Tried (and failed) to break the Stevenson Rock

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

Launched at Stevensville on Thurs., pretty windy but nothing special. Water was super low so I'm standing on the rocks. Strong puff as I launch so I get Yoincked a bit and lose my footing and end up sliding on my butt towards the bank and Murphys Law, right into the 7 ton boulder that was recently moved up on the beach. Impacted with my knees locked(I guess my instinct was to get stopped as quick as possible) and broke both my heels. Pretty sure that had I been dragged head first, Like Motorcycle Jeff was the other day, I'd be sitting here drooling on myself. Guess I should feel lucky it's just a b$tch of a surgery and 6 mos to a year recovery. Sitting here with feet the size of watermelons, the pain of which is barely diminished by strong meds, I don't feel lucky.

Don't relly know what I should have done differently, I've launched there thousands of times, had a buddy that I knew to be an excellent launcher. JUST BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN THE WATERS LOW AND YOU'RE STANDING ON LAND. having the kite down on the beach and you in the water is an alternate launch method that wooda saved my ass.

And if anyone know how to get ahold of Rex (carpenter, drives an old van and a newer pick=up. PM me please. He had a similar injury.

Thanx to the beach crew that carried me and drove me to the ER

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Wow,...

Get well soon..I feel for you man, I got surgery pending(hopefully not) in Sept.

Heal up quick.

-Jake

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

shit man, sorry to hear. Hope you heal alright. Why the hell was that rock moved anyway? Is it now more of a hazard?

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

Heal Up Mark-- I know its hard, but remember it always could be worse, like you said drooling on yourself.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Dude - that sucks! Hope you heal up soon!!

Nak · Fri Jul 27, 07 12:58 pm

Mark,

This totally sucks, I am so sorry to hear about this. Thanks for taking the time to post this and possibly help prevent someone else sharing your fate.

I totally feel for you. I spent 6 months in a wheelchair after getting run over while running. If you don't mind, a word of advice on being temporarily disabled. You've led a very active lifestyle, so you're going to be amazed at how much less food you're going to need now. I cut my caloric intake by two thirds, and I still gained a lot of weight. Keep an eye on this shit early on so that when you heal, you can fully resume your lifestyle.

Heal fast.

Nak

MIXWELL · Fri Jul 27, 07 3:15 pm

Thats shit sucks dude, hope you get well soon!
Its good of you to warn new comers aswell as vetrins, always stay safe!

Get well soon Bro

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

Sorry to hear about your injuries. What a total drag Crying or Very sad

Keep your spirits up, and dont forget to check in with the NWkite crew on your progress. Heal up fast and be smart about your progress, dont push it until the doc gives you the OK.

Ok which one of you Stevenson kiters is going to take over Marks job of retriving my board for me, I pay in cold one's, of your choice Laughing

Wyo Kiter · Fri Jul 27, 07 3:36 pm

Mark,
Sorry to hear about you injury. get well soon.

I would suggest that everyone know their saftey system and don't be afraid to flag you kite in the event of a launch-gone-bad. you can always quickly re-rig.

Also a helmet is always a good idea. Be safe out there, it is a dangerous sport, live to ride another day.

peace

Mark · Fri Jul 27, 07 3:40 pm

Mark Get well soon. Stevenson won't be the same without you.
Mark

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Hopes are that you'll be on the shorter end of the recovery period. Get well soon.

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

Sorry to hear Dangler... Sad

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Sorry Mark - thats awful - heal up and feel better soon

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Get well as fast as possible, Mark!

tonyb · Fri Jul 27, 07 9:03 pm

Mark! I feel for you man! I was down one foot - don't know what I'd do with two busted up. Let us know if you need help with grocery store runs, laundry, etc... I've also got a set of crutches I don't need any more.... but don't know how they would work without at least one foot on the ground!

Want to sit on the beach and take some pictures? I've got a spare camera you can use. Hope the swelling goes down soon and we see you out and about in a few days.

Tony

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed

Mark, I think we are gonna have to float you in front of the launch on an inner tube or I won't feel at home, gonna miss your ugly mug on the water. See ya on dry land and heal up fast. Let me know if ya need crutches or a walking cast........benefits of breaking my legs 4 times. Take care, Steve B

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

I leave town and all hell breaks lose! Shit!

Get well Bro!

Be careful of the aqua port, onshore wind most of the time. Makes for a hot and hairy launch, not for kuks. Cool