Experts only at threemile please

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1523 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

every place is an advanced launch if you are careless and a dumbass!!!! IT does not matter with the wind and water as they do not stop on command!!!!

wylieflyote · Fri Sep 12, 14 7:11 am

Interesting post/thread. I am always stumped when I learn stories about very experienced kiters also having horrific accidents in almost benign conditions. Example: Expert kite face-plants in 6" sandbar pond water (unconscious) , expert kiter teabagged into concrete outhouse (near Las Vegas), expert kiter sky-lofted at Sherman... landing 1/4 mile downwind with life threatening issues.

Not sure if "expert only" is an absolute qualifier for where to/not-to kite. I know many intermediate kiters who know and love 3-Mile... but with healthy a dose of mature caution.

flipper · Since 17 Oct 2011 320 Posts Obsessed

puffnstuff is a mule account. I think someone posted twice (besides me) on this thread.

30knotwind · Since 20 Apr 2012 36 Posts White Salmon, WA

I windsurf there all the time and a kite incident/accident occurs ~60% of the days I am there: parking lot drag, lines tangled in gear, kites dropped on on vehicles, wind shut-off rescues--I have personally dragged several kiters back to to the launch because the wind can die quickly.

I don't know if it is an expert launch, but it's best to have VERY strong land skills before you fly a kite from this parking lot. And, you should know, without hesitation, how to release the kite to avoid incidents. (I was there for the body slam into the trailer and the guy was not quick enough to release or had not prepared his gear properly.)

Please be considerate of other people's safety and gear FIRST.
Chris

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

I don't think expert vs. novice has anything to do with this launch. It is either dangerous or not. It is a dangerous launch for everyone.

wylieflyote · Fri Sep 12, 14 8:30 am

Honestly I've only kited there once. And on this visit I elected to launch in the windsurfers launch located at the end of the road up around and 1/4 mile west of the main launch. Holey crap.... now THAT just might need to be called expert only. Imagine a narrow lane to stretch out the lines & kite, no wider than a bowling alley, super strong 7M winds, rip-rap & chaparral on leeward side. Only plus is there is nobody near but myself to kill.