First attempt did not get off the ground very much maybe 5 feet or so. Second attempt little higher a little longer, started feeling more confident by the third attempt and held more power and speed. went up to estimated 30-40 feet a puff of wind hit again, pulled me up higher at that point decided to let go, and glide down. Having one hand on the rope to pull me up, the other on the bar, steering the kite when I let go, I went to grab the bar with the hand I just let go of the rope with, ended up with hands one hand knuckle facing me and the other knuckles away. Didn't notice the pressure I placed on the left side of the bar thus looped the kite. As it looped, I lost power with no wind to continue the loop fast enough. Hung in mid air for a few seconds in one spot as the kite looped and lost power I fell out of the sky like a rock. I mean rock. As I knew I was coming down hard I tried to spot my landing. I was going to try the hit and roll to disperse energy, which it worked, but unfortunately my heels and left leg took the entire blow. Fortunately because of the roll, I did not injure my back neck or head. I had on an impact vest, helmet, and knee brace on. Even with all of this and ski boots. I am a mess. PLEASE LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES, all of this was video taped, which will now be an educational video of what NOT to DO with a kite.
Looking back, I wish I would have never done this of course. On impact I felt my heels explode with a blood gushing feeling. I knew I needed to get my boots off quick so I undid my buckles because the swelling was growing by the second. After the boots were off my feet got huge. Everyone one ran to me asked how the rest of me felt. I felt fine at the time but looking back once again. We should all remember to never move anyone, even if they say they are fine. I had two cat scans with a possible broken neck. NEVER MOVE ANYONE, CALL AN AMBULANCE INSTEAD. All turned out fine for me, but my fellow kiter’s someone could easily die because they were moved.
I have now been in the hospital for 8 days, had one surgery on my right foot still need surgery on my left foot and leg. I will be going home today, but only until the swelling goes down and then I will be back for another week or so. They have to put a titanium plate on my heel then screw it together because it’s such a mess. I am happy to be alive and blessed to have only the injuries I have.
I just saw the video the other day. Pretty medicated all the time. This is the most painful injury I have ever had. Time to full recovery is about 1 year and that’s if I even get full recovery back. I may have sensitive walking for the rest of my life. I hope to kite again one day, but I promise my wife that I will never kite on ice or snow. When you fall on ice, it’s like landing on concrete. Water aside from shallow is much better.
For all you newbee’s, get lessons, learn your wind, and never kite above your ability. For all my fellow expert riders, man don’t do this I am proof it’s not worth it.
In closing I would like to thank everyone from the community for all the warm wishes, get well soon, donations, personal support and even a possible benefit to help us out. This is above and beyond. Let us know what and where we can help. My wife does have access to the Island View Dining Reception Hall free of charge. Holds 190 people. We really don’t want this to go crazy, even though we appreciate everything you want to offer. I feel bad, and stupid for even towing up. But what’s done is done, and I must now recover. It’ll be a long road, but I will get better in time.
Thank you so much once again. Sorry they held off on the video, but I was wondering what I did wrong. This was my truck and my own stupid decision to do it. Learn once again my fellow kiters what NOT TO DO!!
TERRY
