goldmiddleman

For what its worth I have had a 9/12 quiver for the last 3 years and use the 12 for 90% of the time, as we are going into the summer I reckon buying a kite around this size would be the best option as you will struggle on the 9 unless the wind is hankin

Don't worry! there are no plans for legislation at the moment. What I am looking at is a mechanism for mainly beginners to get free advice on where/when to KS on the Gower and what kit to use without putting others in Danger. John is right, I have seen many incidences myself of tw@ts, including the guy at Oxwich last year cranking figure of 8's with a Blade 4.9 over kids building sandcastles, as a Parent myself its enough to make your stomach churn thinking of what could go wrong! Trouble is the 'authorities' (of which there are many on the Gower as alunj points out) generally dont distinguish between 'big' kites so these numpties are jeopardising the future of kiting at certain locations. I am still looking for recorded incidents involving 3rd parties (anywhere in the UK) if anyone has any to strengthen my case? Pete

Hi All, its been a while All the 'safety' related threads I have found seem to relate to the safety of kiters themselves; does anyone have any quotable references to incidents involving clashes with other beach/water users? I am trying to present an effective management strategy for kite surfing on certain Gower beaches and although simple zoning (North of the river) was successful in my previous study on Llangennith is is neither feasible nor justifiable on the other beaches in the area. I need the accident data to back up my strategy proposals. All stakeholders will be involved and the aim is to create a guide for where and when (and where not/when not) to kite in the area and ultimately prevent any blanket bans. Any info would be much appreciated Pete

Thats funny, last we spoke you were going to buy the 34 inchers off me & was going back to my 32's whos the fatty now?

Great feed back guys, I will push for bigger signs after we meet with all stakeholders, i.e. National Trust, Hillend campsite owners and possibly local authority. Big thanks to Matt from Gower Kiteriders who initiated the process, check out the website for an indication of what beach is working www.gowerkiteriders.com

Well done all the kiters in Llangennith on Sunday, everyone kept north of the river. I interviewed a few because I am doing a pilot study for official zoning of the beach so that kiters stay in this area, reducing conflict with other beach users and minimising the risk of a bystander injury (which will almost certainly lead to a ban). Sorry I did not get a chance to speak to Mark & the Aber massive, will catch you again. Everyone I spoke with had seen the signs (temporary ones especially for the bank holiday) and those who had not must have seen all the kiters up that end of the beach and just followed suit. Thanks again guys and girls, I will keep you informed of the progress. Pete

Poles are more or less right in front of 'Gay' carpark (named for obvious reasons) in front of singleton hospital. There is a sandbank about 3/4 tide out that creates a nice lagoon for a while and the poles are about 100metres the seward side of the sandbank in a long and painful looking line. Best keep to the right side of them (In front of the pitch and putt) This is the spot to go in Swansea Bay. Nothing but sand (& a bit of granny's custard!) between gay car park and Blackpill lido towards Mumbles. Would not advise getting to close to Mumbles end as wind can get very unpredictable and there are a lot of moorings to get caught on! North East Easterly is just about ok & low tide is fine. Not much beach left on a big high tide so there are public saftey issues, can also get a bit gusty. On a good south easterly this spot can be classic

Guru & Xc predicting a bit of wind for Sat, picking up around lunchtime - anyone up for it? (North of the river of course:D)

Poles are more or less right in front of 'Gay' carpark (named for obvious reasons) in front of singleton hospital. There is a sandbank about 3/4 tide out that creates a nice lagoon for a while and the poles are about 100metres the seward side of the sandbank in a long and painful looking line. Best keep to the right side of them (In front of the pitch and putt)

'Kin ell dudes, lighten up, all someone did was take the piz out of his accent. Now how about that virtual group hug?

You are raising a very important issue that is affecting us all, it is only a matter of time before we see summer bans all over if we are not careful. Take my local gaf, Llangennith. It was carnage last year in the summer, the unwritten rule of no kiting south of the river was only adhered to by those in the know (there is a sign apparently, but it must be small because I have never seen it). We had inexperienced kiters amongst the surfers and paddlers with kites banging down on the water. We had landboarders screaming up the beach weaving between toddlers, just picture the possibilities! We need to get defined zonation of all busy kiting spots for the summer periods before there is a needless accident that will smear the sport and as previously said lead to a blanket ban. This should be tied in to a statutory requirement for proof of third party insurance (proved by a yearly sticker like the British Surfing Assosiation used to offer - come on BKSA, sort it out!) This would give local councils a method of policing off the idiots, who undoubtedly would not bother to get insurance. Hope your cause gathers momentum

Pity it leeks like a mofo;)

[quote=paulie_amoose;1416298 Hahah... That was you with moody arm folding action going on!! I was wondering why you weren't going out, I just figured you were the other dudes kite b!tch!!! Who's the spoilt brat now!!!!!!!!!!! Hear that Jofrski, I'm the dude & your the B!tch Truth hurts

Thanks Pete, does that mean I can upgrade my bar with a new depower strap & 5th line kit?

What ever happened to 'Townhill With Attitude Team' (TWAT)?

Jimsquirt - u are lucky u didn't rip u'r leg open, those poles are freakin sharp - best keep to the right of them! Don't think a drysuit would be any tougher, maybe slightly ripwise

Someone must know the answer to this mystery, surely it is not beyond the collective genius that constitutes this forum's 'hive' mind:D

One of them things yew just bought yew feckin BOMO! Actually, now i think about it, technically we is both HYsexuals:eek:

One of them things yew just bought yew feckin BOMO!

As the title suggests, can you use the Ion 1 bar/lines with the new Ion 2 in 4 line bridled mode? Don't really want to fork out 249 on another bar just yet!

Just use normal gloves & Boots - the oniel 1.5mm ones are super flexi though, you don't know u are wearing them. Use gul wetsut booties with the velcro top thingy - seems to work well, no 'fat ankles' like I used to get when wearing a wetsuit. Just chuck the gloves on no probs, don't bother tucking them in. Broughton is an awsome spot but rocks can be a problem when tide comes up (as can the wind - which can get quite gusty), but just go further around to Whitford side which is great at all stages. (careful of the rip though - it is an Estuary!) Works great on Northwesterly/ northerly but can get away with a NWW due to the wrap around effect of the wind on the penninsular. Doc - see you soon mate, got u details. I am away next week but aftwe that well up for a sesh.

What about a survey of what people actually pay for Kitesurfing kit compared to what they tell their missus it cost? Seriously tho - what about access and zoning? If we don't designate areas on the Gower soon peeps will get hurt this summer. Then we is banned. This would be a interesting and useful subject matter. You could interview all the local guys for their opinions for your primary data, & tie it in with the local authority.

Finally decided on the Astro over the pyro for financial reasons. Tried the suit on 3 times in the house before it stopped feeling weird. (I think it is a little tall for me being a medium and I am 5'6. But to fat/muscly for the small!). Down the beach, chucked on my thermal undies and a thin fleece top, donned the suit and I was redy to go. First thing I noticed was the freedom, it was like walking around in comfy clothes. Setting up down the beach was a doddle, warm as toast. Timing was perfect, we the tide was just turning and the wind picked up. Launched and walked into the warer - strange no difference WHATSOEVER! surf was maxxed out so stayed in the inside going for the head high reformers. Got plenty of batterings on the closeouts and a couple of rinsings. Left the water, packed up & strolled to the van. Let my mate change first (UNHEARD OF!) because I was still boiling (I'm a right freezer normally). Took off the suit - Not a drop of moisture on my thermals, no leaks and no sweaty horribleness either (suit is breathable). All I can say is Drysuits rock, why did I not buy one before? It turned what would have been a survival session into an enjoyable afternoon. Build quality seems excellent. IMO real value for money. BUY ONE wetsuitoutlet.com do them for 235