Rethink it

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

As both a parent and someone who believes in the right to parent one's children the best way they see fit, I am hesitant to submit this post. I was shocked though at something I saw at the event site this weekend, and am putting out a plea for this father to re-think the decision to put his son in harm's way.

You know who you are: Windwing kite and 2 year old in a backpack cruising around the kiddy pool on Saturday. I'm sure you've got skills to stay safe and feel like you're in control of the situation. What about the other 50 kiters around you? What happens if one of them smashes into you or someone releases their kite and it gets tangled in yours? You're in a couple of inches of water in some places with an INFANT on your back. I would hate to think of what would happen if you fell back first let alone got knocked unconscious with your kid underneath the water. From what I understand PRO riders have gotten hurt in the shallows in that area.

Like I said I'm all for parental autonomy, but you're in the busiest area on the Columbia River, in the part of the scene where all of the lessons are going on, and beginners are learning how to ride, with probably 50% of the population who is less than proficient with their gear. I'm sure the ride was fun for your son, but without the skills to keep himself safe if something goes wrong it's just not worth it. Give the kid a couple years and let him ride on his own

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Sella · Mon Jun 15, 09 2:27 pm

It's a very unique situation. The young gun, Levi, is 5 and has autism. Dad's pretty chill good guy and socially keeps Levi growing by keeping him interacting. According to Dad from this past weekend Levi has come a LONG way in the past few years so hopefully in a few more...he'll be a ripper in the kiddy pool.

forrest · Mon Jun 15, 09 2:48 pm

You think that's bad, just wait until next season... Madison will be just old enough...

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

Kiting is dangerous- Know your limits.

If the wind was a bit better, he would get to kite every day.

We get hurt in shallow water from going big. Boosting in the kiddie pool is a bit risky I admit, but we try to keep it small. Levi has about 300+ hours on the water with never a fall. we've had a few small slash downs on the fronts or gusty wind. We have practiced the wet exit, and if you want to help me out with the tangled kite, we could give that a try. The water is a bit cold, and we prefer to keep out of the deep water. I know there are others out there posing a threat, but I feel safer out there out there than I do in the car.
Thanks for your concern. much appreciated.
Jonathon

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

Jonathon,

That's all it was, a concern. No offense intended and I wish you and Levi the best.

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

no offense taken.
Even after ump-teen years kiting, it was still sketchy the first few times out with him. Even after a lot of practice getting ready to ride with him. I rode with a kite bag, with board all spring. I didn't ride with him until all the basics, rolls and loops were dialed. When In deep water he wears a pfd. Definitely do not want to go down hard in shallow water. I love my little man. I wish the weather worked out better to take him out more often. Only 3 days in the last two weeks have been good enough. Takes some steady wind to have fun, and feel safe.

carolb · Mon Jun 15, 09 10:09 pm :)

welcome back!

Pepi · Mon Jun 15, 09 11:15 pm

Hey Coug :

Just to so you know, it is very much appreciated that you took the time to post a note about your observations and your concerns. I wish that more people would use this forum in the same well-spoken manner that you demonstrated. Sometimes there is the risk that you might be stepping into a flaming pile of poo, or getting big slaps on the back for being a bro, it is not always an easy gamble to know what you'll get when posting on a forum.

I'm a parent as well, and have considered the kite w/ a kid idea, but for me it is way to risky and dangerous.
As Ken had mentioned, Jonathon's situation is different than mine though in that his relationship with his son requires trying different activities to support and strengthen his child's development needs. It doesn't require an explanation, that would be for Jonathon to share if needed, but this would be one of those rare situations that puts the risk in balance with the reward.

Hopefully we will not see any other parents ever do what we see Jonathon doing, but if they do, it would be nice to see others approach this same situation in the same well spoken manner that Coug did.

Props to both of you guys for keeping it real.

Pepi

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

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

Truely a special situaltion - Props to Vancouger and Groundclown.

Levi is a lucky little man to get to travel and kite with his dad.

matt99eo · Since 12 Jun 2008 72 Posts

RIP IT UP LEVI!!!

eli_anderson · Since 04 Jun 2007 507 Posts Addicted

Levi HAS come quite a ways, over the years I've been fortunate to know John and his son quite inspiring.

Levi is very fortunate to have limit less lifestyle with a very cool daddy!

on a SN, I have a buddy with Cerebral Palsy. Fairly functional can drive and work. But when you hand him a kite, there are nearly no signs of CP while he flies.