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Windsurfing Death in the Gorge

 
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Riptide



Joined: 15 Jan 2011
Posts: 411

PostPosted: Sun Dec 09, 2018 8:53 pm    Post subject: Windsurfing Death in the Gorge Reply with quote

https://www.kptv.com/news/missing-windsurfer-s-body-found-along-columbia-river-near-stevenson/article_bbd7cbae-fa7b-11e8-8132-2fd97cd2b66c.html

Last edited by Riptide on Mon Dec 10, 2018 10:20 am; edited 1 time in total
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windfind



Joined: 18 Mar 1997
Posts: 1899

PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 9:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Everyone,

Laura was a Gorge legend.

She was superb high wind sailor who sailed every possible winter day in winds in the 40-70 knot range even in mid-winter when the river is much colder and far windier than the 40+ knot day she died.

For most of us sailing in 40+ knot wind with the water and air temperature near 40 would be foolhardy. But with her skill set and 20 years of extreme winter sailing this Stevenson day was a mild day for Laura. Something unknown happened and the river is very wide and very empty near Stevenson.

Laura was also head forecaster for Meadows Ski Resort and on the ski patrol as an avalanche explosives expert as well as an extreme skier.

Below is a photo of Laura on a really challenging Arlington day last month windsurfing in 60-knot winds before the wind faded enough she could take out her 4-meter kite.

She was a friend and the bravest women I have ever known.

Mike Godsey
iwindsurf.com/ikitesurf.com
Weatheflow.com



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dvCali



Joined: 23 Aug 2007
Posts: 1314

PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 10:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Terrible news. I cannot really picture myself sailing in those conditions. Was she out windsurfing or kiting?

Last edited by dvCali on Tue Dec 11, 2018 10:34 am; edited 1 time in total
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windfind



Joined: 18 Mar 1997
Posts: 1899

PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Laura was windsurfing the day she died. She seemed to prefer windsurfing when the winds were in the 30-60 knot range and kited in weaker 20-30 knot winds.

Mike
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windfind



Joined: 18 Mar 1997
Posts: 1899

PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 4:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here is a forum thread about Laura from those who knew her best on the water.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-45278.html

I have talked to 1 or 2 people who implied she must not have understood the dangers of such a day. You are wrong. Laura was on the water at 3 Mile Canyon 10 yrs ago when another amazing athlete, Jeff Young, died windsurfing in 60-knot winds and frigid air and icy water. So Laura fully knew the danger, she accepted the risks and relished the rewards. And hundreds of time she survived them.

I long ago learned one of life's important lessons: Don't judge others by your own limitations.

Mike Godsey
iwindsurf.com/ikitesurf.com
Weatheflow.com
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combs



Joined: 01 Apr 1997
Posts: 129

PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 4:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sad!
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mf



Joined: 02 Apr 1994
Posts: 11

PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 7:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

So sorry to hear of this tragic accident.
She sounds like an amazing woman.
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ShreddinEd



Joined: 27 Mar 1994
Posts: 172

PostPosted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 4:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Horrible news. Hypothermia, drowning or an injury? Was anyone sailing near her that day? Where did her equipment end up?

Condolences to friends and family...
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