Looks like I am the record holder for the most self-rescues from out on Raglan bar anyway....

Not sure if this is something to be proud of though 'cos two have been because of my sheer complacency, familiiarity breeds contempt so they say. Every so often Nature will give you a good kicking if you don't stay aware that you are but a speck of shit in the sands of time.

Anyway I just thought that I would remind you all that if you're kiting in Raglan;

# Use a kite size that will be really powered in the channel - so you will have enough power in the waves & eddies.

# Make doubly sure of your lines and kite - don't use any equipment that is showing serious signs of wear.

# Are you a good swimmer ? You need to have surf-swimming experience & no panic. Have a clear plan of how you will get back to shore.

# If you do have gear failure or your kite won't relaunch & you get sucked out, always stay with the equipment that has the most bouyancy - usually your kite, which will get you back to shore if there is wind or can otherwise be your rolled-up life-raft, so long as your struts are inflated. Body surfing with a TT is O.K. but if there's no waves it's better to swim beside one than try paddling it surfboard style.

# Wearing a bright rashy is not only kiter-cool, it will help to get you noticed by the coastguard or your mates if you're unlucky enough to be seperated from all your gear. Wear a hook knife, have it readily accessible in case you get wrapped up in your lines..... If you ever end up in amongst the grinding, spitting, heaving Raglan outer - bar this is a real possibility.

# Kite with a buddy & mates but don't rely on them to get you out of the shit..... sometimes you will just have to do it yourself.

This may be useful info-

Tim brought back a meaty hook knife he bought from Top Hat in Oahu and it is well up to the job unlike some of the poxy little rusty harness knives that are out there and could not cut through leaders or maybe even kiteline in a difficult situation.

gerber LMF II Safety Knife used for cutting seatbelts in a hurry.




Yeah it is unlikely you will ever need it but if you are going to have one you may as well have one that is going to work - especially now that kiteboarders are more likely to ride in big waves that could stick you in a dirty closeout. Been trying to get one for myself but only available from US. Just look at Mike Cann's lines on www.nzkiter.com picture of the week after dealing with big surf Waitaraa and a snapped line... at one point both legs tied up in it...