Brothers keeper

windwatcher · Since 18 Aug 2005 26 Posts B.C. Canada

I had the good fortune of being down in the Gorge last week and enjoying Rufus and the Spit. Late Wednesday afternoon I was over at the Marina Parking lot resting after having an earlier run up to the Hattery and back when I saw two young guys in an older naish C-kite flying the kite back and forth between the kite positions of 11:3o and 12:30. It was clear that the where just learning, by just getting the feel for it. I watched this for half an hour till I couldn't take it any longer and packed up and went over and talked to them. No one else had approached them on this dangerous behavior and they listened and didn't seem unset that I would approach them about this dangerous behavior. When I told them that a lull followed by a gust could loft them and could be fatal, they seemed to take it to heart. I explained how the old C-kites do not depower like the new bows and hybrids, so keeping them high in the sky in dangerous [they see some of you guys flying your kite high all the way from the water to the parking lot.] I told them they would learn more by getting a wet suit on and body dragging instead of standing in the middle of the spit playing with the kite at !2:00. Now to my point, no one talked to these guys for the whole time they where out there, and the example that they see from you seasoned guys taking the long walk back with your kite high in the sky. Shame on the crew that was there on Wednesday, you couldn't be bothered to take a minute and explain this to a couple of beginners, what do you want another fatal like what happened at Santa Cruz this week, and have the powers that be shut down kiteboarding for good. It will be your loss, as well as mine.

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

Yikes! Thanks for stepping in! Sorry to hear about panther beach.

http://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/about4362.html

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2624 Posts The 503 METAL

Sorry Windwatch, but sounds like you might be getting a little carried away.

If these two guys were upwind of obstacles such as those big log piles then you did a good thing. But if they're out there in the wide open just learning to fly the kite I don't think that's a big safety issue. The main thing is having enough room without downwind obstacles.

While newer kites have more depower, I would not bill them as "loft-proof". New kiters entering the sport without having to learn the kind of gust management skills that older C kites require could be a concern.

Neutral

Pepi · Mon Jun 18, 07 8:22 am

Thanks Windwatcher.

Your points are well taken and you are correct in that we all should try to step in with advice when the opportunity requires it.

As a local shop owner I hear similar stories from our local (and Portland) kiter community, yet no one is willing to intervene due to fear of sounding like the local playground teacher or beach nazi.

At the end of the day, we are just as responsible for the actions of those newby kiters, since their potential accidents will effect our ability to protect our waterfront access to the Sandbar.

Just some food for thought, not a rant or rally cry.

Pepi

Bettyboarder · Mon Jun 18, 07 9:13 am

You did the right thing by talking to those guys. I talked to a guy last weekend who was just learning and trying to ride in the kiddy pool upwind of the log pile. Just told him it was dangerous to try to ride there and that he needed to go in the deeper water. His friend was not happy with me but I just said that "if he gets hurt its on all of us not just you and him" after that they moved and came and said sorry and everything was cool. So I dont think anyone should be afraid to tell them they are being dangerous because if you dont say something and they do get hurt it ends up effecting all of us who kite there.

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

Thank You Windwatcher. A few months back this could have been me you assisted. I appreciated the assistance and tips I received from those with more experience when I was even greener than I am now. !

Recently at Sauvie Island I had a similar experience. It was one of the busiest weekend days with lots of non-kiters mixed in with the kiters and there were two guys trying to put up an old C kite nearly directly downwind. I heard a few other kiters make comments but no one approached them until I finally went up and talked with them. This is my first season kiting so I am still learning and I did not feel fully comfortable approaching them but they listened to the little I had. I also asked some of the sun bathers to give them some room. Everyone was friendly and I didn't get any attitude or anything. I was not comfortable giving much advice as I am a newbie, but I was less comfortable with watching them predictably hurt themselves or someone else, which will affect us all.

I enjoy the privilege to Kiteboard at Sauvie and elsewhere and realize that we all share responsibility for the actions of our community.

forrest · Mon Jun 18, 07 11:50 am

Right on Diggy! Karma is real.