SAFETY REMINDER; why not

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

As the season draws towards fall, I just wanted to remind all my friends to play it safe. Most; if not all of you do--- however I think the stoke is high right now and don't want any bad mojo. Accidents have plagued Sherman Island this summer; I think 4 or 5 lifeflight rescues in the past 2 months; and the most recent has resulted in a fatality.

So, keep the stoke ALIVE and play safe.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2627 Posts The 503 METAL

If ever there was an accident trap launch site, it's Sherman. If Rick Iossi ever went there I think he would go instantly insane.

That said, what were the nature of the accidents there?

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

Poor judgement; rigging to big; board leashes; peeps have been bouncing off the top of the pavillion on their heads-- I think 2 or 3 of these since we were down there-- I guess mainly it's a knar launch and there is no room for error except the emergency room. Bay Area Kite Forum has the details---

As a whole gorge kiters pretty much know the drill; but we do have a tremendous amt. of "out of towners" who may be learning; and/or don't know the drill. I guess we have to kinda watch over these folks so everybody fares well.

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

With the easterlies on their way be careful if you launch at Dalton.

Last year I launched on a day that I wish I wouldn't have. I still think about that day knowing if anything went wrong things would have gone really really bad.

Andy

forrest · Thu Aug 13, 09 9:15 am

Yea man, those easterlies at Rooster can be total craziness. Be careful out there!

Chooch · Thu Aug 13, 09 9:20 am

Nak · Thu Aug 13, 09 9:21 am

Great thread!

I think this late in the season people sometimes get complacent. Caught myself once already nearly doing something pretty stupid.

Easterlies! I love the late summer easterly days! Last year I was crazy over-powered on my 7 a few times. Picked up a 5m from Pepi on close-out; looking forward to trying it out. Very Happy

Should be a bit safer than the 7 on nuke-tastic days...

Pepi · Thu Aug 13, 09 11:55 am

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

[quote="Pepi"]

shred_da_gorge · Thu Aug 13, 09 5:42 pm

Thanks for the message Kraemer! Since moving down here I've been eager to hit Sherman but those reports have me a little nervous. Lots of launches gone bad, and I recommended on BAK a tip from my experienced friend: launch depowered, especially in a new location or with new gear. Guess I'll be the "out of towner" when I finally get over there, but Third's been good for the most part.

Dying to get back up to the Gorge but these damned job interviews are getting in the way! At least that's good news for the economy (and what little's left of my savings account), but bad news for my homesickness. Sad

Happy August easterlies everyone!

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

As fate would have it-- I had a run in with the board last nite-- gots me a new scar! Not too bad tho-- just caught my shin on the edge of the board hard. Tried to get my feet over my head for a 'mobe'? and the board went flying in front of me--then OUCH. I was almost cryin. Will post photo when the bruise gets into full bloom.
Moral of my story--- I need boots. Neutral

------ Props to Damien for hustling to the store for ICE. Very Happy

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Yeeeeeaaaahhhh.... welll.....

Its not a "MOBE" unless you are passing the bar, trying that too? Very Happy

Get better! Cuts heal.... Wait till you see my face!

Onad · Fri Aug 14, 09 9:39 am

Do Tell?

Did ya come off the Long Board??

wjb · Since 14 Aug 2007 223 Posts Nor Cal Stoked

I believe the fatality you are referring to was unrelated to his accident

http://bayareakiteboarding.com/index.php?option=com_jfusion&Itemid=5&jfile=viewtopic.php&f=1&t=5967&sid=7ab8ce31123234f7a373a84f6a9e9ab5&start=100

Not that it diminishes the sentiment in your post as he was pretty messed up. Definitely a good reminder not to zone out at the launch site. Heads up out there.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

While we are having a safety discussion........

Last weekend was a good test of most manufacturers safety systems at the event site. I witnessed kites with practicaly every label on them fall out of the sky and power back up. There were no injuries because of the bad conditions and we can thank the riders, kite catchers and gear for that.

Most of the riders simply dropped the bar from their hands and the kites rolled on the grass.

When I was coming in, my kite slipped out of the hands of the guy catching it. The kite started to spiral with power. I already had my hand on the chicken loop release when I was coming in so all I had to do was activate it. The kite depowered as expected and the nano second of drama was over.

I feel that it is a good idea to keep your hand on the release when you land just in case you need it.

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Aug 14, 09 11:06 am

Yeah Phil. what's wrong with your face? I mean, outside of what was already wrong with it. Laughing

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I heard Phil got so excited longboarding home from work that he made out with the pavement. He might've been encouraged by a car pulling out in front of him. I heard road rash is sexy. Is that true ladies?