Towards the end of a great session at Pinaroo today conditions became doable to have a crack at some darkslides - wind still powering enough but the trigger zone had flattened a little, and only me and a couple of others out.

I had a couple of half baked attempts (though I still got the kite loop around) and on my third go decided to ramp it up a bit. I got completely slammed and the lines went completely slack, kite tumbling across the water - total kite tangle /inversion. No problems - I'll just release the kite, let it self correct then reset and relaunch. I unhooked the chicken loop and waited for the kite to flag. After a few moments I realized something was wrong because the kite wasn't flagging as it should. I soon realized my safety leash had detached (or wasn't originally attached) to the flagging line!

I had just completely released my kite and bar and it was getting blown downwind at speed, possibly never to be seen again. WTF?! With limited options I flagged down one of the other kiters (Jan) who immediately saw the problem and without hesitation went to rescue my kite. Whilst I swam in he grabbed my kite and body dragged in with my kite in tow. I was so thankful that I ran over to thank him but he was not very happy - in the process of rescuing my gear he had gotten separated from his board which was now nowhere to be seen !!

Fortunately I had been able to rescue my board so Jan jumped on that and started trawling for his board whilst I walked down the bay scanning for his board. After about 25 mins Jan managed to retrieve his board so everybody's gear was accounted for. Thank fark for that.

Anyway this post serves as a huge thank you to Jan who selflessly and without hesitation went above and beyond the call of duty to help a fellow kiter whom he'd never personally met. Huge Kudos and good Karma, and of course a carton of your choosing. PM me with your details cobber.

Jan's normally a woman ie. Not happy Jan,

But good on Jan anyway, I am now Happy Jan.

It was my pleasure to help you Simon, I am pretty sure that any other kitesurfers would of do the same. Im happy that you have got your kite back and no one got hurt and thats important. Take care and see you around.
Btw: thanks for correct spelling, dont see it really often. Im from Czech Republic just make it clear :-) :-)

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Sandfoot said...
Jan's normally a woman ie. Not happy Jan,

But good on Jan anyway, I am now Happy Jan.

Hasn't Eurotrip taught you anything? Jan can be a man.

All the Pinneroo crew were really friendly when I used to kite there. Good to see nothing has changed.

I have detected from my kite a few times. Normally ends up past Mullaloo Surf Club.

Save yourself the hassle of running 2kms down the beach&and back. Just drive. Otherwise you will end up with the worst rash ever!

Bloody awesome story mate! Every local has their hero. Ours is Amos! He's saved my board and kite plenty a time.

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Loftywinds said..
Bloody awesome story mate! Every local has their hero. Ours is Amos! He's saved my board and kite plenty a time.

Good to know there are TWO kooks following me around with their red bloodied thumbs. Care to PM me who you are so I can give you a real red-thumb!