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Inability to detach kite from harness triggers rescue missions
Wednesday, 07 September 2011 15:23

Kitesurfing: learn before you go

More than 83% of kitesurfing related off shore rescue missions in Cape Town, South Africa, were attributed to inability to detach the kite from the harness. These are the results of a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and conducted by six researchers.

The aim of the study is to provide more information on the frequency, pattern, and severity of kite surfing related injuries.The observation period for this study started on October 1, 2003 and ended on May 1, 2004 and included 30 air rescue missions.

Data and information were collected prospectively. The Air Mercy Service in Cape Town Province responded to 30 requests for help. Injuries occurred in five incidents and included fractures of the upper arm, ribs and ankle, and lacerations and contusions to the head and neck.

Two patients, out of 30, suffered from hypothermia and one experienced severe exhaustion. All surfers were rescued successfully and there were no fatal accidents.

Researchers believe the risk potential of kiteboarding is unclear. Dangerous situations can occur despite proper training and safety precautions due to unpredictable conditions and difficulties with equipment.

Safety should be stressed. Surfers should sailing with a fellow kiter and should wear a life vest. More efforts must be taken to make this booming new water sport safer.


 

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SURFING

Tom Butler and Sebastian Steudtner want the biggest waves in Europe
17/06/2013
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Tom Butler and Sebastian Steudtner had a busy winter chasing huge swells around Europe.
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Oney Anwar shines in the 2013 Oakley Pro Bali Trials
17/06/2013
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Oney Anwar has taken out the 2013 Oakley Pro Bali Trials, at Keramas, and secured a ticket to the main event where he will battle Jordy Smith and Matt Wilkinson.
One of Indonesia's most promising talents, Anwar defeated Putra Hermawan in the final, staged in 2-3 foot waves at Keramas, leaving his opponent requiring a near perfect score of 9.10 on the siren. Oney attended Palm Beach Currumbin High School, in Australia's Gold Coast, and was apart of the schools sports excellence program.


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KITEBOARDING

Kiteracing Oceanic Championships set for Western Australia
13/06/2013
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The inaugural Kiteracing Oceanic Championships will be sailed in Leighton Beach, Western Australia, between 10th-15th December.
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Sam Light clinches the 2013 Triple-S Invitational
11/06/2013
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Sam Light has taken the overall 2013 Triple-S Invitational title, held in Cape Hatteras, USA.
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WINDSURFING

Antoine Albeau sails to victory at the 2013 PWA Catalunya World Cup
17/06/2013
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Antoine Albeau has conquered the 2013 PWA Catalunya World Cup, in Spain. The final took four hours to be completed, due to the gusty and shifty winds.
Albeau has tasted his inaugural season triumph, on the beautiful shores of Costa Brava, to halt Bjorn Dunkerbeck from claiming the title, for the first time, in three years. The French sailor demonstrated his perfectly timed starts time and time again, along with a phenomenal top speed to blow the competition out of the water.


Winds kick up the "Ultimate Windsurf Game"
14/06/2013
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A group of video game developers are working on the "Ultimate Windsurf Game", an update of the "Windsurfing MMX".
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BODYBOARDING

Has Jake Stone's 720 air rotation set the future of bodyboarding?
17/06/2013
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Jake Stone has landed the first 720 air in competitive bodyboarding. Will this move set a standard in the future of the sport?
The first 720 rotation in skateboarding was completed, for the the first time, by Tony Hawk in 1985. Two full mid-air rotations. Fourteen years later, the same Tony Hawk would upgrade it to 900, at the X Games. Skaters have already pushed the limits of aerial rotations. In 2012, a 12-year-old rider by the name of Tom Schaar landed the "impossible" 1080, on the Woodwa [ ... ]


Amaury Lavernhe claims the 2013 Itacoatiara Pro
17/06/2013
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Amaury Lavernhe has claimed the 2013 Itacoatiara Pro, in the waves of Brazil.
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