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

katosandog · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 95

yesterday on the water in front of the Event Site??? I believe in evolution, but I don't want to see it played out before my very eyes.

jrg · Joined: 02 Apr 1995 Posts: 128

Sometimes things are not what they seem:
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-13701.html

katosandog · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 95

apparently not. Thanks for the link.

billgfc · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 226

no question they are both enjoying each other, I have witnessed

I saw them sailing in open water with no visible pfd on either

Lets just say the dad will never have equipment failure of make a mistake , then it is all good. What if there is failure? Worth the risk?

I have an extended family member whose late brother was autistic and whose stepfather put together the first Jerry Lewis telethon, later doing same for autism. There is also a national leader in the field I know in Vancouver, WA. Even so, is kid in backpack kiting important or the fact that dad loves kid and is taking him for a ride on anything the real point/ Think about it dad, be safe and aware what your example may present to others. It s all good in the end , if safe. Safety is always first

but what about the press publicizing and others emulating?

I have three boys , now 19 22 and 24

I skied with them in my backback, one off the tram at Snowbird when he was one.
In the end, I was a professional skier, athlete, competitor and instructor.

Looking back, as thrilling as it was for the boys and myself (and looked so with dad/kiter), I often ask if it was the right thing. I was highly unlikely to mess up, But what if?

Ski areas later banned kids in backpacks. What if they did not?
Was I setting a bad example?

Looking back with wisdom of hindsight I set a bad example and my kids loved bike rides, swimming, learning to ski and more. I am glad I was not photographed as it could have encouraged others. I was deeply disturbed when I saw the kid in backpack pic in the Gorge Guide.

Dad stay safe

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Until the kid is old enough to appreciate and evaluate the risks himself, maybe Child Protective Services should make the call. I saw a WSer at the Hatchery wearing a toddler on a windy day decades ago, before I was smart enough to call the police and let them decide. IMO, a dad takes a kid to the county fair, not to an activity which has killed experts and can kill a strapped-in child in just 20-30 seconds of immersion.

Mike \m/

mogunn · Joined: 03 Apr 2006 Posts: 1307 Location: SF Bay

Have to say it disturbed me to see this at Pismo's Kite Expo in 2005.

cgoudie1 · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject:

I'm a big believer in risk, this still seems extremely lacking in humility
to me, but it's not my situation.

-Craig

katosandog · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 95

considering the circumstances, and what is at stake, I am not going to say that I wouldn't do the same thing if it was my son.

billgfc · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 226

what is at stake?

Is it the specific activity or dad spending quality time in motion that gets the result?

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935