NYCkayaker Danger

[mike]

IMO kitesurfing is much more dangerous than sea kayaking, a greater level ok
skill is required for kite surfing, probably a greater level of fitness.
The clincher, you are dealing with lines in the water. I remember asking
about  learning to kite surf in kitty hawk a lot of years ago, the consensus
from the pro's was if you aren't a good kite flier it was too dangerous to
learn. Entanglements and water do not mix.  Ice climbing is the same way,
sure many people can start out ice climbing in their Gucci suits, but
competent ice climbers are already seasoned climbers. They know how to tie
knots and rig ropes so it is second nature.  When your hands and brain are
frozen mistakes are made.  Sometimes people make huge pyramid businesses of
dangerous activities that should never be money driven. 
As far as newspaper reports and what really happened, I have never seen one
correct in  the many instances, including fatalities  I was  directly
involved in.
As afar as lawyers and suits like this, let them look to see if there is
something to hang their hat on. in hindsight ,many years back, I wish the
family had retained a lawyer and had questioned me about what happened and
what I knew, I am sure the family would have rightfully made out a lot
better. I found out 15 years latter that what I knew was not common
knowledge to the family, 

>
>>Kitesurfing and sea kayaking are quite similar, in that they both
>>require access to water, are inherently dangerous to life and limb, and
>>require due diligence and risk management. When practiced on cold waters
>>the margin for errors or bad luck is low.
>>