kiter down? check em out!

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

Thats a bit odd noone helped you. I can say I have personally rescured probably 50 people on my ski, and if I am ever down for a long period of time people ussually check on me.

lance_k · Since 04 May 2005 565 Posts Hood River Photographer

i should say no help was needed... i wasn't injured and i was totally fine.

i made the post to remind peeps to check on each other! that's it.

Blokt · Sat Jun 06, 09 7:04 pm

Lance, glad you're O.K. bra. Good thing you weren't lanced by your bar!

I hardly ever down my kite, but I can feel for ya.

It's never annoying to be constantly asked if you need help, because you very well could change your mind.

Be careful when coming in to help from upwind. I had a gust grab me recently, while I was helping grab a board, took me right toward dudes head but I was able to pop over his cranny.

Pdx and his mom are great when you're in a fix, but he can't be everywhere.

Cheers

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

my seattle bros got my back out east today - as my 5m rev and nifty 15m lines came unhooked in a 45kt gust - was saddened as I lost hold of the bar and my kite leash somehow unhooked and everything took the fuck off

Master Sibborn towed me in and his friend grabbed my kite

So awesome to help a brother out!

shred_da_gorge · Sat Jun 06, 09 7:37 pm

So that's what happened! I was windsurfing earlier up by the bridge and made it back to the Event Site when the wind backed off, then noticed and watched out for you when I walked back to the park (where I launched from). It looked like you were OK but a long swim nonetheless.

Sounds like you got a bar but if not PM me, and I'll whip out my spare 10".

I was kiting in light winds and strong currents about a week ago and was having a beatch relaunching when a kiter came by and tried to flip it for me. (Thanks dude!). I've seen mixed attitudes at the sandbar; had a guy last week walk up to where I was launching a friend who screwed up his lines (first time out this season). He seemed to want to lay out his lines where we already were, even though there was plenty of space further, and he told my friend (when the kite dumped on launch - safely I might add) "maybe you belong down there" as if there's a beginner end to the sandbar (?). My friend's been kiting here for six years!

As a windsurfer I've rescued TONS of kiters over the past near-decade of the sport's growth (including people who shouldn't have been out there - 1 jackass that almost clotheslined me). One time at Rufus I grabbed a stray board and it turned out to be my friend Jonah, who was a newb then (but is now quite the sky pilot!). Another time I went through hell rescuing a girl and then getting her kite untangled from the fisherman's net, and when I got back she was out of her wetsuit and helmet and I was pleasantly surprised. Wink

As a reasonably new kiter I've had mixed experiences and have noticed that laissez-faire attitude you talk about Lance. I've been treated OK (maybe it's karma), but your reminder is a good one to heed. Hope you have better luck on the water, man!

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

FrostyOne · Since 31 Jan 2007 178 Posts PDX Stoked

I went down at the spit, crash my kite LE leaked some air. Could not get the kite up and had to self rescue back to the beach. After about 20min in the river chris came but and we body dragged back to the beach.

I was so stoaked he took the time to help me out. He was Awesome. Always look out for your kite crew. He made a bad situation easy!!!
Laughing

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

Lance, Thank you for your post as a reminder that we all need to watch out for each other.

Being self sufficient is great and required in this sport, it is best not to count on help.

Yet we need to and I always try to keep an eye out for others as I have some debts to pay foreward from when me or my gear have been saved. Also like racking up karma points when I get the op (and beer is good too).

gorgebob · Since 25 Jun 2007 259 Posts Portland, OR Shop Owner

I think the reason why this can happen is that the person in trouble drifts out of veiw not to be seen on the next path of those mowing back and forth. Gone and forgotten they must be ok .
I helped a windsurfer back in the day who had drifted from the Marina to Swell. I was the first person to stop he said.
Lance these bad things happen in 3s. You should be good to go now.

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

Good thread and an important reminder that we wind addicts need to always be on the lookout for downed bros!

QUESTION: As a relative newb kiter, what is the least I can do for another downed kiter? I've just started riding upwind, have not even practiced transitions yet. I do not have the skills yet to tow efficiently or safely (having never done it), much less carry their board back. But having helped many downed windsurfers over the years on my poleboard, gotta do something eh?

I could at least signal a more experienced rider...figure even a shout out looking for a thumbs up offers assurance.

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

If you are an inexperienced kiter, the best thing you can do is just stay out of the way. I have seen several cases of a well intentioned newbie come along to try and help out, only to get themselves tangled up and in trouble as well. then you just have two people to rescue.

Staying clear of the area and going to get help if the problem is serious are the two best things you can do as a beginner.

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

Old Yeller · Since 08 Jun 2009 33 Posts Mosier Â

Got tangled with another rider last week. We had to self rescue. At least 10 people stopped by to see if we needed help. I do the same thing all the time.

I've had to call 911 twice this year when kiters got stuck in the current with no wind. The water is getting warmer now but we still need to think about hypothermia.