Well, it finally happened yesterday. I went to San Mateo CA's 3rd Ave really hoping to finally get up on the board. On the way to the launch site I stopped to help a fellow who had crashed his kite and his girlfriend couldn't get to the kite before it would have started getting ripped up by the rocks. As I pulled it out of the water, I mentioned (without preaching) that if you pull on only one string to angle it, and reel the kite in at the same time, you can usually save yourself from the rocks. Having been the good samaritan and used about 20 minutes of wind time, I proceeded to the launch point, where as I was pumping up my kite a woman lost control of hers and got dragged on her butt for about 30 yards while I ran and intercepted the kite. Once everything was in order, I went back to finishing my preparations.
I launched from land and walked my kite over to the water, attached my board, and away I went. I'm always cautious about the rocks there, so immediately started body dragging northeast, at an angle away from the launch point and the rocks on shore. When I was quite a distance away, I began my usual board endeavor (diving back and forth until I'm standing in the water, and praying I can break the surface and stay up for more than 5 seconds). Even though I wasn't having much luck, things were going well until all of sudden all of the wind just disappeared. My kite landed upside down in the water, and the larger-than-normal waves started pushing us (the kite and I) back toward those feared rocks. I immediately angled my bar and started reeling in the kite, but I could see the big waves were pushing us toward the rocks too fast. I looked up toward the usually busy running path, and of course this time there was not a soul to be able to grab my kite when it reached the rocks. I kept frantically reeling in and swimming backwards, but eventually the kite started brushing the rocks. It started sliding up the rocks, and I thought I might get away without too much damage, but then one of those big waves came in and filled up the upside-down pockets between the leading edge and the struts. Now there was the equivalent of 30-pound bags rubbing my kite against those scrapy barnacles, and by the time I recovered the kite it had 4 fist-sized holes in the fabric. I've since realized I think it can be fixed for not too high of a cost, but since I bought the kite two years ago for $1000 I can't tell you the feeling I had when I saw these holes.
Besides the obvious "even farther away from the rocks" suggestion, I really can't think of anything I could have done differently (except bring a buddy whose sole purpose would be to help with my kite - I'll always do this from now on, even if it means I don't go if I can't get a hold of anyone). Just wanted to share this experience, and see what I can learn from those who have come before. Thanks...

It especially hurts when you know the apartment prices in the Silicon Valley

I kited there last year as often as I could, until I found Waddell Creek far more challenging.

Here is a picture of the launch area, then you know what he is talking about.

The shells on that small beach nearly killed my AirBlast.

Fly safe and remember: It is only a kite!

Robin



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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: http://www.kite-surf.com on 2002-07-13 18:09 ]</font>

Whistle.....

You could have been wearing a whistle that you could have blown like mad, and maybe then someone would have looked your way and you could have signaled to them to grab the kite.

Even if their is no one in the immediate vicinity, a whistle can be heard pretty good from pretty far.

Take along a whistle...the kite and or life it may save may be your very own.

Pea's Out!
Johnny

If you are beginning I would suggest finding a place where you don't destroy things when it goes wrong, because it goes wrong alot when you are learning.. Remember if your kite gets out of control then the next thing you hit is whatever is downwind. Also if you were kiting so close to rocks in big waves and the wind is blowing you onto those rocks then don't go there ever. Don't kitesurf upwind of anything you wouldn't want to get dragged over.

Till you can upwind I would suggest Alameda. Probably the safest spot I know to learn. Sometime too safe (lack of wind). Good luck.

i don't know where you live, but try rio vista sometime. it is nice. check out sheldonsails.com we do kite repairs, and 4 fist sized holes aren't much to fix. we have done much worse. if you send it, i might very well be the person fixing it. the number is (707) 374-3053.
later,
rob