imagine a broke cement piling 6 inches under the water with a rusty corroded steel Barb 18 inches in legnth, hidden just under the surface.

Now imagine getting impailed through the left side like a fisherman gigs a flounder.

never body drag close to shore

never body drag in a shallow bay

dont do it

dont even think about it

dont

i second that, and have the scars to prove it!

only drag if you need to

Now what in the world has got into you to come up with this post? You have a scare? or something?

Your right, these things can happen but there must be a reason you wanted to share this.

I went thru some shells, maybe an oyster bed or two but the damage was minor and I just tried to move over a bit the next time through.

Knowing the area would be important but there's a little risk in all things fun. What a scary thought tho.

because its just not worth the risk, i have a very wondering vivid imagination some times.

id rather scare a few people into thinking twice , then hearing about it in the news or reading about it in the paper.

we recently had a hurricane come through in galveston, TX
i really cant imagine what kind of CRAP that storm sturred up and is now just lurking under the waters surface. I just dont want to hear of any kitesurfing accidents for a long long time.
I want to say ever, but im trying to be realistic. accidents happen

dylan are you serious? what happened?

I understand. I too think about all the things that could happen on my outings whether it be kiting or other.

Then try to limit some risk and be prepared for the worst.

Sorry about your bad experience.

If you don't body drag what are you supposed to do? Just bob there and wave goodbye to your board ?

How is it you didn't know about the potentail hazards? New spot ?

Good for you sharing this important safety message but banning body dragging seems extreme without another option? Around here a board leash is cosidered the big No - No !

body drag when only it is necessary

good point. I sometimes body drag at the coast to warm up (or get used to the cold), but by me there is no static underwater debris (yeah!) but we have logs and crap when the wind blows south. Waves when you're down are always sketchy too.

Sounds like you found the pipe at the state park?...............aj

check your spots @ low . talk to locals who know the spots for snags!

i was screwin around, dragging in about 2 ft of water when i got dragged over some oyster shells... felt like an idiot, but whatever... some minor scarring on the ankle... hobbled me good, though

i think this warning really only concerns itself with shallow water...

if you dont need to drag... dont... if you need to do it... do it....

exactly, good to hear your ok tho

Houston it sounds like you have been reading Stephen King and had a bad night.

Most spots are known and vetted by repeat kiters it seems; Post Katrina (or any major storm) Gulf could be another issue I suppose.

We are lucky here with a large tidal range. At low spring tide Mother Nature really drops her drawers to let the whole world see what's there.

whats body dragging?

Quote:

Originally posted by sofa king whats body dragging?

using a kite to pull you through the water. With a harness and bar it's possible to use one's body as a keel and go upwind. It's an important skill for anyone spending time with kites in the water. Very little risk in clear water / sandy bottom....

although yep that is one scary scenario in the first post!

Quote:

Originally posted by sofa king whats body dragging?

using the kite to pull you through the water...............essential skill to learn for getting back upwind to your board and or self rescue back to shore

a thorough survey of your spot at low tide and local knowledge should eliminate any potential accidents
my local has become rather sharky lately

My experience in Thailand ...
The locals and instructors have a varied collection of dark brown scars and lumps on them, the results of encounters with the local jelly fish. I bought a rash vest the next day :D I look like a red and white sausage about to bust it's seams but ...

Anyway, out on the water, up and riding along with the jelly fish thing in the back of my mind. There's really nothing out there but me and the fishing boats until I see a dinner plate sized brown blob in the water ...
"Hey wow it's a jelly fish hope I don't fall over and have to body drag past it back to the ..."

Splash.

Murphy you bastard. Yep, had to body drag past the jelly fish to get my board

Did a few drags to get the board back but the last time I binned it on the last day, I got supermanned downwind so far I just gave up and dragged into the shore - slowly. Then swam back out for the board. It was time to go home anyway ...

We body drag at my beach ,close to shore with FB foils,just for fun when too hot from buggyin. BUT, it is a sand beach no obstructions in this 1/2 mile section. I personally have been swimming in this area for over 20 yrs. And friends and family for about the last 6 yrs. We only do it at place. I would not consider it anywhere else on earth.
The biggest fear is running into a cow nose stingray that are swimming in shools,mating,and whatever rays do.