The SCKA Safety Clinic was a smashing success!!!

Saturday September 27 and Sunday the 28th.

This was our third SCKA Safety Clinic and it was a smashing success with 41 kiters that showed up. Thanks to Francis Hu, our fearless SCKA leader. Dimitri Korionoff, his assistant and side-kick. And Diane Wenzel, the Safety Clinic coordinator, as well as all of those that ran the 5 stations...Diane Wenzel, Martin Zoldano; Carter Thomas, Arnaud Vuillermet, Dan Corbett and myself. A special thanks to Al Navas for making the new sign to be presented to the city, and to Dan Slater for taking the official pictures. I'm sorry if I have forgotten anyone. GREAT JOB!

Here Francis is signing up a new member, as Dan is in line for some swag. Take a moment to check out Dan's website, (http://www.nearfield.com/~dan/sports/kitesurf/index.htm). There's some great information and pictures about kite boarding.

Since there were 5 stations. The group was divided up and sent to different locations. In addition there were two demo areas. On the right is Roberto from FreakDog Kites and in the center is Jeff Fynn from RRD Kites. They were rigged up with kites and new boards try out, but the wind didn't cooperate.

Here Arnaud explains what was to take place at the self rescue presentation. On the extreme left is Diane Wenzel. Great back shot Jim.

As I mentioned there were five presentations: 1) Self launch and self land, 2) Gear inspection and safety system deployment, 3) Kiting skills on the water, 4) Land simulation of water self rescue, and 5) wind/water/kite selection considerations, Belmont kiting rules and Right Of Way rules.

Here Carter goes over the safety leash and what you should do to be safe with your equipment.

I was able to attend Arnaud's safety demonstration on self rescue. It was very informative and a class like this could have saved a kiter's life last year.

Dan and I gave the Right Of Way Rules, as well as kite selection and the Belmont rules.

Here Dan is making a point about passing kiter's and who has the right of way.

With the wind coming up there were many of those that attended who wanted to put their new information into practice. Let's go riding.

Juliano was heading to the water with Dan's surfboard. I love back light shots.

I think this was one of the first times he has been out on a surfboard without straps. Great control Juli.

Matt Naigus was right behind him. Matt was riding his new Naish directional.

I thought this was a cool shot of both Juli (on the right) and Matt going port.

I was able to grab a shot of three of the greatest gals on the beach. L-R, Julina, Anna and Ruth. I'm sorry that Kristen was over taking a lesson. In my mind you're in the shot.

Klaus later checked out Matt's new Naish directional board, about 6 foot. Originally Klaus was looking at a North directional but I think Matt was getting him a deal through Hank (Naish).

Unfortunately there wasn't much wind either day, but we had fun sitting on the beach and chatting. I think we solved all of the problems of the USA, Germany and Brazil too. A big shout out goes to Kristen who was flying Dan's Best 10 today with a lot of power and control. She was doing some pretty good slides and at the end had to shake the sand out of her clothes. Great job!!!

We also look forward to seeing more of Tomaz and Anna, as well as Juliana here at Belmont.