Power Kite Forum

the WHOLE story lofted to 40ft and fractured back

flyguy0101 - 6-3-2014 at 08:48 AM

First Thanks again for all the well wishes. Now the juicy stuff since the drugs are a little reduced (not completely so not responsible for typos)
Andrew and i arrived at the Salem Green Hills Park, wind was blowing 12- 15 (estimate) with an occasional gust that was appreciably noticable/higher. I had had several runs back and forth just mowing the grass and getting the cobwebs out had not been on my board since fall wildwood. Was getting really comfortable and decided to go for a little jump so began edging and went to send the kite ( I was flying my 15m charger 2) imediately after leaving the ground a massive gust came and turned what was going to be a little jump into a massive elevator rush up. The next thing i noticed is that i was looking down at the trees in front of me. Couple of things 1. i know that i have jumped 20ft high and landed fine 2. the trees in front of me were ~20-25 ft tall. 3. Those trees got fairly small and i was now very scared (based on conversations form the people who offered to help and called rescue squad- i was 35-40 ft in the air and it appeared that i free fell from about 20ft- so same as my recollection). Once the up stopped i immediately went into survival mode and began redirecting and working the kite back and forth through the window trying to slow down my decent. Somewhere around the tops of the trees the gust died and redirecting was not working but gravity was winning quickly. I consiously kicked off my board, thought oh this is gonna hurt and prepared for a PFL (parachutal fall landing). I landed on the balls of my feet, compressed/bent my legs to break the fall and then i think i ended up falling on to my ass instead of rolling forward- I felt my teeth clench down and my head spin, i laid back and look at the kite and then reached down and pulled the safety. As i laid on the gorund several folks came up and asked if i was okay and i said yeah my back is spasming a little but i think i will be alright. One lady asked if she should call the rescue squad and i told her no i was going to be okay but she did not agree and called anyways- Thank You. As i laid there i do remember consiously trying to wiggle my toes and fingures and doing a full assessment of my body. I even sat up twice but was only able to stay upright by pushing down with my hands next to my butt. The trauma unit at the local hospital was amazed that i was as coherent as i was and did not have more wrong with me.
I will see the nuerosurgeon in a couple of weeks for my first follow up but have already been told that my awesome( awesome in that i cant move in it) brace that i have on will be with me for at least 12 weeks. Even with all of that I realize that i have been really lucky.

Now that i have had a few days of extreme pain, and major inconvenience to my wife and boys i have developed a couple of rules that will dictate my kiting in the future
1. No mtn boarding unless at the beach in clean winds, every serious injury kiting has been in gusty wind and i am not willing to take that risk anymore
2. I will still buggy in my "home" fields but before i hook in again i will have finished my AQR for my harness to buggy (i already have it all done just been too lazy to add the buggy attachment)
3. For a brief period of time i was interested in jumping in the bug- no more
4. I hope to renew my efforts of getting on the water- i know water still hurts but i have to think it would be a little more forgiving on screwed up big airs

As those of you know who have talked to me recently, i am in good spirits because pissing vinegar is not going to change the situation and i do believe that attitude is 9/10th of living. I also hope that this makes all of us think a little more about what we do- not saying change it or do anything different just be aware. I was really glad the lofting was me and not Andrew since he would have had no idea on how to redirect and probably would have ended a lot worse for him.
Sorry for the long writeup but if you read it, i hope you are at least able to take something from it for yourself
Scott

SlowFox - 6-3-2014 at 09:29 AM

SlowFox - 6-3-2014 at 09:30 AM

Glad you survived in relatively good shape Flyguy, that's one hell of a ride you had there. Keep up the high spirits and get well soon.

Btw it doesn't sound like you could not do any better during the decent, very unlucky to lose the wind like that. Gustly wind sucks big time.

carltb - 6-3-2014 at 09:43 AM

the only thing I would ve done different mate is keep my board on my feet. the flex of the board is a really big shock absorber like a leaf spring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER4gM-yCBUg

I think the board saved me on this one



bigkid - 6-3-2014 at 09:57 AM

Something about the way we reconnect with the ground that does NOT work out the way we want. You thought about your PFL that didnt turn out right, my swan dive was to tuck and role which didnt happen.
Much to the surprise of the big air not being planed, why would the landing work out?
Glad it wasnt any worse than it was. Good to know the charger isnt enough to fly in a lull, neither is a 2m race kite.:o
Funny how us men decide not to call for help when we really need it.

I like the sound of your AQR, got anyone in mind to test it out?
How is your wife and sons dealing with dads park impression?
Give your body time to heal, your not a young kid anymore.

As for your accident, I also hope it makes people think before they just do it.

ssayre - 6-3-2014 at 10:11 AM


Quote:

i do believe that attitude is 9/10th of living


Amen brother, words to live by.

flyguy0101 - 6-3-2014 at 10:19 AM

@carl I agree I think I should have used the board as a shock also will try it next time:mad:

chris - 6-3-2014 at 10:21 AM

Get better soon, Scott. Your next water lesson in Nags Head is on the house. :)

AnnieO - 6-3-2014 at 10:23 AM

Wow. You just confirmed what my biggest issue has always been about where I fly, the gusts. I'm still trying to get 100% comfortable with being hooked-in on the depower side. I've been careful about the wind conditions when I break out the Sabre2 9.5 and I'm not looking to boost myself but I'm a lightweight and seem to always have gusts to deal with. Oh yeah, and I'm not a spring chicken anymore!

Glad you will be OK in time.

B-Roc - 6-3-2014 at 10:25 AM

Good words of advice for all to consider. While I think my natural reaction would be to kick the board off, I agree with Carl. I think it would be better for the body to keep the board on if you can land board first.

BeamerBob - 6-3-2014 at 10:56 AM

Dang, I hate you got hurt and glad it wasn't your son that took that ride. I'm also thrilled you didn't get hurt worse. Keep that great attitude during your healing process and then get back on the horse when it's time. Lean on us if you need to brother.

shehatesmyhobbies - 6-3-2014 at 11:41 AM

Glad we got to chat by phone! And for being on all the meds and stuff that is the exact same story you told me on the phone. So glad you have good memory to be able to translate it to the screen.

Keep on healing and I still hope you find a way to come hang with us at WBB!

Its a shame that gust aren't color coded so we could see them coming, unfortunately it is part of the package.

markite - 6-3-2014 at 11:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chris  
Get better soon, Scott. Your next water lesson in Nags Head is on the house. :)


Oh no, we don't want Scott landing on the house like that Dimitri video.

Speedy recovery Scott - I hope you can still make too some events so Andrew can get out and we can see you. I wonder if sitting in the back of a tandem would still be too bouncy? What is it about 10 weeks to JIBE?

bigkid - 6-3-2014 at 12:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by markite  
Quote: Originally posted by chris  
Get better soon, Scott. Your next water lesson in Nags Head is on the house. :)


What is it about 10 weeks to JIBE?

your terrible, does Fiona know your like this?:lol:
I can see it now, Scotts wife on one shoulder saying "NO" and Mark on the other shoulder saying "YES".:smilegrin:

PHREERIDER - 6-3-2014 at 01:12 PM

your spirit shines man! rehab and rest is the gig now, ....the body check "all systems go"....is so juiced with adrenalin it just pops you up and props up the mind! great story Scott

flyguy0101 - 6-3-2014 at 01:13 PM

Jeff,
Actually you have it backwards I currently have Andrew in one ear saying let's go to jibe AND my wife in the other ear saying let's go, mark is just a willing accomplice

abkayak - 6-3-2014 at 01:33 PM

my teeth hurt reading this...i guess that that don’t kill you only makes you stronger...right? and we all take something from this...thank you for sharing and feel better

3shot - 6-3-2014 at 01:53 PM

Wow what an event Scott. At least your brain was able to process the split second survival mode kick-in. Majority of people don't have that ability in any sport.

Get well soon my friend. We'll grab some lunch or dinner in the next few weeks!

mainekite2 - 6-3-2014 at 01:59 PM

Scott,

I like your rules and think that they are very sensible. I try to live by them myself. This is the very thing that scares the H..l out of me. I'm all for learning the water and must say that I try to keep my skis on the snow as well......for now

Kamikuza - 6-3-2014 at 02:11 PM

Helicopter Looping is apparently the way to handle elevator rides... but I've never had the balls to try it :o

bigkid - 6-3-2014 at 03:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by flyguy0101  
Jeff,
Actually you have it backwards I currently have Andrew in one ear saying let's go to jibe AND my wife in the other ear saying let's go, mark is just a willing accomplice

not to be one up or mine was way worse, but you got one very supportive wife. My wife supports me if I follow her rules, I wouldnt trade her in for anything. You better be extra nice to yours, someone might try to steal her away.:ninja:
so have you made your reservations for JIBE yet?:smilegrin:

flyguy0101 - 6-3-2014 at 03:56 PM

Reservations were made last may and house was paid for in January not sure about refund status but depending on doctors comments in a couple of weeks could actually go obviously I won't be able to kite but Andrew can and devan and carter can zooter. I just don't know how mobile I will allowed to be yet ..... Time will tell this would be our 5th yr as a family I think heading down there

As for bride I KNOW I am beyond lucky and so in love will have 20 yrs in may not sure how time went so fast

alasdair macleod - 6-3-2014 at 04:33 PM

Glad your on the mend flyguy ;)
I think you should buy a lotto ticket because you where very lucky:D

flyguy0101 - 6-3-2014 at 04:50 PM

Thought I would share with those in the know:
This evening after loading the feed station for a little more than 108 hrs (4 1/2 days) with all the nec. Supplies I was finally able to drop the load at the receiving station. Oh what a relief it was, only downside discovered is with brace my lovely bride had to check the trap door for any remaining debris since I was unable to make physical contact with the appropriate salvage material.


Taking a dump never sounded so interesting:D:D yes I know a little narco humor

skimtwashington - 6-3-2014 at 05:10 PM

OMG.. you completely removed and white washed the dirty out of taking a ... ummh.. your delayed relief.

Those meds make you very creative in writing.... save some for future writings!

Analyzing an accident hopefully has some valuable learning take away.

So far one thought may be keeping the board on in an unexpected free fall...?


My main thoughts were..... did the kite completely collapse, or why the kite did not float you down (15m worth of kite). Maybe it's that gusts and the quick change in velocities both power on and power off(collapse) a kite potentially..

Trying to understand the complete effect, dynamics of the gust on the kite.

Just trying to learn something and understand more to make better decisions.....

RedSky - 6-3-2014 at 05:14 PM

Every newcomer who wants to jump or landboard needs to read stories like these and we thank you for sharing.

Imagine if this was another guy without the experience you have. They'd have bailed or failed to redirect.
Without a doubt your experience saved you here. I hope to read soon that you're back out there ripping up the sand in lovely clean wind.

kiteballoon - 6-3-2014 at 08:17 PM

Sounds like you had quite a ride. It's amazing just how fast you can find yourself way up off the ground isn't it? You can't tell you left the ground, you simply notice the ground has left you so to speak; everything is further away!

Sounds like you kept a level head and put together a course of action for your return trip. That's impressive and likely served you well.

Wish you well on your recovery and I'll echo the others on seeing you and Andrew and JIBE. Your tale makes me think about my own skills and safety setup.

erratic winds - 6-3-2014 at 08:27 PM

Best wishes to you and a quick recovery, I'm glad to hear you have high spirits to match the height of the air!

Clive - 6-3-2014 at 08:29 PM

It's a difficult thing, so often the wind can be lumpy, and it seems that one poltergust just grabs you. Good to hear you're on the mend and somewhat cheery despite your predicament.

I don't know what the answer is, we will be kiting in 20 knot offshore winds tomorrow, hopefully not too lumpy, but reading this there's always a risk, and no one I've read about saw it coming. Does one just stay at home, or fly underpowered ? ( I will probably just use a 4m depower tomorrow... I'm not into jumping in a buggy anyway )

Get well and I hope there is no lasting effects of your injury.

snowspider - 6-3-2014 at 08:33 PM

:thumbup: humor is the best medicine! You might want to get one of those back scratchers and work your modification magic so your wife can stay on the sunny side and not on... well you know.

mougl - 6-3-2014 at 08:49 PM

Thank God you are ok!! Ive seen you go big but damn man! Heal well, heal fast bro :)

3shot - 7-3-2014 at 02:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by snowspider  
:thumbup: humor is the best medicine! You might want to get one of those back scratchers and work your modification magic so your wife can stay on the sunny side and not on... well you know.


Now this is funny :lol:

macboy - 7-3-2014 at 07:59 PM

Thanks for taking the time to share the full story - and demonstrating your positive attitude and resolve. :thumbup:

stetson05 - 8-3-2014 at 12:05 AM

Thanks for the detail. Makes me wonder about the PFL. I tried it once too. My butt hit between my feet before I could do anything else. Almost broke an O ring on that one. Did break my tailbone. Heal up buddy!

Helicopter loops, I would imagine that might work Kami. I will have to try it on water first. Someday.

pbc - 8-3-2014 at 08:49 PM

Scott, that's a heck of a story. I'm sure glad you've lost nothing but your dignity.

Back in '97 I flew to out to California to buggy at El Mirage. I did buggy, but only for about 60 seconds. I exited the buggy sideways, had to spend more than a few hours in the ER, and spent the rest of my trip sitting in a lawn chair at the camp at Walt's Cove. It wasn't the trip I planned, but it was a still a good trip.

So you should come to JIBE. You won't regret it. This'll be your chance to take a whole lot of pictures of Andrew in the air and Carter and Devan Zooting.

Philip

TEDWESLEY - 13-3-2014 at 09:29 AM

Scott thanks for going "where no man has gone before" and getting back to tell about it. There was a passage in an old flight manual I
got from my father: LEARN FROM OTHER PEOPLE'S MISTAKES

YOU WILL NEVER LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO MAKE THEM ALL YOURSELF
note to self:
no good can come from unintentionally leaving the ground
I'll be looking for you & the family at JIBE. Do what the doctor says!

PHREERIDER - 13-3-2014 at 09:50 AM

man the narcotics will look up the station! 4.5 days nice man....ah! spousal unit growth, priceless!