Doesn't matter what kind of shape you are in. When you push your limits, do something stupid, show off, or do all three, you can get very hurt.
For anyone considering climbing onto one of these things, a Kite Tube, take a CEO's word for it -- don't. On the second day of my one annual week off, I climbed on this, our newest water toy, to give it a go. Attempt one was fun. I got around 5 seconds of air until a flight error twisted the tube and slammed me into the water. I got off for the day to let someone else try it.
Day two -- I climbed on to see what my body had learned. We turned the boat into the wind to get more lift with less water speed, and thus, perhaps, softer falls. After two hops, I was up... the video camera recorded the whole thing, thirty two seconds in flight. FANTASTIC! The people in the boat were mesmorized as I piloted this baby behind the Mastercraft. Then there was a gust. And the giant kite realized that, with no tail, it was untethered and free to flip around over and over. I looked down at the water from about 25 feet up and held on. (I had decided the night before that holding onto the tube was probably better than letting go. "Keep correcting and you might stay in the air". )The kite literally did a 360 in the air, and for a moment I thought I had it under control. That is, until the moment I hit the water, basically slamming my shins into cement hard water, crushing my knees, and collapsing my entire body onto my legs. Think "cannonball position" in a vice.
One week later, and I just read the thing has been taken off the market by the consumer product safety commission. Looks like I got off easy compared to some people! I can still move my toes and breathe. I guess this is one of the times that being an early adopter has its disadvantages. Next year it's straight water skiing for me. Next year. Hopefully I'll be able to walk, run, and take a full breath without pain by then.
8 comments:
Geez Carl, you are a lucky! But man that did sound like fun!! :)
Oh, Carl!! Ouchie!! Did you end up breaking any bones?? I assume that you are one big bruise on your legs... Prayers are with you for a full recovery, friend!
Sarah
OUCH! I think I'd rather feel the burn by doing P90X! Hope you feel better soon, Carl!
Lori J
Man the flying part sounds great; the landing... not so much. Try skydiving. They give you a parachute so you don't splat like that :).
I hurt just thinking about it! Did you pull any muscles or break anything? I hope its just bruising, which, although painful, will heal much quicker. Take care!
Dawn I was thinking the same thing! Flying easy...landing hard! OUCH! Carl, I'm so glad you didn't get hurt any worse. Reading about that thing scared me! I can't imagine getting on one! Did they give you any tips on how you are suppose to land it? Cause it just sounds bad.
Carl,I purchased the dumbell set on this site.When it arrived,I noticed that I did not receive the pyramid holder for the dumbells as advertised.I called,and I was told that the pyramid stand is for advertising purposes only,& the guy was laughing at me.I told them that this is false advertising.Is this true?Perrimazz@earthlink.net
My god of course not! The rack comes with the set - I know becuase I've ordered it and built the thing myself! Shoot an email to customer service and they should fix you up!
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