Coroner Peter Dennehy is calling for new regulations to safeguard kitesurfers, following a man's death.
At an inquest in Hastings yesterday, Mr Dennehy asked whether it was possible for those governing the sport to "come up with something which may save a life in the future".
Douglas Wisor, 31, died on October 16 last year when strong winds dragged his kitesurfer across Te Awanga beach and slammed him into a caravan at the Te Awanga Holiday Park.
Hastings Police Sergeant Brent Greville told the inquest it was found the quick release safety mechanism on Mr Wisor's harness was not in the operating position.
Sean Moffett, a friend of Mr Wisor, said it was common practice for experienced kitesurfers to disconnect the safety mechanism to allow for greater manoeuvrability.
Mr Moffett said that, had the mechanism been operating, Mr Wisor could have reduced the kite's power as soon as he was picked up by a gust of wind.
Despite this, it would not have changed Mr Wisor's landing, Mr Moffett said.
"In the conditions, a gust came, he was picked up before he realised it, he was probably 15 to 20 feet (4.57m to 6.09m) in the air...I don't believe there was anything wrong with the gear," he said.
"It was just a freak accident.'
Mr Moffett said he did not believe there were any formal rules in place governing kitesurfing, as there were always new developments and the equipment used changed every year.
Mr Dennehy found Mr Wisor died from multiple bodily injuries.
Mr Wisor was a talented winemaker who had spent two years at Dry River in Martinborough, before moving to Havelock North's Craggy Range Wines.
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Coroner calls for new rules after kitesurfer's death
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