Select to expand quoteMark _australia said...
^^^ Is there a way we can write **** here and not have asterisks?
WTF
Just heard the terrible news. Very sorry to hear about this tragedy, one of the nicest blokes...condolences to his family.
Apparently one of the guys to desperately tried to save him sacrificed his board,
surely as a kiting community we can help him out with a replacement, im in, anyone else?
G'day crew, as a mate of Dave's I would just like to say a massive thanks to the guys that helped him at Point Moore last Thursday afternoon.
As a non-kiter and the fact I was not there on the day, I cannot comment further or speculate on what happened apart from what has been reported in the news or told to Dave's father in-law (Richard). I do know that the guy from NT who stayed with him put his own life on the line and has some serious good karma coming his way, as do the local guys who assisted and put themselves on the line too. Plus the Sea Rescue team who had the heavy task of retrieving his body.
But what I do know is that Dave was an experienced kiter who took safety seriously, wearing a helmet, impact vest, used new gear and always carried a line knife. Dave gave me a few lessons and I felt comfortable with his methods (although I am a kiting kook so kept to surfing). He regularly kited this area over the last few years, and we surfed and dived this part of the coast pretty frequently, so his fitness and ocean knowledge was good. A bloody tragic accident to a good bloke who has left behind a devastated missus.
As Dave Whettingsteel kindly posted above from Everything Geraldton, a ceremony is being held at Point Moore this Saturday the 29th October at 10am at the Sea Rescue building, with a paddle out to follow for those from the community that would like to participate.
Cheers.
When the dust settles it would be nice to know what and how it happened. It seems by all accounts he was well prepared and took kiting seriously. It's hard to know if something could be avoided, or if it was just plain bad luck. Either way, it's a heartbreaker. So sad to start the season this way.
... on behalf of my mate, who was one of the guys involved in helping on the tragic day, below is a short message from him:
Out of respect for the family, friends and those involved it is wished that no details be shared publicly at this time.
Personally, to the Police, thank you so much. Aside from my amazing lady, I couldn’t have wanted anyone else looking out for me after the event than the Gero general duties, those mob are top notch. And to the sea rescue guys for what they do, bloody rippers.
I can’t imagine how devastating this is for the family and what they must be going through. It has certainly made me think about mine, and the mates that I have on and off the water. I hope you all do the same, often.
Wishing David fair winds and following seas.
Select to expand quotePuetz said..
... on behalf of my mate, who was one of the guys involved in helping on the tragic day, below is a short message from him:
Out of respect for the family, friends and those involved it is wished that no details be shared publicly at this time.
Personally, to the Police, thank you so much. Aside from my amazing lady, I couldn’t have wanted anyone else looking out for me after the event than the Gero general duties, those mob are top notch. And to the sea rescue guys for what they do, bloody rippers.
I can’t imagine how devastating this is for the family and what they must be going through. It has certainly made me think about mine, and the mates that I have on and off the water. I hope you all do the same, often.
Wishing David fair winds and following seas.
touching words, thanks. It is a time to reflect. Condolences to family.
This is really so sad
It's hits hard when it is so close to home and for this to happen to someone who from all accounts was a very experienced and safety conscious waterman, it really opens your eyes to the fact it could happen to anyone
When or if ever the friends and family feel it is the right time to share the details of what has happened i think it would be important for the kitesurfing community to know how this happened and if there are any lessons that can be learned
Rip Brother I hope you lived a life full of the things you love
Memorial service at Pt Moore lighthouse 10am Saturday 29th oct. Plus
There will be a paddle out for anyone who wishes to attend.
