close call

LP · Since 05 Apr 2007 115 Posts HR Stoked

Went out at the sandbar around 7 pm yesterday, lite wind, about 8 riders out. Saw a kite down, but didn't think much of it and shot up to the bridge in 2 reaches--thanks to the glide/T2 combo! Then a barge appeared from the east and the downed kiter was in the channel, directly in front of the barge. Rather than ditching the kite and getting out of the way, the kiter just stayed there, attached to the kite, which at this point was doing loops as the barge passed her within 10-20 feet! Shocked

I was about 1/4 mile upwind and saw the whole thing. The barge passed and stopped and signaled to me to go help her as they began to back up and throw her a life ring. The kiter was still attached to the looping kite, getting dragged when airnsails came to the rescue--jumping onto her kite to depower it and letting his own fall to the water. I got to them a few minutes later, but AS had the woman safe, holding onto the kite and a jet ski (good on ya J and H) was already headed out to help. The woman was scared and tired and as's presence was obviously reassuring. She was so scared that by the time she reached shore, she was having trouble talking coherently about the incident. She was helmeted, life jacketed and board leashed...Probably good she had some floatation. She said she couldn't reach her knife, was scared about getting dragged underwater, but didn't have a good reason why she didn't use another method to get the kite away from her. From what she said, i think she was too fixated on using the kite to self rescue.

So great job AS for stepping up and helping this kiter who was in some serious trouble--you did what needed to be done at the risk of sacrificing your kite (and missing out on a butta smoov session). Wink

And kudos to the tugboat operator for signaling that a kiter was in trouble and for backing up and making sure the downed kiter was safe before heading on down the river.

STORMRIDER · Since 17 Jul 2007 222 Posts Stoked

wow, kitemare extreeemmmmmm.. good work to the rescue crew...we m,ust watch out for each other....

jbruxer · Since 24 Jul 2005 398 Posts Beaverton, OR Obsessed

WOW! Glad to hear nobody was hurt during the whole thing!

When she was finally able to calm herself down, did she mention what got her into that situation in the first place? I'm guessing that it wasn't a situation of light wind and being unable to relaunch since her kite was looping around.

...as much as I hate to say it, this is a sad but true reminder for us all to remember how to self rescue and to cut our losses (literally) and save our lives if the situation arises!

Rollo Tomasi · Since 17 Mar 2005 983 Posts Attractive

Good Job on the rescue guys.

Way to go Aaron. My hat's off to you.
Not only an ambassador for the sport but a great rescuer as well!

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

sounds gnar gnar, good job on the rescue!

Mark · Wed Aug 15, 07 1:10 pm

Wow

Way to step up guys!
Mark

Sella · Wed Aug 15, 07 2:04 pm

Another thing to know is when Aaron blasted out to jump on the ladies looping kite his own hit the water with such force he popped his LE bladder. Aaron stayed with the gal to make sure she was okay and another guy towed Aaron's kite in. We stayed until dark untangling Aaron's lines but he had no worries about his kite. He is a true class act for the sport.

Nak · Wed Aug 15, 07 2:38 pm

Much respect to Aaron!!!

To Aaron, LP, and everyone else involved in the rescue, thanks for your efforts and for being true class acts! Very Happy

Aaron shouldn't have to pay for a LE bladder after that. I'll chip in for a new one. Anyone else want to jump in?

Nak

surfncap · Since 06 Mar 2007 77 Posts NE

I can pitch in some cash for a new LE bladder. How would we do it over the forum or net. Does he have a paypal account?

Mark · Wed Aug 15, 07 3:37 pm

Good idea

I'm in.

colby · Since 23 Apr 2005 613 Posts Celebrity Photographer

yes to watching out for each other on the river...I'm IN!! Thumb's Up

Nak · Wed Aug 15, 07 5:56 pm

Thanks everybody for helping with the LE! Very Happy

If somebody could post what kite & size Aaron was riding, also if it was just the bladder or if the seam blew. I'll call Airtime and get a cost estimate.

Thanks again to everyone who helped in the rescue! Thumb's Up

Nak

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

You Guy's Rule.

You get HUGE CARMA and my support.
I'm in!

Sella · Wed Aug 15, 07 10:57 pm

I pinged him at Kiteboarding Magazine for him to hit nwkite. I think it was a 9M Cabrinha or North. His valves were all in tact but the kite came to shore deflated. He just rolled the kite up and left since it was dark after dealing with his lines. He'll respond. Thanks for checking with Airtime Nak. I'm in to help pay.

tonyb · Wed Aug 15, 07 11:28 pm

WTG Aaron. I'm in on the repair. thanks Mark!

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

I'm in, let me know how much.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster