Had an awesome session at Trigg today with the added bonus of watching one of the big helitacks flying out over the ocean, filling up with water to dump on the fire in Trigg bushland.
The skill of the pilot was amazing, bringing the chopper to around 2 metres above the surface whilst the pump drew the water up, then banking over to fly back to the fire site and dropping the load. The swell wasn't huge but there were a few big waves coming through. Additionally he had a few kites to avoid.
Watched him refill and fly over at least 6 times - was an amazing sight that I will remember for a long time.
They seem to be really effective as well, they had the fire under control quickly and I understand no homes were damaged.
Yeah, Saw the beginning of that fire from contacio's Thought St Mary's was on fire.
Big up to the pilot's in what was depowered 6m conditions for me.
I dunno about you but if you see a pilot going that close to pick up water, why would you be kiting around him? You even mentioned he had to dodge the kites sometimes. I'm sure he loved that challenge! Not. Just seems a bit stupid to put his life in risk if he accidentally hits you or even worse houses and other people's lives at risk because you wanted to kite.
Great session !!! So much action going on - just made it into the car park before the road closure - so just had to do a 3 hr session - only a handful out there, was a bit concerned about the low vis paddlers when the copter came in for the big scoop, kiters were easier to see - I think the pilot was having as much fun as we were, I could see his big grin !
I'm having a day off to catch some crabs now
I only say so because my uncle is a qualified firefighting heli pilot and I understand how dangerous it is (thermals, water collection, snagging etc). Just thought kites would have been a bad mix 
All you folk from WA for some reason are allways nagging at each other.....
Whats with that? Daylight savings? fluoride in the water?
Was a great sesh at Trigg and having the road closed kept the crowds down for those of us already out.
The skill of the pilot was certainly spectacular and the speed they fill up again was something to see. They seemed to get the fire under control quickly.
I was hoping to see some of the footage from the news choppers on the evening news but it didn't make it.
Good news no homes were damaged.
This is a pic i took yesterday while shooting a few kitesurfing pics at Brighton. "Elvis" looked great out there over Trigg
& that was some brilliant flying by the pilot.
