a french kitesurfer aged 42 died at the " JAI " beach near marseille yesterday.
on a strong 35 knots, on shore mistral day, the accident happened just after launching the kite, keeping it at noon, while trying to sort out something on the bar, crashed on a big rock by the car park. we wish to express our thoughts and deepest sympathy to the familly. may he rest in peace. rv.
We french kiters all follow that very carefully on french forums, Such a tragedy! All my condolences to his familie and friends, he was a married guy with 2 kids
A few lessons to be learnt here.
The guy was with a 6.5m, and the wind was gusty. a gust at 40 to 45kn took him away.
He was a total beginner, learning from a friend who had been kiting for 4 years, and who was holding on to his harness. I teach, and trust me when a strong gust hits and the beginner has the kite fully powered, you CANNOT hold on to the harness. it is so fast and violent that he/she WILL get thrown out of your hands.
This guy had no intention of going in the water, as he was wearing a tshirt and shorts, he was just practicing his kite skills on the beach.
Please guys, I know we all have heard people talking about going out in 40kn on a 9, but those of us who do that are fairly experienced and we know all the safety tips in this kind of weather that can save a life like:
-launch and land as close to the water as possible, with a hand on the main release. this way, if anything goes wrong, the kite is immediately out! (btw, check your release every once in a while, even better if you do it every time. sometimes, even rinced thoroughly, sand and salt will get stuck and will compromise the release. Also, always rince your bar after EVERY session)
-never EVER keep your kite steady at 12o'clock, if a gust kicks, you will get pulled up, and once at 2 m high, you'll hesitate to release, either thinking that you will be able to land safely(90% of the time you WILL be wrong) or that if you release you'll break something... well let me tell you that: Better break your ankle rather than your back bone, and that would be the best that could happen
---> so keep your kite low in the window, and that is to be done in EVERY condition, as you never know when a gust will hit, and also because beginners with their kites at 12 are annoying for other riders
--> having the kite low will give you extra weight if a gust hits, as you cant generate a strong force on the sand
-go to the water as quickly as possible
-if you are the kind of people who ride with a board leash (some experienced riders do ride with them, which in my opinion is a big mistake, except in certain conditions like big waves or strong current) DO NOT tie your leash before your are on the water!
-A beginner in more than 30kn, especially on land, even with a 3m kite, put his life AND other's at risk!
-Beginners should not train in strong winds, but if they do (very steady wind, safe place...), which I do not recommend, have them go in the water, in a place where the wont hurt themselves or others
Well I think I have covered a few important things, surely I forgot some so feel free to add everything you think is crucial to keep our sport as safe as possible, and so we can keep riding freely. In France, many spots are starting to be purely forbidden. I'd hate to see that happen in here!
Cheers
Oh also, imagine how the friend feels now, so if you teach your mates (again.. not really recommended, but well, I started on my own so I wont criticize) keep that in mind... and only teach in a safe place, and not in strong winds. The beginner does not need power at first as he is not getting on the board, so he can train in weaker winds than the recommended lower part of the wind range of the kite.
As long as the kite flies properly it's good to go (again, in winds not stronger than 17-18 kn, if your are not an instructor - we instructors are not superheros or anything, but having taught many times, we expect the mistakes and have more reflexes. Things that seems very logical and that we riders don't even think about after a few years, are totally unnatural! )
--> so the best thing is still to get lessons, and be curious about all those accidents. Why did it happen, how to avoid it or at least minimize the risks? Kitesurfing is safe, if you stay humble and if you do everything properly! And that applies to every single rider!!!
A terrible story indeed... 
30 knots is no place for a beginner, and friends shouldn't let friends go out when the weather is clearly beyond their limits.
Sorry I post so much in this thread but I relay loads of things that have been said or that I have heard
A few fellow riders have replied on the french forum, as they were there on the scene when it happened.
Even though they all thought it was indeed very dangerous to do that, none of them actually went to see them to tell them their mistake, and they all really regret now.
So without being patronizing, if you see such behavior, go and see the person, talk to them to expose the risks, just tell them what I said on my first post, and try as hard as you can to make them change their mind about going out in dangerous conditions. I know you will feel bad to be the annoying guy who tells people not to do things, but you will feel worse if something happens and you if did not say anything... And if they don't listen to you, which in my opinion means the guy does not know what he is getting into and has nothing to do kiting, at least you tried!
It is not because nothing happened 2 or 3 times that the next time can't be fatal!
Herve thanks for posting.
Condolences to his family and friends from the pinna crew.
The most important thing you will learn in structured professional lessons is safety, location selection, and hazard identification.
RIP,
sometimes noobs don't know it is dangerous. Definitely a good idea to have a chat with them. I really appreciated when people gave me tips when I was learning ( I did have pro lessons).
Ditto to Steve Kitepowers comments.
Definitely dont apologise Doudou. Your feedback was of immense value here.
Cant believe anyone would have a beginner on the beach in those conditions. As someone said the beginner may not be aware of the dangers - they need to be advised.
We should all just do it as a rule of our kite community.
Doesnt have to be that extreme before advise is offered. Yes it may not be 'cool' or comfortable but if you go about it the right way you will find very few who dont appreciate your 'help'.
I know it can catch anyone out but thorough teaching of the quick release - method & importance of being prepared for instant action - is essential before going anywhere near a kite. Not a consideration when its mates teaching mates - sadly.
So sad for the kids 
Totally unnecessary life long consequences.
And another lost soul who never got to experience the stoke.
I told a complete beginner once (on a 35kt offshore wind day) to "cease his foolish actions"... He told me..."I'm ok mate " and continued off... Not 2 minutes later he was lofted and dumped onto the compacted sand and then into the water....
Letting some one know of the dangers, doesn't mean they'll listen!
BTW...I drove off.... He went to hospital.... I never saw him kite again.....funny that!
In France, fellow kitesurfers do not pay attention to
other people's advice, and personnally, I have to admit that
I don't bother any more - (I don't feel comfortable about this...)
on my last session on a dangerous spot, I told a guy that
the red end of the bar had to be on the left side and
he replied, don't worry, I've "surfed" before 
on their first kite lesson, future kiters should be taught
to listen and welcome advice from others, with a bit of humility
this would really avoid useless deaths
Sorry to hear Herve, our thoughts go out to the family hope there are no more incidents for the season. Kite safe to all.
Donna and Nick
SUPER GOOD INFO there man, your bang on with everything
