BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Since I have seen so many of you using this particular setup I want to make sure you read THIS most unfortunate story.

If you have a similar leash, you might want to think about modifying it a bit.

What story Rick?
What leash?

Oh I see, click on the word "THIS"

I would like to learn more about this. As I fly a Globe Sonic I have seen other Sonic riders do the same thing. Since the sonic is a 4 line and relies completely on full depower for safety some riders will hook the safety leash to one of the front lines.

I have never done this but never thought it would lead to trouble...

I would certainly like others to comment on this and explane to me if this was a freek thing or should you never hook your leash to one of your front lines...

The point of Rick's post is that regardles of where you should or shouldn't hook the leash, an "open" fastener (like the one used in this case, and I have the same one too ... not again though) can catch another line and cause, literally, the spiral of death.

Very sad for sure ... and makes you think about where else the lines can get caught. The story about the guy with the open connector to his knife is such a case. Personally, I've had a bad incident while I still was stupid enough to use a bord leash. One of my back lines got cought on the reel and I looped along most of Kite beach in Cabarete. Needless to say, it was pretty darn unpleasant and I was lucky that I didn't get hurt and/or collect another kiter in the process.

Wow. I had a very bad experience on a flat kite this year as well. All a result of bad information from an experienced rider who told me to hook my kite leash to my control bar "lock in" loop. Such a dumb as move on my part, but I was new and this guy had been riding for years. Result, mega loop of death where the kite stayed powered up and the other side of my leash did not have a releash. I got dragged and swallowed water for a long while. I got VERY lucky.

This is definitely a sad story to hear and one I hope people can learn from.

-Bobby

Bobby!? That wasnt smart. No matter what anyone tells you, if your gut says it's logically wrong, dont do it or get a second opinion. Anyone who tells you to leash into the bar is a jackass. From the kiteforum pics, I am guessing he was riding SS? As far as the SS connection ends go on their leashes, this is unfortunate as they are a good mechanism. their old ones would break because the springs werent stainless and eventually would corode away leaving an open shackle that wouldnt stay attached to anything. The idea of the fabric sleeve is not a bad idea. I think one thing that SS needs to improve asap is their leash release. The fact that you pull towards you-away from the kite-you would need some serious tention to get that thing off. Also,SS leash releases are way too hard to pull away. North has it dialed! Perfect amount of tension in the right direction. It is truly unfortunate that we need to lose someone in our already small kiting family to learn how to redesign something such that it is safer. perhaps this is the way of evolution and life but I am sorry to hear this story.