Sad news in kiting

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

RIP Corwin Hardham.

One of the the original kiters, from The Gorge, doing great things for the world with kites.

Fantastic athlete, brilliant mind, and all-around good guy.

http://www.makanipower.com/

BCP · Since 20 Jul 2010 27 Posts

Does anyone know the details of his death? This is sad news!

Pepi · Thu Oct 25, 12 8:42 am

This is very sad news indeed.
Corwin was not only a gorge pioneer as a junior and later professional windsurfer and kiteboarder, but behind the scenes he was both literally (actually) a rocket scientist and R&D designer of high performance sports products.
If you ever rode a windsurf or kite fin, or strapped into a Libtech/Gnu snowboard binding, etc.... his designs affected you in a positive way.

His current designs and engineering accomplishments in Solar and Renewable energy were fairly unmatched and he was likely to be one of those guys who was actually making a difference and was destined to make some real changes in how we view, obtain and use energy.
Single line kite reaching up into the stratosphere to generate power? That was him.

I got to know Corwin during his time going to school and living in Seattle. In between his research work, solar car races in Australia and school work, we'd hang out with him during ferry rides and hunkering in the van during winter windstorm sessions on Whidbey Island. Priceless times to really get to know a person.

His mom is a longtime local gorge gal/athlete who was very, very proud of her son.
My thoughts go out to her and their family members.

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGz73Rh4K3I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNNmuE2ed-U

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

Growing up Corwin was always a role model. He was the epitome of a humble soul who always wished the best for his fellow man. All while using his extraordinary intellect and motivation to inspire and better the world. RIP Brother

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Really sorry to hear that. He interviewed me for a job at Makani Power about 5 years ago and later we kited a couple times at Waddell. Thoughts go out to his friends and family.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1765 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

A tragic loss of a very gifted man.

Condolences to his mother and family and friends.

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

Sounds like a great guy, great mind. That sucks. RIP brother.

Sella · Thu Oct 25, 12 1:26 pm

Sad news for sure. Way before his time and just when it seems Makani is proving his clean energy vision is commercially viable. Huge loss. Condolences to the family.

gorgebob · Since 25 Jun 2007 259 Posts Portland, OR Shop Owner

So sad. I new Corwin early on with our snowboard team. A thinker he was and always nice to be around. I will remember him with his pink helmet with the tassel out the top.
He would show me designs on new side cuts for raceboards and he was like 13 year old. I'm bummed I never caught back up with him. Condolences to John and Joan.

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

Herb O'brien died this past week also

Montana · Since 20 Apr 2010 7 Posts Kook

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Corwin-Hardham-wind-power-pioneer-dies-3982587.php

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2099 Posts PNW Bigfoot

RIP, sir! Thank you for your contributions towards kiting--made my life a better place.

To the family, my condolences.

LVDWD · Since 04 May 2009 104 Posts Stoked

Sad to hear. Corwyn was a great guy, admired him immensely. Fantastic windsurfer and kiter; and a visionary Phd engineer and entrepreneur. My heart goes out to Joan and John.