Here's one... are you ready for kiting in the water?

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

4. Do you know how to swim ? Twisted Evil

That african dude in Endless Summer that surfs, but can't swim, is crazy. I hope we don't have any of those out there.

Nak · Mon Jul 02, 07 7:27 pm

Jim, Phil, Nicole and everyone else doing the rescues, Thanks tons!!! Thumb's Up

You guys are going way above and beyond the call of duty. While I've never needed a rescue, I appreciate your efforts. If I can pitch in for gas, let me know! I'll try and keep a few extra beers in the cooler for you guys! (Oh, and don't get to sick of doing rescues before I end up blowing a leading edge! Very Happy

)

Nak

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

I have only rescued someone twice in one day. Not sure what would happen if it was three times. I am to the point though where I basically let them drift for a while to self rescure to the kite.

I will go grab someone if it becomes apparent that they have no clue and aren't getting any closer to their kite. I will give them some "friendly" suggestions along the lines of maybe you should learn to self rescue before you go out again Smile

Was out there for a while today without incident, and then it seems like in about 45 min did 4 rescues.

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 491 Posts Obsessed

hey guys, let's setup a nice kite recruitment booth at all the big windsurfer events in HR so we can get way more people into the sport. especially those that struggle with windsurfing and are looking for something easier. that would be great.

pauls · Since 20 Jun 2005 564 Posts Northern Portugal Addicted

eskeeme · Since 23 May 2007 44 Posts White Salmon

Great idea!!

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

I know all the do-gooders can hardly wait for another blow up ,
so they can rush to the rescue ,
I know I did it when I had a rescue vehicle ,
as time goes by though ,
so much of the fun of going to the beach IS
Getting stuck, this is universal (not just for kiters)
getting worked in the surf ,
blowing up thier kite (in the surf)
getting all tangled up in the lines,
dropping kite and NOT relaunching
swimming in
worked on the beach
worked landing the kite
these are all natural processes that most will go through ,
unless it becomes abbreaveated
One of my MOST memorable pile-ups was at Whiskey Run
It was slightly NE. wind and pulling away from the shore
everybody was on the beach watching and I was feeling very smug being the only one going ,big kite, wind dying ,I'm about 1000 feet offshore rippin around .
Then the realization that there is NO wind on shore ,I make a mad dash and 45 minutes later I finally drag all my shit up
not too bad but sticks in my mind

Maybe some of the gumbies should do some swimming

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

Very good points Blowhard. I think I was very quick to help folks out at the first sign of trouble, but ussually we now wait a bit and let them do the self rescue.

I think I said it earlier, but now I basically wait until someone has rolled up all the lines and is in the process of dragging back to the beach with the kite.

If it is quite obvious that the kite has become deflated and turned into an anchor I will come right out, or if it is a life threatening situation (barge coming , person too tired and screaming for help).

Otherwise if they are making no attempt to self resuce or don't know how, and are drifting down river, they get to drift for a while. Helping someone that can't help themselves sets them up for a serious situation later when a jet-ski isn't around.