Recently I have been helping my daughter out with lessons.Obviously as a kiting beginner she became quite nervous with kiters ripping it up around her. We ensure we made the effort to get clear and downwind of most riders but it does become an issue getting clear of everyone.
My question is would it be possible through the AKSA or the kite schools to promote having a designated coloured flouro rashie or similiar to identify the kiter as a learner. It could have several benefits in not only people giving the noobie a wider berth it may also help with safety aspects if they find themselves in a mess launching and riding and experienced kiters being the friendly folk they are may be able to assist.
Would be happy to here if this is done already at any locations and as usual I am behind the times ! ??
Yeah I think this is a good idea but then there are a few other questions:
What is a high enough skills level to not wear a learners rashie anymore? going upwind?
Do you decide yourself when you do not need the rashie anymore or do you have to go through a certain test to test your skill level?
Should these rashies be provided by schools as part of a lesson package?
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All and all though I think its a brilliant idea!!
good idea!! especially for those busy days
maybe a hi vis helmet since newbies spend a lot of time in the water
i would have worn one till i was confident with upwind, controlled stopping and right of way kite positions
This sounds like some thing the government would do if they were in control and to get off your P's you would have to pass a test ! upwind ? maybe .. give way rules more so !
Good idea i guess but hardly going to be enforced or taken up because no one wants to be singled out.
Can't see Aksa taking it up.
I think you should just designate a colour yourself and spread the word as much as possible and hope people are listening and it catches on. Good luck mate!
Fellow Aussies. We dont need to wait for the government, or regulation, or the police, to make a rule or enforce something, before it happens.
Just encourage people to do it of their own accord. I would have loved wearing a beginners shirt, and getting even more help.
AKSA could recommend a color, and people could choose to wear it. Yellow?
You dont need rules about licensing to progress, or any of that. Taking responsibility for myself includes letting others know I'm a beginner, and being ready to listen to advice.
I'm really impressed that the majority of posters so far are supportive of this idea. To be honest I was expecting the grumpy buggers to have written it off by now!
I tend to agree with the idea - no licencing or anything needed, just noobs self-identifying and as a result everybody benefits. Perhaps the only official stuff needed (which could happen in due time) would be to get IKO and BKSA etc to accept a particular colour as the noob colour so they can promote the idea during lessons.
Cheers
In my opinion, a helmet with a bright floatation vest is enough to identify anyone as a beginner, not to mention it keeps the learner safer. Most advanced kiters I know will stay way clear of anyone wearing helmets and floatation vests, it's just common sense.
A few years back there was a similar thread to this one. Except in place of the rashie, a small flag/ribbon attached to a line of the kite.
Then they are visible from a distance, and when bodydragging (maybe hidden behind swell) can still be identified as a beginner.
I would have loved something like that when I was learning.
I reckon a helmet would be the way to go! When I was younger I wore a yellow helmet(enforced by my mum) every time I went for a kite, and to this day people still remember me and my yellow helmet..
They are far more visible then a rashie in my opinion, especially if you're spending a bit of time in the water more so then up on your board.. Not only helps identify learners but keeps you that extra bit safe as well (:
I think it's a great idea!
As a beginner I admit I wouldn't have worn one. Why? Cause I'd probably fell like a bit of a wanker when I put one on. I hate drawing attention, that's the reason why I don't wear yellow shirts down to the shops.
It's a good idea in theory, but I bet if L plates on cars weren't mandatory they wouldn't be used as frequently. Something on your line, like a telltale, would be the only viable option I could see.
Sounds like a good idea, but at the end of the day, the only people that cant spot a Newbie a mile off are other Newbies.
If people are not giving your daughter space now, I doubt a coloured rashie will make any difference.
Best have gentle word with the idiots getting to close to her, it should not happen. I've noticed when Im teaching my son's, people do give them more space, which is great. No reason they should not be doing that where you are too.
Hope it does not put her off.
I think its a really good idea. Having recently graduated from newby status, I would have been more than happy to have had a way of letting experienced kiters know I was a hazard. In lessons its not so important as you have an instructor looking after you.
Its that phase when you first start heading out on your own, that it would be a good thing.
Always good to be throwing ideas out there but i dont think it is necessary. More experienced kiters should have the awareness of knowing who is a learner by the kiters body language.
As a rule i stay clear of anyone in the water who isnt up on their board. A rule with kiting is the same as driving a car. Never assume the other drivers know your there or know how to drive properly that way you avoid incident.
The vests wont make a difference as the people who kite too close to others wont give a **** whether you are wearing a vest or a yellow flashing light on your head.
The Dongs on the money.Learners are easy to spot through body posture , kite control and there is more than one person in the water. What is really needed is for experienced riders to stop posing to the noobs and just give them more room.
