Letting Go of Kite to Save Your Life - VLOG #48

Have you ever released a kite to save yourself? A kiteboarder in extreme conditions makes that choice. See it all unfold in this video...
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[@Juddyom40]

With the greatest of respect to all of you guys & gals, I am honestly astounded that you launch/land in a spot with rock walls so close to you - let alone in the winds you got on 11th Dec. I say that in the context of a kiter dying here in Perth West Aus in the last week as a result of hitting a rock wall - just not in 50kt winds. I'm saying this with 16yrs kite experience.

[@sekkatk]

A pretty subtle way of showing what to do, and what NOT to do without directly pointing fingers. Well done Laurie.

[@daversj]

That guy on the Crazyfly gear didn’t look like the strongest sailer even when it was manageable. Its not really nuking until you cant tell where the water ends and the air starts.😉

[@mikeb4414]

It is admirable you posted this video. Done for the right reasons in my opinion. Hopefully this will prevent others from getting into the same situation. I imagine you knew you were gonna take some flak, and i'm sure the rider has also. Love your videos and information, thanks.

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks :) We knew this was going to be controversial but hope that it will stop others from going out in similar conditions. We appreciate the rider letting us share this experience as well - it’s never easy to be the focus of criticism on the internet.

[@Popas1]

Even the decision of releasing the kite was done way too late. Offshore wind, safety released, no way you can swim back with the kite. And even more, if you don't have the level to tackle with high wind, don't go ! At 4:00 in the video offshore sea condition shows that the wind is more than 40knots. That shows us that kiters need to learn to read the wind in the water to avoid these situations that could have cost him his life.

[@BrandonZeluff]

100%. For some reason there's a large amount of kiters that squeeze every second they can of wind and rely heavily on their safety tools to save them when it starts to get dicey. I think it comes down to a couple of things: complacency, and/or lack of education on the "get off the water" signs. I see it every time I kite storm front wind.

[@Blubba36]

@@BrandonZeluff I've seen also guys with overconfidence getting trouble in stormy conditions - just not knowing how dangerous it is, not having control of their gear. Underestimating mother nature can cost lives - yours one and others ones while they try to save you.

[@williamhenault2761]

Glad to see that everyone made it out safe. That weather system hit NL on Dec 12. It was lots of fun but we played it safe and stayed in a pond rather than the ocean.

[@markwou]

Dan heb ik wat gemist de twaalfde

[@1N2345]

So cool that he wanted to talk about it and stayed positive.

[@chrisstevens3776]

Great reminder for all of us to check our gear. I checked my safety leash release after watching this. I have never had to use it and so I had gotten out of the habit of checking it. Turns out it was pretty stuck...it may have released if I needed it... or might not have. Now it definitely will. I will remember this video to remind myself to check that... and make sure my line knife is sharp.

[@bondvillansarebest]

The perils of small kites! They encourage you to go out in conditions that you should really be avoiding. As a rule of thumb unless you are very lightweight, ride a hydrofoil exclusively or live in a consistently strong wind location (La Loteta in spain for example where the most common sizes are 7m and 4m) then owning anything smaller than a 7m is an unnecessary choice. Glad nobody was hurt! Would have been a good story if that squall hadn't come through though :-)

[@ignaciocarnicerovila]

La loteta was my local spot 8 years ago. I really miss those sessions!!!

[@bolanos68]

Really can it get that windy at La Loteta?

[@galactock]

I get the biggest air riding my 6' switchblade and Love flying small kites. They're so quick and drive you upwind when there's enough to fly them. I've been just watching people ripping up big waves on lake MI when the smallest I had was a 7. My friends ripping up the great lakes have 4.5 or 5m kites for the best of times 🪁 As a side note I did fly that 7 doing a downwinder around 7 years ago when I don't know what it was blowing but there were 22' + waves breaking all the way across lake MI. My friend Jens had a 4.5 or 5 Ryan and Sam had 5 and a 6. There was plenty of space between the waves as I got out farther but It was ripping so much that changing directions was too fast to be "rational", not to imply any of this was... After seeing how things were I began flying my kite on the opposite side of the window I was kiting towards and doing opposite direction transitions, I think ya know what I mean (====^~/ In hindsight wouldn't do that again or recommend going out with the too big of equipment because that's all you have. I will say it made it much safer and I was still lit riding in the opposite direction of the kite flying. .. Anyway~ Everyone made it, but if someone would have dropped their kite or let it go no one can come get ya or find ya and people like us understand that. Life is short and we don't want to shorten it but I feel its important to enjoy every day in ways your delighted remembering The unnamed gentleman in your video did everything right in my opinion, as you have in showing people the right way to deal with some of the sketchy circumstances we may find ourselves facing and when to call it quits. I agree with his last notion of kiting for the magical pleasure it is~ in ways you'll be able to enjoy more as the future comes to ya as Well aka knowing your limits and the limits of your gear for the Love of Life and staying Alive ~! I Love y'all and thanks for sharing fun glimpses of everyone enjoying Lovely times 🌪

[@surfn-]

Holy crap - I'm glad your group remained safe. I could have used a buddy on Saturday down here, I was riding solo on my 11 in 25kn. Just like you, once I saw the front in the distance I knew it was time to come in. Luckily I was landed for about 10 minutes before the wind started nuking - still pretty close call. I'm finding this winter wind to be incredibly deceiving, the water conditions don't match the wind strength - I could have easily been on my 8, but I fear I would have been over confident and got trapped in the squall.

[@vworks3887]

Scary and wonderful edit and ending!. Thank god all are safe!!

[@jadewulf3625]

Excellent information we all need to be reminded of. Thanks for a great video.

[@TechWithIndy]

Epic! Love the sound track.

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks Indy

[@Lopersen]

Another great video! Thank you guys! Happy Holidays to you all!:)

[@TheSmallsAbroad]

You have the best and most informative kite videos. Plus the second best kiting backdrop (CN tower). #1 is table mountain…

[@koLLac]

Yikes! Rode a 6m in 30s gusting 40 just "down the road" from you guys in upstate NY on Saturday. The 60 knot gusts came overnight after we were off the water. Good sesh!

[@FastCapLLC]

Excellent lesson thank you

[@CharleswoodSpudzyofficial]

I admire that you guys kite a lot despite not having a great spot

[@OurKiteLife]

you make the best out of what you got

[@normsbigwindow9379]

Nice waves at the end…shame to miss out. But nasty wind

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

I was out at Keswick the same day. The gusts did not get so extend, but when it switched from mild to nuking suddenly I was still on my 12m. All of a sudden I was just airborne for a long time only touching the water occasionally and screaming like a baby. Just couldn't resist 15 degree air in December.

[@allardo10]

Thanks for the video! Seems loads of comments😄. Just keep on kiting overthere and have fun!

[@packratty]

I paddle my sea kayak at this spot often and I love seeing you guys. I'm glad everyone is safe (I had trouble walking my dog later that day). How can I access the wind sensor data? I would contribute to your club if you guys maintain it.

[@OurKiteLife]

Send us an email (ourkitelife at gmail dot com) about the sensor :)

[@justinbrunjes6619]

Good on that guy for making the right choice...

[@KitesurfingAcademy]

Smart choice!!

[@leonvanbergen4077]

I'm a fan of your channel but to see you guys kiting in those conditions, alone, with trees and rocks everywhere and from such a unsuitable launch spot, to bad.. I won't say that you shouldn't go kiting in that wind, we do that too, but not in such a place..

[@OurKiteLife]

most kiters did not kite that day at our spot or others.

[@nice2care]

Can you talk more about the dome effect. I think we have something similar here in South Padre island. Today the forecast was showing wind gusting in the high 20s. I looked up and the clouds were moving pretty fast. However on the surface the wind was only 12 mph. I was struggling the whole session.

[@OurKiteLife]

Check out the video we made called “The Elevator Jump - VLOG #29”. We talk about doming more in-depth in that video starting around 3 minutes in

[@LatinoTropico]

I keep getting your video in my feed and have seen it like 15 times now. The one thing about your spot are so many dead looking shrubs and trees. Is there no chance to ask your council to cut some of them off and remove them? You seem to have a very small launch zone. Surely there are better spots further down the coast?

[@OurKiteLife]

100% agree with you re: expanding the launch zone by cleaning up the dead trees. Unfortunately it’s highly unlikely. While there’s a handful of us who enjoy kiting at this park, there’s a much larger group of bird watchers who would strongly oppose any removal of trees or bushes. There’s not very many public beaches in the city that are suitable for kiting, so we make the most of what we have.

[@irokez85]

Your spot is quite dangerous - trees, stones and gusts. Wind is pushing You directly into stone wall :/. I would never ever kite surf there above 30kts. Also the guy on the 5m kite is not riding with his kite low, digging he's heels into the board...

[@Willy-Wind]

I’m a windsurfer/winfoiler and I like to watch your videos every now and then but not chance I will pick up the sport :) Maybe you can make a video for sailors (wsurfers, wingers) who know squat about kiting to learn how to spot a kiter is in distress (I know the obvious clues like no board, flying out of control, etc). And what to do on those situations. I sail in a spot with several kiters and sometimes we windsurfers need to rescue when the winds completely dies.

[@asaid25]

good for you :) and a great idea.

[@tettok8431]

Glad you were safe. Hope Kite with LINES didn’t cause any harm/hazard to public or marine animal…who knew where it ended up..especially on an Off-shore wind.

[@OurKiteLife]

Yeah, always a concern where the kite and lines will end up. The coast guard was notified. Still, best not to get into a situation where the kite has to be ejected if you can avoid it!

[@daanwillems9164]

Thanks for sharing

[@julianmol3771]

If I could mark a mistake the guy with the yellow shirt made, he held his kite close to twelve, when doing this while you’re riding overpowered you can’t hold your edge whatsoever, which causes you to bounce over the water and have 0 control. That’s why rule no. 1 while riding overpowered is to keep your kite low, preferably between 9 and 10.

[@StepperByStepper]

I can Imagine the Situation, I was in heavy guests with a 7 Rally and at some Point you cant do anything. If your Kite frontstals you get Hit hard, so allways have your Hand at the quick Release.

[@juliangarcia1515]

In cuesta del viento San Juan Argentina, every day there are more than 35 knts...

[@BooRay1]

I had one case when I lost my brand new 1200€ board.. Went out in offshore conditions - due to inexperience I lost the board and couldnt recover.. I body draged to shore and lost sight of it. Going on water I was fully aware what can happen and I accepted it but it was still kinda sad moment but my gf was happy that I played it safe... Then later in the day a guy came by and said - dude you forgot your board.. And I was like whaaaat, and there it was sitting there waiting for me.. some boat guy brought it back in, I wish I could met him - I was so happy. I bought drinks and left some extreme tips in beach bar later in the day :D all in all great ending and lesson learned...

[@OurKiteLife]

Such a great ending to the story! 😊

[@jjouh]

Always have a sticker on your board and kite with your phone and email. It s mandatory in france as coastguards will find lost boards and will look for kiter in the water with helicopters and stuff for nothing...

[@s2oooo]

The bars I use with my tube kites I modified to have double the depower meaning at 65kg 5m Evo I have experienced 65 knots a handful of times with no issues pulling all of the depower. My advice is if you haven't got the right equipment don't risk it 🤣🤣🙈

[@NaishEU]

How exactly die u notify IT?

[@s2oooo]

@@NaishEU is that how do i modify it? Change the depower rope plus lengthen the safety.

[@piggypiggypig1746]

Hope he informed the coastguard about the lost kite because if they happen to find it they will be launching a search and rescue mission.

[@shreddagorge]

This is an important point that should have been mentioned in this video.

[@OurKiteLife]

it has been done, marine unit was notified - the kite was located but deemed too dangerous to be retrieved.

[@glasstraxx]

@@OurKiteLife surly you can make a salvage attempt!

[@jamescox9746]

The ballerinas of board sports

[@samuelsmithmed214]

gotta keep that kite low in wind like that and lean back mega, bro thought he was doing a downwinder 🤣

[@xxxkaihawaiixxx]

Great video about how to overestimate yourself but most importantly about letting go before it's too late! I'd like to know which weather/wind app you're using? (2:43)

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks! That was a live reading from our local wind sensor (Weatherflow Tempest). There’s a link in the description

[@offordgraham]

Come to Cape Town....like this half of summer. :-) Small kites are WAY different and move much faster.

[@OurKiteLife]

Cape Town looks amazing :) From what we understand, the wind is good quality there. Here, anything 40 knots+ is so incredibly gusty it's usually unrideable. A few years ago we had an experienced kiter from Cape Town go out in 40 knots on a 7m here, ended up getting lofted and breaking a rib... :/

[@92Timoxa]

@@OurKiteLife The wind in CP is super dense, you can almost touch it... Very strange feeling, but the best spot in the world IMO. I'm 175cm for 75kg, and I rode up to 30knts on my 9m rebel and on a 7m up to 40knts gusting 45 which was pretty scary lol. I definitly recommend you to go there during the King of the Air!

[@daversj]

Cape town is a special spot for sure. Plan to go back soon. Not only is the kiting and wave sailing great but the food is good. So many places you travel to the food sucks. Had the biggest and best beef filet of my life there and it was like $25 with vegetables, potato and two beers. 😳 Hope SA gets through this covid mess ok.

[@galactock]

Later that night it was blowing 50's in Madison WI, I saw It was blowing 87 on the top of lake MI ... I'm here to embrace our planet pushing Love into her as I walk🌬💕 🗺

[@IIB_SWEETWATER]

💥💯

[@user-py1hc4lz1q]

Good edging and keeping the kite low is the key here. 45 knots is 8 or 9m kite at our beach.😄

[@SimcoeAce]

You're clueless.

[@Ludwighaffen1]

and you could also decide to sit this one out in 50-kt offshore winds and keep your life and your kite...

[@Kirmo13]

I can't tell if he had a plan in case things turned south or if he was really lucky not to die (maybe an overexageration, but not by mutch)

[@sir.benzerlot4571]

Strong wind is not for the feint heart 😅 at the pond western aus about a year ago we had some major storms and was getting 60knt+ wind and only a few guys went out and they were doing insanely big airs, the wind was pushing me over on land! Scary stuff

[@OurKiteLife]

Yeah - it's usually not worth the risk!

[@Blubba36]

Sorry if I say that... There are conditions where not being out in the water, is much saver - specially when you’re not experienced in strong, gusty & offhore conditions. But if you somehow get surprised by a storm - don't ride in with a kite that high - even you think he has less power at 11 or 12. Try to come in with the kite close above the water, so you don't get pulled out of it. Things can quickly go wrong! Glad nobody was hurt…

[@Pickler182]

What do you use to track the wind in real time? Do you bring a device or rely on an app?

[@OurKiteLife]

We use a WeatherFlow Tempest weather station

[@activex7327]

I thought he was just practicing body dragging upwind 🤣🤣😂😂

[@NilsDecker]

Which spot is this? Just moved to Toronto in spring from SoCal and I’ve only ridden Cherry and outside of toronto. Thanks for making the video 👌🏼🔥

[@OurKiteLife]

kipling =]

[@NilsDecker]

@@OurKiteLife ty ty

[@michaelvine7698]

Don’t forget to watch out for pedestrians on the path.

[@slappyosis]

I have to say it looks pretty clear he shouldn't have released his kite in this scenario. The message is great and all and it's better to release than die but this situation doesn't look like it was the right call. If you look at his GPS track he ended up swimming directly downwind in the off shore wind. If he had either self rescued to the kite and dragged in on it or simply stayed attached with it on safety it would have made his swim to shore much easier and shorter. He can always release the kite once he's closer to shore. What probably happened was that he tried to swim back upwind to shore but couldn't due to waves or current so he though releasing the kite was the right call.

[@justinsmith4562]

The track they showed was from a different kiter.

[@slappyosis]

@@justinsmith4562 What makes you say that? It sure looks like his GPS watch's track and they make it look like his. You can even see the two big straight lines which would be a result of the wrist being under water for times during the swim.

[@justinsmith4562]

@@slappyosis apologies I thought it was a different guy but just rewatched it and realised my mistake.

[@luisoliveira211]

Can you tell me what wind/tides app you are using ? Thanks

[@OurKiteLife]

no tides app, as we kite on a lake, but for wind we use Ikitesurf app

[@dixhuit7078]

Merci, Merci.

[@lovetofly32]

I cant decide what sized kite to get without buying two in case I don't like it or use them enough. We have good winds here in ks with good sized lakes. I want to do this sooo bad! I've skied and done a little wake boarding so I know I could get up with these! It'd be so nice being able to control where you go instead of relying on the boat driver. I'm thinking of a 11m kite. The charts say I need a 12m for our winds up to 24 kts and my weight. But I don't want to get too big in case it's windier or also too small for below 10 kts of wind. Anybody have any suggestions?

[@OurKiteLife]

Talk to local kiters and/or instructors. If you can tap into local knowledge regarding typical conditions that should help make the decision easier!

[@willpursell]

would it be safer to body drag to get back into the beach when out of control? I always try and keep my kite in the air no matter what

[@OurKiteLife]

It really depends on the situation. If you can safely body drag back to shore where you can safely land, then that’s the way to go. But if you’re finding the kite is so uncontrollable that even body dragging with it doesn’t feel safe, then pull safety. Again, really boils down to the situation and your possible exit strategies

[@LS4830]

Hey guys, have you tried triton t1 wing? Could do with an honest review.

[@OurKiteLife]

Hey we haven’t tried it yet. I think there are a couple kiters with them in the city so if we see one on the beach hopefully we can get more details or a review on camera :)

[@ethanweilant5655]

I’m not sure he had the experience for that wind but a rally is just not a good choice for nuking wind. Anything below a 10m rally should not be sold by slingshot and gives people a false sense of safety with a very unsteady and dangerous kite. Glad he is ok:)

[@user-hg1go3ji8n]

You probably don’t know what Is jks the junior snowkite race class Let me tel you litelbit about this - no control after a 14 m/s gust your kite starts to clapping so hard to turn because of 2,19 meter skis and falls is hard as hell because on ice but it’s fun🙃 (Sorry for my English)

[@morayfirthwindsports1972]

Yeah to attempt these conditions you have to be aware you are putting yourself in danger and others if they attempt to rescue you, offshore gutting 50knots, not the best conditions, I'd rather be on the beach drinking a cold beer

[@GaetanoCrisci]

almost all kite company rate their 4m kites with top end of 35/40 knots, there is a reason, trying to keep away people from stupid dangers

[@flipper3691]

I never had to do it, I look at the sky and the water surface upwind and make my decision. Did I miss good shots, sure, did it happen I was happy to be safe and sound, not to mention dry when the crap rolls in, definitely. But one thing and I don’t judge that guy personally, it is something we see often, stretching, stretching and coming in hot asking to get landed in an emergency… I just find that sad, others went back to shore and everybody has to scramble to come help you. We even see a chap who went swimming in the water to help someone else. In December and strong winds, this is never safe for the guy helping. I have helped my share of people and needed help, once in Brazil. Before you stretch your session in the epic zone you should think of others who will have to help you, worry about you, wonder if they should call the emergency services who put their lives on the line to come help you. It was predictable and some guys definitely did not have the level to kite in 25-30knots in there. Stay safe, we had a drowning in Montreal, the guy went under twice and it was finished for him. Most likely got knocked out the second time he went under as he was seen trying to get out of it when he was pulled out of the water. Sad event, things happen fast, happy everybody cam back safe and sound. Thanks for sharing.

[@dumbdumber1885]

Where did his kite end up on the CN tower ?

[@AdrienDestang]

This is the worst kite spot in the world I can't even believe people are kiting there and frothing as much good on you!

[@OurKiteLife]

it's definitely not the friendliest to kite but we love it anyway :)

[@manfredanderson2080]

Pays to know when to come in and when to let your kite go

[@MrHoiikbener]

nice boardleash at 2:35

[@shreddagorge]

Is it a board leash? I can't tell from that quick glimpse. If you saw me on the water you might see something similar, as I use a short kite leash on the front D-ring and a long kite leash hooked on the back handle in case I need to secure a board temporarily while making bar or kite adjustments in the water. I hope he's not kiting with a board leash attached while not wearing a helmet.

[@gummbyandpokey]

Was that also blowing offshore? Stay safe people. Better off sitting out than risking your life and gear

[@OurKiteLife]

yup

[@andrewfrench903]

What songs did you guys use in this video?

[@OurKiteLife]

everything is from Epidemic sound, here's the list: Absolute Power - Hampus Naeselius, Divergent - ooyy, Extraction - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen, Bryant Bark - Dylan Sitts, Our Final Mission - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen

[@mitsaoua]

Where is this taking place?

[@OurKiteLife]

Toronto Canada

[@dunzjost]

Read the weather we say here in the netherlands

[@markwou]

Im glad we don't have trees like that on our beach, i bet i would have destroyed one or two kites😅

[@JamesLamb]

Hmmm... I have my contact info on my board (and lost one), but I don't have my contact info on my kite?!

[@OurKiteLife]

good point haha!

[@Chris_PerthWA]

Some pretty bad choices in a dangerous area. I am a west Australian and concur with @Juddy O'M

[@Sicolirics]

what app is that? What is it's name? 1:24 I kitesurf and I need a very reliable one

[@OurKiteLife]

It’s the Tempest weather station app. Connects directly to our local Tempest weather station and gives live readings. We’ve made a couple videos about it you may want to check out

[@mtumix]

The one in yellow vest: Change your sport to playing skitties....

[@Robbie-sv6wq]

Gusting 50? these are dream conditions..?

[@cbundus]

Who found the kite?

[@OurKiteLife]

marine unit

[@paulmctigue8445]

He get the kite back?

[@OurKiteLife]

No

[@kite666G]

In 60 knots there is no 12 o' clock!

[@SurfCultureCanada]

So where did the kite come on shore? Terrible decisions all around by that kiter, (and others) and you wonder why GTA kiters have so little respect at other launches around Ontario. What happens if someone comes upon the kite washed up on the beach and tries to grab it and it takes off, or the kite launches once washed up??? I can think of all kinds of really bad scenarios!! Really glad I have so many spots in my area that I will never need to kite in the GTA!!

[@leninzambrano3945]

ayayayy,I think it's a little dangerous.

[@thekiteboatparty3568]

i reckon any of the entries at the KOTA could have kited fine in that wind, would love to hear from one of them if i’m right or not, no way in hell i would go out in that wind though even if i had a kite i never used and was inclined toward insurance fraud, as the dude said, life over $

[@OurKiteLife]

I’d imagine a pro kiter who is used to kiting in 35+ knots regularly could handle it. In Ontario anything over 40 knots is usually pretty garbage wind - extremely gusty to the point of being unrideable, so while a pro could manage, it probably wouldn’t be enjoyable…

[@SimcoeAce]

@@OurKiteLife Exactly. In fact, no point in going out in wind like that, even with a 5m kite it's going to be brutal.

[@OurKiteLife]

Agreed :)

[@jjouh]

@@SimcoeAce the guy was clearly a beginner++, peronaly, if i were on the beach, I would have told him NOT to go. After if there is an accident, the consequences are for the all spot community with new regulations = the spot be could closed to kiters.

[@user-wangyu]

my god Sea not pond I am totally scared I can only launch a boat in the River or small lake

[@gustavocutillas3238]

i can see a lack of experience in the guy who lost the kite

[@countryroadstakemehome]

it just looks scary when you're floating around with shark friends beneath..

[@KevinKevin-qw4vk]

Good thing this is in a fresh water lake. No sharks to worry about. Maybe a few old tires or hypes.

[@countryroadstakemehome]

@@KevinKevin-qw4vk thats open ocean..

[@KevinKevin-qw4vk]

Ok bud.

[@countryroadstakemehome]

@@KevinKevin-qw4vk it has waves m8

[@KevinKevin-qw4vk]

Yes it does. Sometimes it has very large waves even. I was just out on Lake Erie which is to the south in 8-12 foot waves, still fresh water, still no sharks. I’m thinking you gotta be trolling right? It’s Lake Ontario man, one of the Great Lakes.

[@karsten9167]

Guy with yellow lycra... 🤦

[@dumbdumber1885]

You guys and gals really push the limits IMHO. I got 5,7,11m fuels. I go in winds from 10 to 25kts. I can go in 20kts with the 5m cos it's faster than a house fly. I won't go out with ANY kite in 30kts, at least not on purpose. I'm 145lbs and yes I'm a 5th line pussy. Nice video though. Hellish launch and landing spot from what I could tell. 100km and kite should never be used in the same sentence lol.

[@juliangarcia1515]

What ?? I use a dice 9mts between 18-32 kts i'm 165lbs . It always a calculation between wind, weight, size of the Kite and the skills of the rider. Yo can ride un 40kts if you have the appropiate Kite

[@timwatterman401]

Unfortunately, you can't teach common sense. Laurie, you got out when you felt a little uncomfortable, smart move, and yes, maybe you could have stayed out a little longer, but why? A few others came in as it really started to get bad, and had a difficult time landing or getting in, borderline smart. The last guy, as someone else pointed out, was obviously not a strong kiter to begin with, but opted to go back out, albeit on a smaller kite. Despite the fact that the forecast was for much higher wind, a wind change of direction, and with higher wind differentials (the wind between the lows and the highs - much gustier). Didn't anyone on the beach try to talk him out of it? Personally, I would have told people not to even launch him, which I have done in the past and will continue to do. Professional kiters, who weigh around 140 - 160 pounds are going out in winds of 40 - 50 knots with kites from 7 - 8 meters. Who has a 5 meter kite, why? Unless you only weigh 100 pound or less. Thankfully, the young man made it off the water intact. I seriously hope he learned something from that, maybe he won't have to loose another kite in the future. Noobs, while the forecast for your area might not be dead on correct, it will give you a idea of what you can expect. If you decide to ignore those forecasts, then you just might wind up like this guy, or much worse. He was out there by himself, no one on shore can help him. If a Lifeguard or Coast Guard vessel is sent to aide him, then you are putting those other lives in jeopardy as well. He released the kite to save himself, smart move, but if he had not gone out on the smaller kite to begin with, then no problem. 1. While he is safer, and can swim back to shore, he still has a tough swim ahead of him. Better than being attached to a kite for sure! 2. Now there is a loose kite and 20 meters of line drifting across the lake that can get tangled in any number of things, including potentially another person. Which puts them at risk. I have16 years experience kiting, just so people know where I am coming from. Keep up the great content!

[@OurKiteLife]

We do talk people out of going kiting several times a year, and many times locals refuse to launch kites. There has also been instances (and footage) that we never published of dangerous situations we have witnessed. With that said, when the rider went out on a 5 meter, it was not unreasonable as the wind had died down. Riders have gone on 5/4m kites before without any issue under the same wind conditions. This time the offshore switch was the killer. What the switch did was introduce turbulent flow into the mix, as the wind was blowing offshore over large buildings upwind.

[@Ryy22]

Pretty irresponsible to be out alone on the water in these conditions. You always need a buddy, thats what the buddy system is for. Could have dragged him back/closer to shore and with extra weight it would have been safer for both

[@karisma1]

Why kite in such conditions? Wing surf or windsurf is so much more safe and fun in those kinds of winds.

[@galactock]

I prefer kiting ... I've launched the biggest air and had most fun on my lil 6m by far!

[@RhinoBusiness23]

LOL

[@johnjoedaly]

Someone downtown got a free 5m kite 😂

[@MrFaberzen]

My thought too, but I was thinking getting a free kite at 100km/h while walking along the street wouldn't be very nice...

[@shreddagorge]

@@MrFaberzen someone released a kite in Alameda, California several years ago and it blew onto the road and caused a car crash.

[@FUTBOLOCO90]

He said "on a 5 meter kite which is ridiculous" Bruhh, what is really ridiculous is that you are kiting on a 5 Meter in December with that nasty weather, pack your shit, fly to the Caribbean for the weekend and kite and get back if that's the huge urgency to kite... But never get in the water with a 5 meter, there's no point 😂

[@TKM11370]

The guy on the 5 was so foolish, he could have been the reason you lost your spot for kiting. That 5m he was on is a big 5m. Not all kite types are comparable in power, an 8m Edge is more powerful than a 10m C kite. Go figure. Given what happened to one of your locals last year, that's some really foolish shit to be involved with. Glad it was only the kite that was lost.

[@KevinKevin-qw4vk]

I’ve never been to this spot but it looks a lot like most spots on the Canadian side of Lake Erie I’ve ridden, total kook fest.

[@HaIPeHaOP]

Why nobody is talking about landing this red North kite? XD

[@Blubba36]

"...good to get out and be safe" 🙃 But don't blame that guy for that. This can easily happen in such rough conditions, specially in spots like this with trees and other obstacles. Just keep an eye open - can save you and others from getting injured.

[@OurKiteLife]

That clip made us laugh when we watched it back - it had to be included 😄 definitely not his fault - you have to bring the kite down quick in that spot because of the wind shadow. If it’s brought down too slowly it can fall back and into the trees. It was my fault for being distracted (filming) and not paying attention to what was going on.

[@glasstraxx]

id be pumping up that 7m and launching gg cyaaaaaaaa. srsly if you ever get overpowered the best thing you can do is get low and pull the bar into your hips and really edge with the kite super low going really slowly upwind. your really fucked if you come off the board.

[@warrenp8502]

There's always that one jackass that has to push it...

[@Bryan-Wouzel]

Not to be offensive, but this video badly misses the mark. In my humble opinion, it should be way more about not going out when you don't have the skills. It should also be about refusing to launch people when you know the conditions are headed south. He obviously didn't have the skills to be out, and dumping your kite to go for a 45 minute winter swim could have resulted in death as well. Misunderstanding the lesson and thinking that "letting go of kite to save your life" is what should be learned, is wrong.

[@johnnykhawand]

Why would a guy own a 5m kite?

[@shreddagorge]

Kitefoiling, Rufus swell in high winds... IDK anyone who doesn't where I live.

[@perman57]

Winter on snow and skis. Takes way less wind than in summer on water.

[@johnnykhawand]

@@perman57 Not where i live unfortunately, i ordered the Flysurfer PEAK so hopefully i get something out of it this snow season.