today's kite safety lesson

ShiverMeTimbers · Since 26 Feb 2013 381 Posts Gig Harbor Obsessed

I was getting ready to come in at the sandbar today, doing a few laps and orbiting, waiting for a window in the crowd. Went close to the event site, then headed back out.

Saw another kiter coming towards me, I went low & downwind, giving plenty of room. Out of the corner of my eye I saw his lines were crossed from pulling a trick, but his kite was pretty high up and he seemed in control so I didn't think twice about it. Then the kite tomahawked right at me, fully powered, and I was moving towards it at a decent clip. At the last second I reverted to years of surfing and tried to duck from underneath it (like trying to outrun the lip on a closeout wave), but it came down right on me and I burst through it like a football team through a paper banner before a home game.

I fell forward and was face down. The moment I was surfaced, obscenities were flying out of my mouth towards the offender. I got clear of the kite and then my kite splashed down. I was pissed, scared, and surprised that it happened.

His kite had two or three panels blown out, who knows what else. He was very apologetic and explained that his line got caught on the bar in a way that gave him no control. He asked if I was OK, I said yes, but it's a good thing I'm wearing a fXcking helmet. I started to cool off, went back to check on him and made sure he made it to shore OK. Then I went in.

We talked again briefly at the event site; he apologized again and I told him I felt bad for his broken kite. All good in the Hood.

A couple lessons:

This was an accident. Neither of us did anything malicious. We both acknowledged that; there are no hard feelings. I didn't have to come up out of the water (after the impact) ready for battle.

I wear a helmet and impact vest for a number of reasons, but primarily to protect against unexpected situations like today.

It was fortunate that I didn't get hit by his lines. That could have turned really ugly if I was tangled and his kite powered up again.

Give people more room than you think they need, regardless of their skill level. Shit happens. Be vigilantly aware of your surroundings.

It was also lucky that I had a chiro appointment scheduled today. Definitely knocked something in my neck and top ribs. Chiropractor asked me "have you had any impacts or falls lately?" just today, actually...

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Thanks for sharing this. Seems like the abounding lesson so far this summer is create a lot of space....from others, hard objects and buoys. Unfortunately with the amount of kiters on the river these days, we need a bigger river.

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

Shiver, glad to hear your ok. Fully powered kites can pack a punch like a big SD close out Very Happy

Another lesson you learned today....The wonder bar isnt so wonderful....time for you to move on and find more open water Laughing

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1780 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

IF YOU KITE THE HOOD IN JULY, SOONER OR LATER SOMEONE IS GOING TO CRASH A KITE ON UR HEAD!!

ShiverMeTimbers · Since 26 Feb 2013 381 Posts Gig Harbor Obsessed

@ryan - yes, I think its time I graduate and start exploring a few other spots. Hit me up when you're heading this way!

honda1 · Since 11 Sep 2013 183 Posts Stoked

I think just stick with the notion of paying attention and keeping your distance. I was on the river over the 4th. I rode from the event site up past swell city and at no time did I ever feel cramped. Sure I was in other kiters path but I decided to keep my distance and would transition the other way. Good lesson for us all though.