Lessons learned
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:55 pm
I'm sharing my story in hope that others learn from my experience and don't make the same mistake.
I was having an epic session on the coast last week. I dropped my kite and washed into the beach where I self landed the kite on the sand. I was in the water. The kite came to a complete resting position, facing the wind and no power was in the lines. I decided to walk up one line - much like I used to w/4line kites, to put some sand on the kite. I did not want my lines to get messed up in the surf.
A gust of wind came and launched the kite HOT into the power zone. The line in my left hand become a sharp razor and cut my skin off 3 fingers (yes, I'm typing this with 1 hand and it's taking forever). I'm lucky that only skin was taken off - quite painful, not as bad as getting hit by a Ford Expedition though ;-). 2-3 weeks of down time while I re-grow my skin back.
Total bonehead move on my part. I was too relaxed after a long and wonderful wave session.
Lessons learned:
1. When self landing kite, never walk up any lines other then 5th line. EVER.
2. After the kite has landed, detach yoursefl from kite and run to it and place some sand on kite, then deal w/lines.
3. Realize that after long sessions, your judgement may be a bit clouded.
4. Have a good first aid kit in your car (thanks to the So. Cal bros who did have one and helped me, and Gabe for helping me bring my stuff to the car and remove my wesuit)....I used to have a pimped out kit, which was stolen with my truck, and I have not replaced it until yesterday.
5. Have clean water in your car so you can clean wounds.
I hope that others do learn from my mistake.
BTW, I think I am all done for the year. They say bad things happen in 3's: my truck stolen, hit by a car and rip skin off fingers. I'm good to go for a while. Looking forward to getting back on the water soon.
Get some, Z.
I was having an epic session on the coast last week. I dropped my kite and washed into the beach where I self landed the kite on the sand. I was in the water. The kite came to a complete resting position, facing the wind and no power was in the lines. I decided to walk up one line - much like I used to w/4line kites, to put some sand on the kite. I did not want my lines to get messed up in the surf.
A gust of wind came and launched the kite HOT into the power zone. The line in my left hand become a sharp razor and cut my skin off 3 fingers (yes, I'm typing this with 1 hand and it's taking forever). I'm lucky that only skin was taken off - quite painful, not as bad as getting hit by a Ford Expedition though ;-). 2-3 weeks of down time while I re-grow my skin back.
Total bonehead move on my part. I was too relaxed after a long and wonderful wave session.
Lessons learned:
1. When self landing kite, never walk up any lines other then 5th line. EVER.
2. After the kite has landed, detach yoursefl from kite and run to it and place some sand on kite, then deal w/lines.
3. Realize that after long sessions, your judgement may be a bit clouded.
4. Have a good first aid kit in your car (thanks to the So. Cal bros who did have one and helped me, and Gabe for helping me bring my stuff to the car and remove my wesuit)....I used to have a pimped out kit, which was stolen with my truck, and I have not replaced it until yesterday.
5. Have clean water in your car so you can clean wounds.
I hope that others do learn from my mistake.
BTW, I think I am all done for the year. They say bad things happen in 3's: my truck stolen, hit by a car and rip skin off fingers. I'm good to go for a while. Looking forward to getting back on the water soon.
Get some, Z.