I was looking at the wind report this morning and realized its june 13th 2026.
Kinda took my good mood to a low point. Grrrrr let me explain……
June 10th 2010, Moclips beach, Washington. 11am, wind is onshore about 15 to 20mph, im in the buggy flying a 2.9m kite and a squall rolled in and i didnt notice.
I realized im going up and as i reach the apex of my OBE Im about 30 feet up and Im in perfect form for a swan dive back to the beach, my thought of “tuck and role” probably saved my life. When i came to a stop i was wrapped up in kite lines and out for the count.
After the kite was gathered up and i was untangled, my life wouldn’t be the same again.
A trip to the ER 2 hours away i was told I was spending the night.
Off to the top trama hospital in Seattle i found out i did a good job, 19 broken ribs, punctured and collapsed left lung and my c-1 and c-2 vertebrae were fractured.
Surgery and physical therapy along with a couple years of hell i have made a 95% recovery.
I designed a quick release system that will work automatically. No more OBE’s

Im just now getting back into kitebugging after a rebuilt knee and ankle. Today the wind is blowing 9 to 15 and its 103 outside just perfect for a ride on my personal dry lake bed.
I have filled out my trip report for my wife, where, when, how, and with who. Satellite phone charged, gps enabled, time to get going. Its going to be a great day. Life is good.