I've been thinking about this thread and trying to work out why has it got so many people worked up. The first time I opened it and saw the pictures I thought to myself, "hmm that's certainly interesting and unique but I'm not sure if it is completely sensible". I have learnt over time to trust my instincts and if my gut tells me something is not quite right it's usually wise to listen.
The funny thing is I didn't get the same 'gut feeling' when I opened this thread, www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=44733, in fact it was truely heartwarming to see these kids enjoying themselves.
I am guilty of passing judgement on ruffryder by trying to impose my standards on him, sorry about that Marve however I hope this stunt of yours doesn't catch on. It just makes me feel uneasy.
just fun and outgoing, enjoy life to the fullest.
just fun and outgoing, enjoy life to the fullest.
Hey SNAG do you even know what IKO means (without googling it) or are you just here stiring up trouble.
All I know about pole dancing is that after you've watched it for 10min it's kinda... well..boring
But what would I know?
I wouldn't comment on the poley forum
Hey Peeps,
This has been an amusing read and it's great to see everyone putting in their two bobs worth. Even those without kids
Every person was once a kid and has life experiences guided by their parents which shaped their ideas of what safety and fun and enjoyment is. Your parents also had a childhood which was shaped by their parents thoughts of what was right and wrong, safe and otherwise. In other words everyones idea of fun came from what they experienced many years ago.
Just because something doesn't fit in your world view of safe practice, doesn't mean it is wrong for them, only wrong according to your book of life rules. It may well be perfectly acceptable in the other persons life rules. They have assessed the conditions, weighed the risks and found them to be acceptable to them. To judge someone else on your model of the world is a little pointless.
My daughter (3 1/2) is mad keen to do some kiting and in time I will take her. I also want to take her spearfishing when she is able to handle herself well enough in the water. I look forward when she can join me in the line up at my fave surfbreak and yes I will be nervous about her wiping out, but that is part of the game and I believe the fun is worth it. I also look forward to teaching her rock climbing when she is ready.
My childhood was filled with fast bikes, skateboards and big hills, swinging over cliffs on an old piece of rope I found "down the bush", climbing to the top of 60ft high trees, spearfishing with a gidgee at 8 years old, I sailed racing dinghys and skiffs, at 10 was slalom water skiing, jumping off cliffs into water and so on and so forth. My life has been a blast I never regret one busted knee or scrape (and there were many)
I dont want to disuade my kids from such an adventurous life and will encourage, but not force them into any such activites as soon as they feel confident enough to handle it. Fun, adventure and excitement is the juice of life, let your kids sink their teeth into it. 
As a parent you make decisions for them and therefor are responsible for the outcomes. No parent will deliberately put their kids in harms way, but you can eliminate some of the greatest experiences they can have if you try and protect them from every possible potential injury.
Remember, your model of the world is different from everyone elses, don't try and lay down your rules on their life, it will never work and you will never see eye to eye, regardless of how much breath you waste or how many keys you type.
Bring your kids up the best way YOU know how and allow other to do the same. 
I reserve my judgement of Ruffryder, it may not be something I'd do just yet and maybe not in the baby bjorn harness, but I know Pallarenda, and it is not deep, and I know how much my little girl would love to do that. Each to their own
Good winds,
The worst thing that has happened to this sport in my opinion is making it easy (read bow,sle,hybrid) It has let the too many kooks in..
My rant for now
That sums it up for me... bring back the good ole days when strapping yourself to a powered traction kite was considered risky and dangerous, and only a handful of thrill loving people chose to take it on- knowing the consequences.
Look what kiting has become! bunch of whinging, whining, wasters banging on about safety, quick releases, 'straight jackets', liability... makes you wanna puke.
Quit the fun policing!! Get out there, have some fun, let a Dad take his daughter for a ride- he knows her best, he's 'assessed the risks' (damn I hate that OS&H terminology), and he's decided its a good idea. Its his decision as a parent- and if anything goes wrong he has to live with it- and when it all goes right as it undoubtably will, he'll have a smiling daughter, and a fun family day at the beach.
Ok I have held off for long enough until the steam died down.
Ruffy may be a great Dad and in his own mind trying to share the stoke with the little one. Or he may have let his ego get in the way of better judgment wanting to be the hero for his squid. My money is on 30% of the former and 70% of the latter I'm afraid.
No helmet, no boyancy, suspect swimming ability and having to fiddle about getting attached on the beach etc is just not real bright anyway you look at it...
There are so many ways to put a smile on the dial of your kiddies (as you have said towing around on a board - seems relatively safe), and yes I know how hard it can be to resist the constant "Can I have a go? Can I? Can I?" mantra. Next time your kid wants to take their seatbelt off and lean there head out the car window on the freeway will you say "Awwww... ok honey - look how much fun she's having - lean right out darling."
My lad is 6 soon and I have no plans to introduce him until he can swim a long way on his own, and has the maturaty to understand the situation and perils.
Kids just do not understand mortality (guys don't until about 25 ) so it is up to the parents to assess these things as adults. Kids are not props for fun, they are precious cargo not to be whacked on a backpack and taken for joyrides.
Sorry Ruffy but a big thumbs down from me mate. Next time put the kiddy's safety 1st not "Hey - how cool will this be!!".
Thats cause your too stupid to see his point.
ITS UP TO EVERY PARENT TO CHOOSE WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THERE CHILD. IF HE WANTS TO RISK IT, UNLESS ITS ILLEGAL, HE HAS EVERY RIGHT TO.
Does that clear it up moron???
Laurie, feel free to delete this account, i aint gonna bother coming back
"particle accelerator inventor said"
ITS UP TO EVERY PARENT TO CHOOSE WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THERE CHILD. IF HE WANTS TO RISK IT, UNLESS ITS ILLEGAL, HE HAS EVERY RIGHT TO.
Lets see - not illegal, so i have every right to:
Take my child base jumping, maybe not legal in OZ but hey can travel where is to do it.
Go white water rafting, run with the bulls, even better go bull riding, over niagra in a barrell, strap him/her to my back and do a little supercross, maybe some free diving. Hey while im at it even a few jackass stunts, sure it aint illegal to shove a skyrocket up someones ass, papercuts, jump a sewerage outlet.........all good folks, toe my kid on a skateboard behind my car... not illegal,....the list is endless........with no helmts, no pfd, BUT GREAT CHEEEZY PHOTOS!...and ive got every right to make my kid do it!
Buddy if you really believe this YOU ARE THE MORON.
No one, parents included have the right to play the odds where their's or another persons childs safety is concerned. This is not pin the tail on the f^&king donkey or musical chairs.
If (and i honestly pray it never happens) something goes wrong, the child will pay the price, and more than likely not the stupid adult. But whats the bet if it did mr ego and co would be blaming the kite equip manufacturer for malfunction, the weather, local council...whoever to get some compensation and shift the blame. The TV is full of these dumbass, irresponsible,egotistical fools lamenting the loss of or injury to thier young ones, and the common denominators appear to be - denial "read who am i going to sue because it isn't my fault". Ignorance "gee i thought it could never happen to me".
IKO Instructor?..hmm all went quiet on the public liability comment now didn't we?
