Did I really see a kiteboarder with a toddler in a backpack?

[groundclown]

dbl post

[billgfc]

I saw you on open water with no pfd on your son. You were out in Lyle on a cloudy gusty shifty wind day. that area of open water has weird winds. Strange downdrafts and switches happen there.

On the other hand you showed pretty good control of the rig and had an air of confidence and love for your kid and you both were bonding and loving it all. Safety is central. If you go down despite all you superior skills and are immobilized, then what? Worth the risk?

Time with father and son is central here. The point about quality time is not the specific activity but the many hrs you spend with your son is what is working. You get the same effect if you chose swimming, biking, skiing or a myriad of other sports.

This is clearly a choice you are making with thought and preparation, just as I did with kid in backpack skiing. Remember at that time I had been a professional skier on the snow for 16 yrs, on the snow from Oct to May and even sometimes in summer , training full time, teaching and coaching.

This situation was safer than taking my kid out on a backpack kiting with only a few yrs part time experience with the sport.

In the end I will say was in error because even though my skills and preparation were there, I was was setting a bad example as a ski professional. What if others with less prep started? How many injuries or worse?

Thank god I wasn t dealing with gusty wind that theoretically could knock me off my feet if I was not paying attention or if equipment failed. If I got hurt, help was there in an instant. On the water alone with kid no way.

My three boys, now 19 22 and 24, all survived , broken bones , bruises from activities. It was totally amazing having my oldest in the backpack going down the tram on a sunny day. He was loving it loving each feeling from turn to turn. He was giggling.

In that way I share your bond and understand what you are feeling with toddler in backpack. Father and son share bonds in all sports. It is not which sport , it is quality time with son.

In the end, you will do what you are going to do with your son just as I did. Please also consider all the pictures going out of you doing this. Please consider the messages you send to others just as I did.

Autism has taken toll in my extended family. You might also watch the science channel with him. There is a great series on amazing minds.

Sport is safety first and I wish you and your son well. I would be happy to forward Autism sources I have encountered.


All the best to you! I admire the love and time you give your son as well as to all dads!

[groundclown]

I am glad that everyone is concerned. It's sad that no one can speak up while watching the event take place. If so worried?... I just want everyone to know this is much safer than you think, if the proper prep work and experience are there. Many, many professional riders and instructors support me in my decision. The kite community knows this is the best thing for Levi and myself. I hardly ever ride by myself anymore because I enjoy riding with Levi more than throwing down on my own. It is nearly effortless to ride with or without him in almost any conditions.

I am very clear to anyone who I talk with that it is not a good idea for most people to do this. I only know of two others who have done this. one was pointed out in this thread, and the other was Demitri of Eclipse kites. He had his son out at 1 year old. Cammeron is now 6 and a very good rider. he was recently allowed to start using a harness while riding. The only pictures I have seen were submitted by me. I would however like to see the Gorge guide shot someone wrote about. it was of us I assume. It is that photographer/editors responsibility to point out the risk if publishing such a shot. If more people had a bit of common sense, it would not be necessary.

Levi and I do everything together. surf, kayak, swim, hike, go to "our children’s play place"... he still will not ride a bike, and I feel very unsafe with him in a carrier, so we have only ridden a few times

I know the area of shifty winds you are talking about. I stay well clear of that area unless rescuing someone that did not know any better. I have seen many people blow up kites or snap multiple lines to near the south wall. East of the kilck we have ventured out around 100 yards past the edge of the second spit. I have never gone more than about 150 feet south of the green marker with levi, and rarely do myself. I am well known for rarely leaving the shallow water. because of all the unskilled riders, it is safer to ride in open water with Levi. The klickitat to the east of the spit is only 3-4' deep or less. up wind of the sandbar I have taken Levi numerous times beyond the shallows, but never to the main current. there have been a couple times we left the shallows briefly w/o PFD. since his pack, wetsuit and pfd are blue, and everyone seems to think he is a toddler, I wonder how you would be able to see inside his pack well enough to see PFD or no PFD

BTW- I was a sponsored power kiter at the age of 10ish (just shy of 11) and was messing around with kites on water in the early 90's. I worked since 2005 as and R&D / design specialist. I have taught kiting in 3 different countries, toured the east coast, west coast, and Hawaii. well over 1000 lessons. I will be teaching again in Mex, Costa Rica, and a new spot (for me) in Columbia this winter. I am far from a "part-time kiter." I ride year round, to temps around 25 deg. I ride mountainboards, Buggies, snowkite, sandboard, beach fly... I've ridden with framed kites (revolution), deltas, foils, quadrafoils, 36 stacks of trllby diamond kites... few people have more experience than I with any sort of kite.

Bill- you sound like a great father

[acctx]

[billgfc]

Hey Jon...

I was stoked to run into you today and chat. It will be nice to connect soon again!

all the best

[dude,bro,man]

that guy is a dumb ass
for risking the life of that little kid

because you never know what could happen
out there

[repooc99]

You son is lucky to have a Dad like you. It's a calculated risk for sure, but from the looks of it you know what you are doing. Taking him traveling and providing experiences that he may otherwise never get.

Good luck,

Ron

[dude,bro,man]

repo your not to smart
dumb ass

[penisout]