BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Not my board, but my buddy Mike Concepcion's board.

Mike lost his Liquid Force Recoil 136, brand new. I think he was trying his new kite and board for the first time yesterday.

Last time I saw it was in front of McDonalds heading towards BayFarm Island.

I did a downwinder looking for it, the wind shut down right at McDonalds, I think its just swirly, I saw his board, tried to grab it, but the wind changed direction on me from side onshore to onshore. I ended up doing a self rescue and scuttled my own gear. I was able to recover my gear but not Mike's board. I swam around for about 20 minutes, but could not find it, it got dark really fast.

I think I need to start learning how to pluck up other people's boards in the water while riding.

Hey Yuri, care to give any tips about the skills I need to be able to do a one hand board grab recovery off the water?

pick the board up and hold it upsidedown on top of you bar as you ride.. So you are looking at its fins while riding and using your hands to ride normally and just grip the handle of the board with your bar at the same time.
Usually works for boards that are not too big.

Thanks Erin,

I think I will build a small light dummy board out of light plywood and practice when I get a chance.

LOL no need to make a practice board. just hang out downwind at alameda and you will get plenty of practice.

now try carrying in some guys surfboard at Crissy... thats hard...!

in that case, you're better off riding their board and carrying yours. basically works whenever their board is heavier than yours.

BOARD FOUND, ... in the estuary, Oakland side, near the small light house. Mike's board bumped into a fisherman's boat, nice gentleman called to return his board.

let's hope Mike brought him a 6 pack....it would be nice to let it become common knowledge among beach goers that return of a board means free beer....means they're less likely to try to sell it on craigslist.