I've been windsurfing in BIG waves and BIG wind for many years on a different continent, so I am pretty used to changing ocean conditions. I got myself into trouble a few times over the years, but nothing too serious.

I took up kitesurfing 2 years ago (best thing I could ever have done) and progressed quite quickly, but obviously far from being an expert.

I love sailing at Orewa where the conditions generally seems reasonably consistent and nothing to worry about.

Even though I know how dangerous the sport can be, I was rather shocked when I read the "Accident Report" in a few issues of the online "The Kiteboarder Magazine" on how easily things can go very wrong even with very experienced riders.

Has there ever been any serious kitesurfing accidents at Orewa and the Auckland region, excluding the ones which were just out of plain stupidity?

yep, nearly all have been on the land or on rocks or against walls, vehicles buildings. Kites may have more depower nowdays but things still go wrong and there is no substitute for keeping your distance/ common sense. Bridles/pullies/ leader lines /bar and lines can get tangled/fail and suddenly steer you where you don't want to be going - you never know - just about anything can happen to any kite really - distance from solid objects is what will save your ass.

seen an ambulance collect 3 people from orewa that come up onto the grass (caught lines in trees / slipped on grass / lofted etc.. (especially when it is windy) 2 or 3 dragged over the rocks - ie lauched in front of them at higher tide..

all avoidable really - which i guess is why i posted this to share the info njoi