all seen this one:

NoBS said..

Good move..

At least now you have peace of mind that your family won't have to fork out if you become disabled or even pass away..

HappyG said..

Saffer, I know where you are coming from but the shops are like car dealers they don't check experience. Its like giving someone a V8 off the car lot can they handle it?

I will put it this way I was coming home last night from my job at 12pm. There was a commodore just next to my house up on the nature strip stuck. He obviously had lost his car doing a burnout and went up the guide wire that supports the electricity pole. He was a giant tool and at the time I was going to call the police but it seems he had done more damage to his car so I didn't bother. Young bloke V8 nearly kills himself luck I was coming home late he could have taken me out.

Its a different story in Paragliding I think as you need a flight license to purchase a new paraglider. But there is always EBAY no questions there.

Dl33ta said..



Pretty sure that only covers people competing in an AKSA sanctioned competition.

axion said...
Here is an idea, the information on kiting locations on KBV could provide a bit more detail as it is pretty basic and also this could be compiled and provided for free to all beginner kiters as part of the completion of their lessons call it a handbook for kiting in Victoria, you could also list local shops near each spot etc and encourage new kiters to communicate with the local experts before heading out in an unknown area. You could also put in things like what are the common hand signals and etiquette when kiting as I am sure a lot of people never read up on this. If the kite shops get behind something like this it may be a good way to get a bit of advertising etc. I think the key is education and providing enough info to new kiters that they will hopefully make good decisions when out kiting.

random101 said..

Saffer you don't seem to be very constructive.

Have a look at Steve's post from kss going beyond to try and make things better and safer for kiters, please take a moment and maybe cool down before you post something post haist.

It was an unfortunate event... Like any sport it has its risks....

Saffer said...


I am actually trying to be constructive. Steve's is one of the only people who has actually proposed doing something about it, but ultimately, Steve on his own won't change the world and the kiters can't sit around waiting for him to change things because its unfair and one person has limited power. Someone proposed licensing but they were blown out and ultimately this is what happens every time these post come up. Steve will may get a sign post change but kiters will go about their normal lives and in a years time someone else will be seriously injured when they ignore the sign.

I'm away on business in the states until the 27th but has anyone actually bothered to get in touch with the KBV, get a couple of the senior and more experienced regulars together with KSS to call a meeting with the KBV? How about that as a good starting point because if the council does see this (and they do read the forum) it would be good if the community has actually started to take action instead of everyone sitting around saying "Shame, poor guy" and hoping it never happens again.

Then, after you've called a meeting, you sit down and try work on some changes of varying degrees to try stop it happening again. Once that has happened, you pass on some feedback to the community about the proposed changes and then you go to the council (for the council comes to you with a prospect enema that would make a back room airport search look mild) and you actually show that you are doing something to make kiting safer and ensure that the community are safe.