Hi fellow kiters,

I am writing this post for 3 reasons:

A) To search for a hero as I need to thank him appropriately (interpretation of appropriately is subject to be discussed)
B) To thank everyone who helped, scolded and instructed me afterwards (Nick: you are my instructor of choice!!!)
C) To describe what happened today in the hope that it helps to prevent this from happening to anybody who reads this
D) To express that I am deeply grateful that miraculously nothing bad happened and that I really feel ashamed – and I am still not giving up trying to learn kitesufing (as australian streets are not made for my former passion for 600F’s…)

Describing it in a short form (a couple of Gin and Tonic’s later - and pointing out: MY BLOND LONG HAIR doesn't have anything to do with it!!!): I have made 2 terrible fatal mistakes:
1) did launch the kite towards the street (instead the water)
2) did forget to hook myself in

So…: when the situation occurred that my new kite (bought 3 days ago – note: I actually bought this model – a NORTH EVO – because of his so-called fantastic relaunching capabilites – after having got stuck in the salty water so many times… why God didn’t you mix some sugar in it??? ) has been launched with the help of my new friend Sang “somehow” just “took off”, and I realized (thank God, Allah, Budda or whoever… I have been told by my instructor Nick: “if anything scary happens: PULL THAT SAFETY THINGY!”) that there was no “safety thingamagic” to pull!!! I let go of the bar as I was already flying towards the electricity wires (I admit: I saw the YOU-Tubes... After letting go the bar (obviously I like myself the most, typical leo…) I saw that lady at 11 o’clock where my kite was rushing towards to… I noticed with relieve that she saw my (evil) Evo heading towards her and took refuge let me adrenaline work and “let go mentally” (being fully aware of the fact that there are 4 lanes of traffic just THERE where it is flying towards to!!!!!)
Long story cut short: a hero (European appearance, white long sleeve top, black and white board shorts --#8594; WANTED!!!) – a person abstractectly run towards the street and must have picked up Evo from the 2nd line of the busy street. That’s the person I am trying to contact – please make yourself known. I believe you saved some lives today and I really want to make everybody aware of it. You just did it, gave me back my kite and went on… I wish I knew at least your name…)

I herewith apologize to all the people that I frightened and I thank everyone who participated. I am really grateful that nothing worse happened. I risked a lot with all the stuff I have tried out in the last 34 years of my live (ask me about how lucky I was not hurting anybody on my skiing or motorbike accidents in Europe… ) and I am really lucky to live in a caring community! I feel as silly as like I was 2 years old when I jumped into that lake to try out if it was true what all the adults said (there will be devils dragging you down)... there was a gentleman who saved my life then... and today one saved many more!

To everybody reading this: I REALLY feel ashamed that I forgot to hook myself in and ignored the fact that I stood at the wrong side of the beach, and I know that I am exceptionally lucky that I had fantastic people around me!!! Therefore, my neglectfulness did not cause any damage – not cause any accident on anyone on the beach, nor anyone driving along by car!!!

THANK YOU! To the person in White and Black: how can I contact you for sending you a couple of beers or so…. I am so sorry, I was so relieved and full of adrenaline that I forgot to REALLY recognize what you have done/avoided! Drop me a line or sent me a note to 041947 99 62.

I the words of Mahalia Jackson (amazing grace): “I was blinded - but now I see”.

If I can give you anything: a little sunshine smile #9786;
Vanessa