Man down at Rooster

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Hoping to hear some positive updates of youki condition soon.

It might be a good idea for us kiters/extreme sports enthusiast to consider taking a First Aide/CPR course. This summers sandbar accidents and the latest at Rooster has unfortunately proved that relying on timely speedy arrival of paramedics is not always possible. Having the Basic First Aide/ CPR knowledge while attending to the injured in the first few minutes can literally save a life and/or prevent further injury.

marina · Since 16 Jan 2006 150 Posts California coast Stoked

Kirk Talon from the Bay Area does this for free (CPR/first aid certification) and helps certifies a few people a year. You might want to try contacting him through bayareakiteboarding forum as he could probably reach out to see if anybody from gorge area would be willing to take this on. He does it through the bay area club and I think they also have other stuff going on. Same for Southern California. We will probably have him do a clinic at this year's PIsmo Beach kiteXpo...

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

I completely agree with dancing wind and marina. Having the knowledge yourself is the best way to stay prepared, especially given the areas where we kite and the nature of the sport. After Theo's accident this summer, which was a neck injury, I wanted to help spread this idea. I did a water safety symposium at the event site with an experienced paramedic(Jeffe) and a nurse(me). We went over water safety, rescue scenarios, basic stuff, and how to help the paramedics with a back board and neck/back stabilization. We will be doing another safety event in the Spring, hopefully larger and with even more good education for kiters who want to be prepared. Every year there will be more kiters, so its not a matter of IF you will come across an injury, its a matter of WHEN. Let's be prepared Smile

Sella · Fri Nov 11, 11 1:47 pm

Terrible news. William's stoke is hilarious. "should I sleep in my car tonight and catch an early session or drive back to Portland?" etc...etc.

William I hope all is good and you're reading this while taking a mending break. Post up the story as it sounds you got knocked senseless.

If you need any help....just ask.

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Nov 11, 11 4:13 pm

Starting to get worried a little. Getting knocked the fucked out and then laughing that night over beers is one thing. Getting knocked out then having to learn to spell again is another.

Nobody knows this guys parents or anything? Is he in the hospital? Is he in a coma? Is he at home drying his kites? Someone must know something.

corey4x4man · Since 13 Jun 2011 134 Posts Beaverton, OR Stoked

I have text him but nothing back yet, i live just down the road so I will go over there tomorrow and we if his car is there

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

Hope Youkai is on the mend, thinking of you buddy.

Good work Mark, Nick, and other first responders!

Nak · Fri Nov 11, 11 10:17 pm

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Nov 11, 11 10:36 pm

I heard from a reliable source that said he is doing ok...or at least it was just a concussion.

Bettyboarder · Fri Nov 11, 11 11:33 pm

Heal up sorry to hear about this

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Hey guys thanks for the well wishes. I with I could tell you what happened but I really don't remember.

I picked up Nick from downtown to go kiting at rooster. I was planning on teaching him to self launch to compliment his self landing. We got there and it was pretty windy. Pumped up our 7 meters and walked out to see if it was going to be kitable. I lined up mine and Nick had some knots in his lines so I was going to put my kite up and see how the wind was while he figured that out. That's the last thing I remember. I don't remember putting it up or getting any kiting in. Just that I was going to. Then I woke up in the hospital.

I'm doing better now. I can stay awake for longer periods of time. The back of my neck is real sore when it has to hold my head up. I think by tomorrow I'll be back at 80% and Monday I'll be able to start working again.

Came home from the hospital yesterday. Mostly it just doesn't seem real since I can't remember anything about the accident. Wish I could so I would know what the hell I did but at least this way I wont' be scared about whatever it is. I'll probably need to take a month off to make sure I'm fit again but I'll be getting back out there before you know it.

Thanks again for the well wishes. I think I'm doing well. See you all soon.

pdxmonkeyboy · Sat Nov 12, 11 11:27 am

I figured you wouldn't remember anything. I've been there. I bunny hopped a speedbump on my track bike in college and apparantly my front wheel came off. Woke up in a cat scan. If I wasn't wearing a helmet I would probably be drooling on myself.

Well at least you didn't break your neck and most all of us have some kite mare story. On a positive note, now that your quickly on the road to recovery we can give you a new nickname as kook is just too general.

So just take it easy for awhile, Captain lawndart Smile

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Glad to hear!

Take it slow - and feel better William

harriet · Since 10 Jun 2007 64 Posts

So good to hear! You've been on all our minds, keep up the positive stoke!

DesertWinds · Since 01 May 2009 80 Posts

Great to hear your OK and great job to the 1st responders.

It is great to see the kite community reaching out to make rescues more efficient for all. With the positive stoke and concern the NW kiter's show i am sure it will get better w/ time.

Aeolus · Sat Nov 12, 11 12:46 pm

Very glad you're on the mend brother...

like many people have said here on the forum....you kite enough and some crazy shite is going to happen.....so true so true Shocked

Sella · Sat Nov 12, 11 1:16 pm