TRAGIC ACCIDENT ON THE NORTH COAST

June 15, 2007
TRAGIC ACCIDENT ON THE NORTH COAST
The Caution team is deeply saddened to report the first kite related fatality on the north coast of Santa Cruz. The Caution team sends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the 18 year old man whose life was ended prematurely while flying a kite at Panther beach on the north coast on Thursday, June 14, 2007.

Although the information regarding the accident is still coming out, the preliminary reports indicate that the accident involved an 8M C-kite and was most likely due to the operator’s inexperience and the dangers associated with flying a kite at that specific location.

This tragic and unfortunate loss is a reminder that kitesurfing is an extreme sport and that all individuals in the kitesurfing community, from beginners to sponsored team riders, face the risk of serious injury or death. We encourage all individuals in the kitesurfing community to take a moment to reflect on this loss, and contemplate how we might better ensure the safety of ourselves, our peers and the public. If nothing else, please remind all beginners of the importance of investing in kitesurfing instruction from a certified kitesurfing instructor.