Better help or not help a newbie?

[kitechick]

Advice and help in the name of safety and on the careful end of the spectrum is a good thing, I would have done the same in this situation.

I like it that you also mentioned that the final decision is of course his call - I think this helped him to accept your advice because it was not forced upon him.

Well done - Sylvia

[cedralpass]

I would definitely help a newbie, after you quiz them a little, and always be friendly. Being a recent Newbie, I have loved all the help I can get, and most everybody is quite helpful. I started last year with a lesson at the shack, and another with Nat in Sherman. Itís a lot to take in. My first lesson at the shack had no wind, so we went over the kite several times each, rigging and de-rigging. Second "makeup" lesson at shack, went better. But its allot to absorb. I talked to the people on the beach a ton, had people check lines, and I learned by helping others. Most people I have seen (including me) are just very excited to get on the water with their new kite. I have suggested to these new people to go out without the board and fly the kite for a while, as itís different than the one you train on in class. Most of the time they donít listen, but the next time, they go and fly the kite without the board. Baby steps! There is allot going on in this sport.

Today, I was a newbie at 3rd. I have to be honest. Everyone I met there was awesome. I had spent some time reading the various websites and rules, so I had some book knowledge. I asked the guy I parked next to for some advice and the lay of the land. He quizzed me, watched me pump the kite, handle the kite, and kept an eye on me while I set up my lines. He told me about the upper beach and the two other beaches and other safety tips. I did not make it to the upper beach, just couldnít quite get back there (im not 100% proficient upwind, but Iím getting there), so I self landed in the water and self rescued to the second beach. I then watched and helped catch many kites, to give back to the locals, and I think they appreciated it. Make sure people know the landmarks; the guy today on the beach told me exactly what he looks for, and looks out for.

At places like 3rd and Sherman, I think its a must to be very good at self rescue and safety things. Both places quizzed me on those topics, before letting me go. I agree with that, as I would not let anyone kite there without being good at those things. Make sure they know how to blow their safety, its usually a good quiz question. Today the guy tried to trick me, and told me "are you sure you donít push it", I pulled to prove him wrong!

I practiced self landing and self rescue on light days at alameda quite often.

I think you did the right thing.