Don't Fly Your Kites Near Bridges!

h2olm · Since 07 Jun 2006 124 Posts Stoked

On Wednesday evening, I was having one hell of a session riding the swell at the White Salmon Bridge. It was getting late in the day, so people were getting off the water and there were only a few of us left. I see this kite floating in the current with no one around. It looked twisted, so I didn't try to undo the mess. I grabbed on to the bar floating by and thought maybe I could just steer in to shore. No dice! Then I see the owner up on the banks on the railroad bridge. I motion for him to come back down to the shore. I grabed the bridle and slipped it on to my shoulder and proceeded to tow the kite to the bank. With the current and the wind pushing me, I got to the bench where the fishermen sit to fish just under the bridge. I knew where I was (under the bridge) so I tried to get my kite away from the bridge. Of course a gust hits. I feel the bridle wrapped around my shoulder tighten up, so I freaked. I just wanted to get away from it at that point. Well, my kite loops once, twice, and poof, right on the railroad tracks of the bridge. Thank God, no train was coming by. The guy grabbed my kite, popped the air, and took my lines off. His kite floats UP the White Salmon, hits an eddy just on the North side of the bridge and lands next to the shore as if someone had placed it there for him.
So we both hitched a ride, and was picked up by a windsurer on her way back from the Hatch. She drops us off at the SB. The owner of the kite drove back to the Hatch, looked around for a few minutes, sees someone getting out of the water with a kiteboard in their hands. Yes it was his. So he got his kite AND his bard back from what could have been a very costly session.
Still not sure how he was separated from all of his gear, but I'm so glad my stuff is all safe and sound!
So, to all you swell riders up by the bridge, DON'T FLY YOUR KITE NEAR A BRIDGE!
Man I wish I could have a picture of him grabbing my kite on the bridge!

See you on the water:)

forrest · Fri Jun 13, 08 11:18 am

Damn Holm, that sounds like a nightmare. I wonder what would happen if the train had been coming. I heard this happened once to Sky at Lyle but the train just cut the lines instantly...

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

Yeah sounds pretty scary - glad everything turned out OK.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Glad you're back safely and way to help out a fellow kiter! Definitely one of those oh-shit situations.

Before helping someone I try to assess the risk. If it's strong gusty wind and there's a kite drifting I might let it go because messing up my kite and getting hurt does more damage in the end. If it's not so gusty that the kite is flapping around all over the place then I'll probably give it a shot.

Speaking of which, what are some ways for holding a kite while dragging it back to the beach that have worked for people? Seems like if a gust comes you might be screwed no matter what.

h2olm · Since 07 Jun 2006 124 Posts Stoked

Yeah, I agree with you gene! I thought about letting it drift and heading back to see if there was a jet ski that could come out and get the kite. If I had not seen the owner of the kite on the bank, that is what I would have done. I've seen people towing kites before, but I don't think I have those skills (yet!).

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

Scary story Holm, glad it all worked out in the end.

If you are going to under bridges, at least make sure somebody gets a picture!