Acts of kindness and cooperation between kites and Wndsrfs!

[srich]

I mostly sail Dougs and the Hatch. I haven't had much trouble with kiters. I give them room when needed and they usually give me plenty of room. I have seen kiters slow down and go to 12 oclock with their kite to allow a line of windsurfers pass clear of their lines.

About 3 years ago I had my sail top break at the hatch. The sail shriveled up and I could not sail it. It had no power and I couldn't hang onto it for long even in the water start position. I was swimming in thinking I 'd hopefully make it in by Swell City. A windsurfer sailing off the point offered to take me in. just as we were getting going a kiter pulled up and told the sailer he would take me in because it would be simpler for him to run me in. It was a great rescue. I grabbed his harness handle with one hand and my rear strap with the other. he dropped his kite out of 12 oclock and said "let me know if i'm going to fast and I'll slow down." He took me to the point and dropped me off. He was able to control his power so it didn't yank my arms too hard going in and we made it in easily. I think I gained more respect for kiters that day than ever before.

Law enforcement and port authorities etc. can make rules about who launches where, but the river is everyone's to share. I think we all better just plan on getting along.

[pacspeed]

Saw Schwiggity H. Shwagner, kiter and gentleman, dragging a broken down windsurfer into shore yesterday. Those kites sure are handy for towing a dude!
I've picked up errant kiteboards before, and it's frickin tricky to get going again with one, a very awkward waterstart with it clamped in your back hand, or some botchy tow arrangement that never works well either.

Anybody got a good suggestion how to carry a kiteboard on a ws rig?

[tweeky]