3 Tree Point to Whidbey!

[KitesofFury]

Burly. Did you guys cross over to the peninsula or did you stay in the center of the sound? New gear definitely helps the confidence factor.

[PMCD]

PMCD, You think I shoulda took the 10m eh? What would Columbus do? Come on, it's the Sound bru. We are both fully capable of dealing with the worst situation, but thanks for your concern. We would do it over in a heartbeat. I think B-ham is doable in one day. Maybe I'll take the 10 for that?

I am glad you made it and it sounds like a great adventure, but, you had no back up besides the buddy system and a cell phone. You are dependent on consistent winds, gear not failing, hoping that you do not spend too much time in the water when the cold zaps you of your energy and judgment.....

You were "both fully capable of dealing with the worst situation"? Not even close on that assessment. At best you were somewhat prepared for one thing going wrong. What about when two things go wrong at the same time? If you are not prepared for a cascading set of circumstances on the water, you will be lucky not to eventually pay the price for your lack of preparation

If something happened, what is your buddy going to do? If you are close enough to shore, he can drag you in, but, other than that he is not much help. You really dont need to be very far out to eliminate dragging you in as an option in cold water. So what was the real backup plan in reality? Call the coast guard from your cell phone? I don’t think it is a good idea for kite boarders to take adventures in the sound with the Coast Guard as their first line of defense. I am concerned that other kite boarders will follow your example and take adventures with a false sense of security that will eventually lead to CG rescues or recoveries.

Columbus took three boats with him that float to discover a western trade route. You are a engaging in a recreational sport and using the CG as your back up. Yours was an effort that takes endurance. The risk was created by your lack of a good back up plan, not the distance you were traveling. The CG should only be called as a last resort when all other reasonable plans have failed as will happen on the water. Using the buddy system in the middle of the sound is not a reasonable level of planning.

If these adventures become commonplace with PS kite boarders using your planning it will result in CG rescues and worse which will not be good for kite boarding as a whole and locally in PS. I hope others understand the risks involved on the water, respect the sea and take the time to put together a better plan than you did.

I am not trying to be insulting and I know it is not popular to do anything other than post "high five" comments on PSkite, but, I stand by my comments. I don't care if I am alone in this opinion, labeled an over cautions drama queen, pussy, wimp.... I have spent too much time on the water and have seen all too often how a situation can deteriorate in minutes when you are not well prepared.

What I have said is not debatable in my mind, so,this will be my last post on this subject. I hope that you and others take the time, effort and expense to take greater responsibility for the possible outcomes of future adventures.

Good luck,

PMCD AKA TLKB

[moonwolf]

Wow!
CArzy kool you make it to DB?

[Jake]

I respect your opinion. Your post are great for the the riders that are unaware of their ability's and dangers. I was just trying to share the stoke to the riders that do know their ability's and the dangers. Don't make up things and post like you know me. Who said anything about coast guard? Maybe your the type to pay big money to climb a mountain and have others carry your gear so you can have your tent all set up when you arrive in base camp? I think that ruins the whole experience and have been taught a little different.

Mad Peace,
don't forget to have fun, take a chance every once in awhile, Live a lil

[mcaseym15]

Don't make up things and post like you know me. Who said anything about coast guard?

great point and good advice!

Maybe your the type to pay big money to climb a mountain and have others carry your gear so you can have your tent all set up when you arrive in base camp?

you should follow your own advice.

[AndyD]

Hey what time did you guys get started?

[roba]

hey jake. thats pretty bad ass. you have some serious balls, and some big goals! that is a long down winder.. and your wanting to go bigger?!?! your a nut job . all that being said, at least hear pmcd's advice. don't blow off his advice or concern just because your still hi from the experience. we can, and should all learn from each others experiences. he's just offering up some legit advice.
now back to the nut job down winder.
i'm still growing my wings but when i get there, i want some of that. if your cool with it i'll i'll tag along. i'll even carry the marine radio and flares!

[Jake]

I did say maybe. haha

Nourthbound at 3:00 pm.

[gotkite]

PMCD - I think you need to get out of your comfort zone - there is nothing like an adventure around the sound - - What the difference kiting at golden garden or rb or ect your out in the sound - you should always be prepared for that
OH SHIT MOMENT - no matter where u r kiting -

You Can't prepare for everything! Only better your Odds ---- At some point you gotta trust your gear and experience - I'm not saying everybody should go out and do a sounder - you got to know your own limits!

Being prepared = dry suit - check your gear - cell phone - medical card - cash - taxi phone # - bus schedule - let someone know your on the water --- AND the # 1 THING BROWN'S POINT FIRE DEPARTMENT PHONE #

[James Owenby]

I think there is a lot of hubris in this post.

That sounds like an awesome long downwinder, what is that, like 40 Miles? I agree with PCMD that some boat support would be wise....especially for the crossing over to Whidbey. I ASSuME you went along the shore and then crossed at Mukilteo? If that is the case there are probably some Washington State Ferries that may have saved you had gotten in trouble, but who knows if they are paying attention to you or would even know if you were in trouble. Were you guys even wearing PFD's?

What the difference kiting at golden garden or rb....[sic]

To respond to that....I think there is a big difference kiting at GG or RB. Kiting there you aren't doing a major crossing. 3 Tree to Whidbey at some point you are out in the middle of the sound.