I would love to share stories about unusual places you have tried to launch your holy grail, and conquer that mighty duck pond or shark infested sess pit followed by the legendary stories you had to retell in the hospital or pub?
The First: I am not sure if it has been done by others or even if I was supposed to even be there, but two summers ago I kited on the Swan River directly in front of Perth City with strong gusty easterlies blowing. I did this on two separate occasions, launching the kite on grassy areas of South Perth foreshore (up towards causeway bridges). I entered the water by throwing my board in first then jumping off the river bank with my kite flying. The second time I was having so much fun I stayed out until well after dark. Jumping or getting lifted in strong gusts were a little scary when you can't properly judge how far below the water is! The city looked awesome with the light reflecting off the water and the shape of the kite just a sillouette in the dim light. Had to keep away from the ferry markers.
It probably wins a stupidity award and not the safest thing to do but hell it had to be done. Have an idea to use cylume sticks attached to kite and board next time I try night kiting!
The second location of unusual choice was Lake Marraboon near Emerald QLD. The second largest man made lake in QLD I think. The local fisherman were a little confused and so was the doctor when explaining how it is I came about needing a tetnus shot for the rather large gash in my foot from the rocky shores of this man made sess pit. The lake had a level of danger sign (like the fire danger signs on country raods). Only their warning sign said: 'Blue/Green Algae Bloom Danger Level' and something about health risk. I earned top stupidity points for trying again a few days later only to discover a sudden complete loss of wind well away from shore, a 1/2 an hour drift to a distant shore, and a very painfull 1 1/2 hour walk around the lake edges carrying all my gear over sharp stones, spiky bushes, bull rushes, reeds, boggy swamp and the last 3/4 hour in pitch black darkness! Guess what, I left my booties in Perth as I stopped wearing them ages ago and my gashed open foot told me about every small step I took!
Anyway, these are just a couple of my stories to get the ball rolling and I'm sure you can top these so lets hear them!
