It was bound to happen. After two plus seasons of relatively injury free strapless surfboard riding, I've succumb to a wave (pun intended) of near life threatening and cosmetically face altering injuries. It started with a rail slamming off the back of my head. It wasn't until I cleared the cobwebs the cobwebs and instinctively dragged myself to shallow water that I realized how serious a hit I took. Who knows, if the board struck in let's say the temple or perhaps the forehead, I may not be here today to share this post.

Next time, I was holding a surfboard board upwind away from me while standing in waist deep water with my kite overhead. While talking to a friend and not paying attention, a small wave launched the board into my shoulder. Once again a rail strike, hard and in just the right spot. It felt as if someone took a baseball bat and struck me. I went down on one knee, shook it off. No lasting injury but a nice bruise. Damn if I took that one in the head. Yikes. Ok, two mistakes. One, holding the board in the water upwind and placing the board between myself and the wind and waves. Second, not paying attention to what I was doing. Lesson learned. Never again.

A few weeks later, out in waves, board upwind, a gust took my board and piloted it squarely into my nose. No rail hit this time, just the flat of the board to face. Yes, blood, nose broken, ouch. Nothing serious but again very lucky.

Last month, and four times a charm, a rail to the mouth. No doubt about it, not one but both of my surfboards are possessed desiring to take me out. The good news, all my teeth remained in tact with only one slightly loose; my lips are now healing nicely.

Later that same afternoon the board not once but twice tried to take off my head again. After a missed transition, I instinctively ducked in time (must be a guardian angel countering the demon board possession) watching my Naish Global fly past me, fins spinning like an airplane propeller.

Ok full disclosure. Two out of the four times, I was kiting strapless in thirty plus winds. If I were riding strapped it would certainly reduce the odds of being struck by a free flying board, but not eliminate the possibility.

I remember back when, windsurfing in thirty-five plus and as a rule always wore my "caged" helmet. My sailing in high winds transformed. No longer did I worry about head and facial injury. I just went out an sailed like hell. Btw, not only does sailing-kiting tentatively kill your buzz, but when your tense you'll crash more often increasing the odds of getting hurt... I once met a windsurfer who needed facial reconstruction from board that struck him in the face. He almost died on the water that day.

Now the helmut's back on, and while I raised the bar on the kook quotient, I'm completely comfortable-confident "going for it." Hell I may just wear this thing all the time. The helmet of course doesn't eliminate the dangers of kiteboarding, especially in high winds. I'm all too aware of this. It does allow me the confidence, to push myself to learn new skills while mitigating what could otherwise be serious head and facial injuries.

Now here's where some of you will chime in, so I'll beat you to the punch...

"YOU'RE A KOOK!"

"I'd never wear a helmet, let alone a dorky, gay, doofus, old guy...face cage-shield."

You're right. It isn't high on the cool factor. Personally it isn't much of a choice. I'm happy to be "uncool" on the water, if it means my fun factor is bolstered by a profound sense of safety followed by confidence. Now it's a ten plus. Not only am I becoming a better kiter but one who's also much safer. Besides I'm not sure of how cool being toothless looks, or perhaps God forbid dealing with a life altering brain injury or worse.

For those of you who could give a rat's bladder what others think, I know you get it.

it's ok- the skull & crossbones give it plenty of cred.

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windtzu said...



It was bound to happen. After two plus seasons of relatively injury free strapless surfboard riding, I've succumb to a wave (pun intended) of near life threatening and cosmetically face altering injuries. It started with a rail slamming off the back of my head. It wasn't until I cleared the cobwebs the cobwebs and instinctively dragged myself to shallow water that I realized how serious a hit I took. Who knows, if the board struck in let's say the temple or perhaps the forehead, I may not be here today to share this post.

Next time, I was holding a surfboard board upwind away from me while standing in waist deep water with my kite overhead. While talking to a friend and not paying attention, a small wave launched the board into my shoulder. Once again a rail strike, hard and in just the right spot. It felt as if someone took a baseball bat and struck me. I went down on one knee, shook it off. No lasting injury but a nice bruise. Damn if I took that one in the head. Yikes. Ok, two mistakes. One, holding the board in the water upwind and placing the board between myself and the wind and waves. Second, not paying attention to what I was doing. Lesson learned. Never again.

A few weeks later, out in waves, board upwind, a gust took my board and piloted it squarely into my nose. No rail hit this time, just the flat of the board to face. Yes, blood, nose broken, ouch. Nothing serious but again very lucky.

Last month, and four times a charm, a rail to the mouth. No doubt about it, not one but both of my surfboards are possessed desiring to take me out. The good news, all my teeth remained in tact with only one slightly loose; my lips are now healing nicely.

Later that same afternoon the board not once but twice tried to take off my head again. After a missed transition, I instinctively ducked in time (must be a guardian angel countering the demon board possession) watching my Naish Global fly past me, fins spinning like an airplane propeller.

Ok full disclosure. Two out of the four times, I was kiting strapless in thirty plus winds. If I were riding strapped it would certainly reduce the odds of being struck by a free flying board, but not eliminate the possibility.

I remember back when, windsurfing in thirty-five plus and as a rule always wore my "caged" helmet. My sailing in high winds transformed. No longer did I worry about head and facial injury. I just went out an sailed like hell. Btw, not only does sailing-kiting tentatively kill your buzz, but when your tense you'll crash more often increasing the odds of getting hurt... I once met a windsurfer who needed facial reconstruction from board that struck him in the face. He almost died on the water that day.

Now the helmut's back on, and while I raised the bar on the kook quotient, I'm completely comfortable-confident "going for it." Hell I may just wear this thing all the time. The helmet of course doesn't eliminate the dangers of kiteboarding, especially in high winds. I'm all too aware of this. It does allow me the confidence, to push myself to learn new skills while mitigating what could otherwise be serious head and facial injuries.

Now here's where some of you will chime in, so I'll beat you to the punch...

"YOU'RE A KOOK!"

"I'd never wear a helmet, let alone a dorky, gay, doofus, old guy...face cage-shield."

You're right. It isn't high on the cool factor. Personally it isn't much of a choice. I'm happy to be "uncool" on the water, if it means my fun factor is bolstered by a profound sense of safety followed by confidence. Now it's a ten plus. Not only am I becoming a better kiter but one who's also much safer. Besides I'm not sure of how cool being toothless looks, or perhaps God forbid dealing with a life altering brain injury or worse.

For those of you who could give a rat's bladder what others think, I know you get it.

Mate take a hint, even Buddha statue in the background is telling you what it looks like ,

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windtzu said..


Now the helmut's back on, and while I raised the bar on the kook quotient, I'm completely comfortable-confident "going for it." Hell I may just wear this thing all the time. The helmet of course doesn't eliminate the dangers of kiteboarding, especially in high winds. I'm all too aware of this. It does allow me the confidence, to push myself to learn new skills while mitigating what could otherwise be serious head and facial injuries.

Now here's where some of you will chime in, so I'll beat you to the punch...

"YOU'RE A KOOK!"

"I'd never wear a helmet, let alone a dorky, gay, doofus, old guy...face cage-shield."

You're right. It isn't high on the cool factor. Personally it isn't much of a choice. I'm happy to be "uncool" on the water, if it means my fun factor is bolstered by a profound sense of safety followed by confidence. Now it's a ten plus. Not only am I becoming a better kiter but one who's also much safer. Besides I'm not sure of how cool being toothless looks, or perhaps God forbid dealing with a life altering brain injury or worse.

For those of you who could give a rat's bladder what others think, I know you get it.

hi windtzu
totally serious response. I'm sure you are just making a point, but it's probably the wrong mindset to be thinking you are now "safe" from board due to wearing a helmet and therefore ride overly recklessly. those cartwheeling boards in high winds (geez that's annoying, not sure how the pros do it when it's over 25kn), or landing the ol'kickflip on a punt, can put the fins on your board seriously into your bodies firing line (sounds like your boards are after you and would change tactic too). fin chops can cause really seriously injuries, and not just to the head like one of the surfers in the surfer thread earlier this year. landing down wind of your board and having it come towards you cart wheeling always has me way more worried about the fins than rails - and i have seen major veins and arteries hit before. best course is always get out of he immediate vicinity and spend the time getting to shore to retrieve your board. this is another good reason why when i see strapless guys kiting around swimmers i lose my **, because once you're off the board, it can seriously hurt someone not prepared for it. less swimmers around in 30kn though!!
if you want to mitigate further - wetsuits year round will give some protection from a fin chop, but if it is really bad, they also hold the wound with compression until you can get help (i don't use year round, but it's a thought. also won't protect your feet, but i'll never wear booties unless for the cold somewhere). check and sand your fins regularly (i do this), as serated edges can rip you to pieces as well or worse than off the shelf knife-sharp ones.


my 2 cents, use your helmet if it makes you feel comfortable, but always keep your mind/eye on where your board is. look out for yourself and others. will be looking out for your mug on my locals now!
cheers
maz

I hope you ride a vanguard cause my surfboard tip will fit through those gaps....

Most Kiting related deaths I've ever heard off were people unable to release the kite after being knocked out

.............Maaaaaary Poppins

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windtzu said..



Besides I'm not sure of how cool being toothless looks, or perhaps God forbid dealing with a life altering brain injury or worse.

You forget being deaf from a burst eardrum when impacting the water ear first. WHAT? CAN YOU REPEAT THAT PLEASE!

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windtzu said..

I could just imagine the rear line wrapping around that gopro mount after a wipeout on a wave.

get some lessons. and dont just get them from some new instructor get them from a profesional explain your situation. ive got a few decent marks on my helmet from my board popping up but once i learnt to kite better there was absolutely zero need for the helmet. you are clearly not in total control and are dangerous. so suck it up and rather then pop riveting cages to **** just get some help. we wont tell anyone.

Good on ya.....who cares ....if it allows you to continue enjoying life wear what you want.

well written story, entertaining and informative at the same time.

Regarding your bad luck, I would say, **** happens but I usually know when my board is coming to get me and take evasive action, like sacrificing a less valuable body part

Have you ever considered that kiting might not be for you? With a hit ratio like that, perhaps karma or Huey is sending you a message?

just sayin'.....

but I do admire your perseverance, no matter the list of injuries.....

A few things,If you don't fall off sideways, mother nature will line you up , most things early on tried to hit me in my head and aimed for just about everything else, this is for 4+ m kite boats, to surf boards to twintips kite buggies, landboards etc. If you land in the bodysurfing position you can not only move away from the object of death but recover it from upwind in a few tacks.
I have even looped a kite to get out of the line of fire more than once.

Fins cut well, but my worst scrape was from a board rail that i just glanced sideways- i saw the point of the board aiming fro my right eye- very close.
the rail sliced my nose threw to the grissle and me nose drooped (or maybe grew).
Been rolled by- waves scary, just keep your wits, be confident, and try to work to which way is up, where your kite is, where your board is and where the bar is

General rule Get the Fu@k away from any solid moving objects.
luv
ISTT

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kookaburrahz said..
get some lessons. and dont just get them from some new instructor get them from a profesional explain your situation. ive got a few decent marks on my helmet from my board popping up but once i learnt to kite better there was absolutely zero need for the helmet. you are clearly not in total control and are dangerous. so suck it up and rather then pop riveting cages to **** just get some help. we wont tell anyone.

I was expecting this. Finally an ignorant comment from one of the "haters." Always curious if the same people have the stones to say the same to you in person. I'll bet no.

In 30 plus conditions (in my case 40 plus gusts) anyone (even experts) are vulnerable to an occasional mishap. While my skill level is well into the intermediate level and beyond, the risk of injury, or anyone's does lessen with increased skill and experience. Mine or anyone's being in control 99% of the time doesn't account for the 1% "**** happens" factor. This is the same reason we wear seat belts and have airbags in our car. This is the point of my post.

Wearing protective gear is a personal choice. It's a suggestion to something we all take for granted. I hardly believe this "rivet-cage thing" will start a trend. In my case, being self employed, I consider ways to reduce the potential of being injured enough and not being able to work.

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Sandfoot said..

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the truth said..
A few things,If you don't fall off sideways, mother nature will line you up , most things early on tried to hit me in my head and aimed for just about everything else, this is for 4+ m kite boats, to surf boards to twintips kite buggies, landboards etc. If you land in the bodysurfing position you can not only move away from the object of death but recover it from upwind in a few tacks.
I have even looped a kite to get out of the line of fire more than once.

Fins cut well, but my worst scrape was from a board rail that i just glanced sideways- i saw the point of the board aiming fro my right eye- very close.
the rail sliced my nose threw to the grissle and me nose drooped (or maybe grew).
Been rolled by- waves scary, just keep your wits, be confident, and try to work to which way is up, where your kite is, where your board is and where the bar is

General rule Get the Fu@k away from any solid moving objects.
luv
ISTT

Agreed. My first response is to always move the hell away from a board after separation, via upwind, whatever. There are just times when **** happens, and I had a streak of kite karma.

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Juddy said..
Have you ever considered that kiting might not be for you? With a hit ratio like that, perhaps karma or Huey is sending you a message?

just sayin'.....

but I do admire your perseverance, no matter the list of injuries.....

Thanks and I'm lucky, the list of injuries were relatively minor. In the bigger picture, I liken the experience to being whacked by the Kite-Zen Master's stick. Nothing like it to learn how to do things right.

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Poida said..

windtzu said..

I could just imagine the rear line wrapping around that gopro mount after a wipeout on a wave.

In that case the GoPro would just rip right off. The adhesive tape that attaches to the helmet isn't that strong. :)

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makntracks said..
I hope you ride a vanguard cause my surfboard tip will fit through those gaps....

Reminds me of the O'Neill Wetsuit logo w/ eye patch > Owner Jack O'Neill lost an eye via an encounter surfboard tip. If I remember correctly, it was while he was testing a leash. I've thought of this and even considered wrapping my head in bubble wrap, making cutouts for my eyes and nose, or just cut off the nose of my boards and or wrap them in sponge rubber...

Naaa, can't account for everything. The helmet-cage is enough.

Btw, how do you like the Vanguard. I'm considering one for reasons other than safety.

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windtzu said..

Sandfoot said..

the truth said..
A few things,If you don't fall off sideways, mother nature will line you up , most things early on tried to hit me in my head and aimed for just about everything else, this is for 4+ m kite boats, to surf boards to twintips kite buggies, landboards etc. If you land in the bodysurfing position you can not only move away from the object of death but recover it from upwind in a few tacks.
I have even looped a kite to get out of the line of fire more than once.

Fins cut well, but my worst scrape was from a board rail that i just glanced sideways- i saw the point of the board aiming fro my right eye- very close.
the rail sliced my nose threw to the grissle and me nose drooped (or maybe grew).
Been rolled by- waves scary, just keep your wits, be confident, and try to work to which way is up, where your kite is, where your board is and where the bar is

General rule Get the Fu@k away from any solid moving objects.
luv
ISTT

Agreed. My first response is to always move the hell away from a board after separation, via upwind, whatever. There are just times when **** happens, and I had a streak of kite karma. Besides, sometimes things like the rail hit to my mouth happened so fast...lots going on in 35 knots.

Select to expand quote

mazdon said..

windtzu said..


Now the helmut's back on, and while I raised the bar on the kook quotient, I'm completely comfortable-confident "going for it." Hell I may just wear this thing all the time. The helmet of course doesn't eliminate the dangers of kiteboarding, especially in high winds. I'm all too aware of this. It does allow me the confidence, to push myself to learn new skills while mitigating what could otherwise be serious head and facial injuries.

Now here's where some of you will chime in, so I'll beat you to the punch...

"YOU'RE A KOOK!"

"I'd never wear a helmet, let alone a dorky, gay, doofus, old guy...face cage-shield."

You're right. It isn't high on the cool factor. Personally it isn't much of a choice. I'm happy to be "uncool" on the water, if it means my fun factor is bolstered by a profound sense of safety followed by confidence. Now it's a ten plus. Not only am I becoming a better kiter but one who's also much safer. Besides I'm not sure of how cool being toothless looks, or perhaps God forbid dealing with a life altering brain injury or worse.

For those of you who could give a rat's bladder what others think, I know you get it.

hi windtzu
totally serious response. I'm sure you are just making a point, but it's probably the wrong mindset to be thinking you are now "safe" from board due to wearing a helmet and therefore ride overly recklessly. those cartwheeling boards in high winds (geez that's annoying, not sure how the pros do it when it's over 25kn), or landing the ol'kickflip on a punt, can put the fins on your board seriously into your bodies firing line (sounds like your boards are after you and would change tactic too). fin chops can cause really seriously injuries, and not just to the head like one of the surfers in the surfer thread earlier this year. landing down wind of your board and having it come towards you cart wheeling always has me way more worried about the fins than rails - and i have seen major veins and arteries hit before. best course is always get out of he immediate vicinity and spend the time getting to shore to retrieve your board. this is another good reason why when i see strapless guys kiting around swimmers i lose my **, because once you're off the board, it can seriously hurt someone not prepared for it. less swimmers around in 30kn though!!
if you want to mitigate further - wetsuits year round will give some protection from a fin chop, but if it is really bad, they also hold the wound with compression until you can get help (i don't use year round, but it's a thought. also won't protect your feet, but i'll never wear booties unless for the cold somewhere). check and sand your fins regularly (i do this), as serated edges can rip you to pieces as well or worse than off the shelf knife-sharp ones.


my 2 cents, use your helmet if it makes you feel comfortable, but always keep your mind/eye on where your board is. look out for yourself and others. will be looking out for your mug on my locals now!
cheers
maz

Maz, you're spot on. Although I did point out that wearing a helmut-cage does increase my feeling of safety, I never meant to imply it's a substitute for "wreckless" kiting. I did mention this - kiting in high winds is dangerous. I'm always aware of where my gear and I am in space and time. Were I kite, especially in high winds, there are no swimmers less an occasional surfer, which I always avoid out of safety and respect. You're point is well taken though. Thank you

And don't worry, it's unlikely you'll cross paths with the likes of myself or my other strapless buddies here in the Northeast, the States.

Haaa maybe Buddha want you to play Chess - but grasshopper no listen

I mostly wear a gath helmet now after my fin slashed a 'see my skull' gash around my head and about your cage - a squall picked up my surfboard off the sand about 15 feet away and biffed me in the jaw nearly breaking it

As far as looking like a kook - well yes haa haa

but I'd worry more about Demonic board Possession

I wear a helmet. I don't care how it looks. I get paid to use my brain, and my family needs me fit and healthy.

I think you may not have a full understanding of 30/40 knots... Are you in Perth because it does get a bit windy here from time to time. Plus the gopro mount on the helmet really does sum it up...

Are you in WA, it rarely hits 30 knots solid... (Unless your in Gero) 25 knots yeah I can believe and the 7m kites come out on the big days where it gusts up to 30... Seabreeze graphs can verify this if you do a search...

But 40 knots... Lol! Maybe in winter only and that would be rare as..

Seems you need a wind meter to accurately record your wind strength I suspect.. Cause if your in Perth I don't believe you.

I don't think he is hating on you, just sharing some good advice he found helpful himself. If you post on here as you have you should expect us to give yourour two Bob's worth. The problem for most of us is once we have mastered upwind and stapless riding and some jumps we think we know it all and have nothing to learn from each other. My two boobs worth for what is worth relates to your practice of chatting to someone in waist deep water with your kite overhead. This is not best practice. First you need to decide are you kiting or chatting. If you're kite is in the air you should be focused on piloting that potentially deadly contraption.Secondly flying a stationary kite at 12o'clock opens possibly for lofting accidents especially if you're riding in plus 30 knots like you mentioned. It may only happen once in a lifetime but sometimes a lifting accident is the last accident of someone's kiting career. I'm glad to hear it was only a board mishap you had so far. The helmet isn't a bad idea as far as passive safety goes but nothing is better than being well educated and practicing active safety techniques. That said good luck with it all I hope you're next session is awesome!

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windtzu said..


Maz, you're spot on. Although I did point out that wearing a helmut-cage does increase my feeling of safety, I never meant to imply it's a substitute for "wreckless" kiting. I did mention this - kiting in high winds is dangerous. I'm always aware of where my gear and I am in space and time. Were I kite, especially in high winds, there are no swimmers less an occasional surfer, which I always avoid out of safety and respect. You're point is well taken though. Thank you

And don't worry, it's unlikely you'll cross paths with the likes of myself or my other strapless buddies here in the Northeast, the States.

haha no worries then

i reckon most of our responses above are due to seeing instances of reckless kiting, and people a bit out of their depth, in the past fortnight in WA as all the new kiters come out of the woodwork for what has been a pretty good december start to the season with a few 25kn+ days to date. take it on board but don't sweat too much if you kite with minimal crowds usually - just look after numero uno then!

i'm actually looking at a trip to southern cali in May next year for a wedding, and then over to mex for a few weeks. was thinking just to surf but i hear baja can be cracking wind and waves as well so i might keep my options open. would love to call past new york one day though, so a kite in NE USA might happen one day - never know who you will come across hey?!

good winds! (and soft projectiles )