Tragedy turns to Euphoria

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

Late afternoon wing ssession in Stevenson went pearshaped when my wing leash failed and my wing flew away. I was way downwind from where I started (total beginner) when I got my longest ride to date, halfway across the river. Thats when I lose my wing. LONG paddle in, hired Joe the kiter to go look on his jet ski, no luck cuz the Sternwheeler had already picked it up.(they cruised past me while I was paddling) Thanks to Joe and Martin for the help and THANKS TO THE STERNWHEELER CREW

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2624 Posts The 503 METAL

Nice D!

Did it come back un harmed? Someone told me recently the Sternwheeler uses a mechanical grabber to get stuff out of the river and it left teeth marks on their board.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

The Sternwheeler kiosk opens at 10'30 so going now to pick it up. Martin talked to them last nite and told me "they treated it like a man overboard drill" so I hope that doesn't involve the "jaws of life" and my NEW Slingywingy survived! Gotta get back to it as I have considerable case of "FOIL BRAIN"

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Glad to see you stoked to be back on the water. Seeing your enjoyment and smile on the water makes me really enjoy the water stoke. !! So much progress for you in a short time.

Marmot · Since 08 Aug 2007 109 Posts Lyle, WA Stoked

If you don't mind me asking, how did you become disconnected from your wing? I'm looking into different leash options, and I don't want to introduce a disconnected wing risk.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

I put together a leash from OLD kiting bits. It didn't have a proper way to connect to the wing, so I used a short piece of line, spectra I think, to tie it on. used a square knot which came untied. Should have used a bowline knot but that could maybe untie as well sincce spectra is so slippery. No damage to my wing so the Sternwheeler crew are awesome.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

Also on leashes, hated the coiled wrist leash they come with. The wing can fly up and jack your shoulder. I hook to a waist harness. Actually its the waist strap from my backpacking pack.

Marmot · Since 08 Aug 2007 109 Posts Lyle, WA Stoked

That is for the info. Will avoid spectra.

As this sport is ramping up the gear tech, we're starting to see many options for leashes.

I just picked up the ION waist SUP leash from Big Winds. I'm planning to make a wing leash to attach to it, but I'd like to switch the leash between wings. I don't feel I can trust a standard carabineer.

shred_da_gorge · Sun Jul 25, 21 9:28 pm

Maybe use something like this?

https://usrigging.com/stainless-steel-quick-link-chain-link-connector/?sku=KNG-600-05

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Great to hear you got your wing back.

My Ozone wings came with a leash made of thicker (6mm?) spectra with bungie cord inside and attached to a waist belt. Each wing has its own a leash attached. Can be used to wrap the wing when it's rolled up. They have been working great.

Also really like the Oceanic reel leash for the board. It has kept the board from coming after me during some of my more spectacular bailouts.

All the best,
Hein

danf · Since 12 Jun 2009 108 Posts Stoked

I have used a double fisherman and a bowline will hold on Spectra and it holds. I usually fid a loop and larkshead on a knot (kite line attachment) and that works well.

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

I see a rash of shoulder separations and dislocations coming with the wrist leash. It’s unavoidable when you get pulled on one appendage like that !!

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Stoked!