VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Just a reminder, never ever put your fingers through any leash handles, loops, or rings or anything like that. As I was landing today in strong wind, I got sort of stuck in the logs and decided to land the kite in the field (at iv) by unhooking and holding my sliding (back line) leash, standard procedure. The leash worked fine, but as the bar slid away from me it pcked up some sticks and junk and stopped short of where it should have. The kite moved downwind and hung there for a few seconds, but never fully depowered. It was pulling enough to slide me slowly towards it, adding more power all the time, and then just went into the mother of all kite loops. I'd had enough, so I let the handle twang out of my hand, but if I'd had any fingers through the loop, I'd have lost them. The whole line mess snagged one of those big, rotten logs and picked it up and threw it end over end. The sound from the lines was like a pick slide on a guitar, but really loud. It dropped the log and the kite and bar ended up in the fence.
Just to clarify, the leash and bar worked fine, and I got myself in this situation because I was trying to keep the lines and kite clean (sort of) in the park. I should have dumped the whole thing in the water and dealt with the mess, but the moral of the story is keep your fingers clear from all loops, because sh!t happens, and it happens fast.

Yes grant,I have been there done that.Where we sail,There are no shortage of potential problems. And extreme Dangers. Important that all the safety features are functioning.And everyone is aware of the potential dangers.Doesn't matter how much experience you have,"SHIT happens!"So pays to know your shit in advance,especially when pushing the envelope.Don't lick the envelope shut before you mail it. You will be practicing in warmer water soon,and sand,no friggen logs,and seaweed,and sticks,and teeny tiny beaches.Ha!We really have it rough in Canada. So,stay well,always check your controls for safety,and be kind to your kite,it will be kind to you back.

I will have warm water and sand? That'd be nice... are we talking about global warming?

I guess he means G. Watson...I'm glad you came away from that o.k. Grant...It looked like a sweet session otherwise.

Hey Grant, Yep,I thought you were the other Grant. You need some sun and sand too! Sounds like,come on down,lots of accomadation, right on the beach.Bring the wife.Did i say "Wife"!Sorry meant the other half.Toasty warm water,warm winds and cooooooooool drinks here. no wind today,but lots of room to rig up,sand,and more sand.cheers,please no more spookymares.