windsurfing has just been cancelled...

[na-omi]

[boxsterboy]

US Sailing statement supporting their decision to back kitesurfing.

http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/new...ling-Statement

Interesting to see that his statement only talks about why kitesurfing should be included, and doesn't mention at all why windsurfing should be excluded to make way for the kites.

Of all the Olympic sailing disciplines, windsurfing is by far the most accessible, and has far higher participation levels. So why exclude it and not one of the others? Simple. Windsurfers - by and large - don't wear blazers.

So, kitists, if you don't want to get the boot in a few years time, get down your tailors!

[spiraldive]

Interesting (and sad) to read that Silke Gorldt's death was caused by a line tangle during a race.

I appreciate that they come with quick release nowadays but it appears that you have to be pretty quick.

On a slight digression, what a tool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Z5ohwunDx-k

[Duncan Adam]

Interesting (and sad) to read that Silke Gorldt's death was caused by a line tangle during a race.

I appreciate that they come with quick release nowadays but it appears that you have to be pretty quick.

On a slight digression, what a tool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Z5ohwunDx-k

Thats got to hurt "dude" !

[jwlbrace]

he's a **** for not wearing a helmet.... the irony is the way it's being reported, we are supposed to be impressed.

[boards_ronnie]

Interesting (and sad) to read that Silke Gorldt's death was caused by a line tangle during a race.

I appreciate that they come with quick release nowadays but it appears that you have to be pretty quick.

They weren't actually racing. They were having freestyle heats and as far as I remember it, Silke was coming in from a women's heat and her lines ended up crossed with the lines of a man going out for a men's heat. He released his kite but Silke couldn't get free from her's in time and was being pulled by 2 kites. There was a breakwater downwind and other obstacles beyond it.

The safety systems now available are very good and the kites are much more controllable. It still comes down a lot to the kiter's ability to be prepared and react correctly. Nowadays kites can be depowered a lot first without having to be released, then completely released if anyone is still in danger.

This is a good video, which shows how much control the best riders have to be able to slalom race 70cm wide raceboards and win.
In the tangle at the start of a course race, one of the kites was cut free by another kites lines cutting through all 4 lines. Key thing is not to tangle kites at the start, which takes a lot of skill, experience and a cool head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiMMMhFYQcQ

[markski]

anyway, turns out it isn't (cancelled). funny how things work out