Just spent the day with my old man at the hospital.

He had a melonoma removed from his temple and a Squamous Cell Cancer (SCC) from behind his ear. Further surgery required and probably radiotherapy.

SCC most commonly caused by "accumulated lifetime exposure to sun". He did a lot of water ski-ing in the the 70's.

So my resolution is to always wear a hat when kiting (one that covers the ears); in addition to a long sleeved rashie, sun screen and sun glasses. I may not look pretty, but neither does my dad at the moment.

Oh yeah, my other resolution is to do a kite loop by year end.

after a few mates having malignant moles removed... and spending most of my younger years in the sun i always wear a full sleeve rashie and blockout, even on the over cast days...

it just not worth the risk.