Hey Laurie because we have been doing good in Gero, can we have some more Green arrows,
Hey, that's not a bad price for TED'S, for the country that is.
But in all seriousness, being a father of a few grommets myself that is some huge decision he was going to make. I think it indicates how close they where to death by drowning. I know that when I'm mucking around in the pool and 2 of them cling on it's a struggle to stay above water for 30 seconds. Imagine what he must of thought to see you arrive on the scene.
Well done mate, you deserve all the acolades that will come your way. Your story should make all kiters proud.
My thanks goes to Matt for saving my Boys (Emmett(6) and Lawrence(4)) on Sunday afternoon.
Our regular evening walk of the dogs and play in the water soon turned into a dire situation due to the ocean currents, offshore winds and my poor judgment.
Matt's presence in the area saved not just the Boys and I, but also saved me from punting on the strength of my eldest (Emmett, who not only initiated the rescue of his younger brother by going in after him, but on numerous occasions let go of me and swam ahead of us. It is his bravery in the water that stays with me more than the heroic deeds of Matt - and I know thats saying something!).
It was the presence of Matt that saved me from going into panic mode. Having attempted to get to shore using different strokes without success (watching the 4wd on the shore get further away) I knew my next choice was to wait of Matt (who I had been watching before hand). If Matt was not there, who knows where we would have ended up? Strong currents, offshore winds, my guest would be the shipping lanes - if we lasted that long!
Matt's efforts and ease at which he plucked us from our ride 'through hell and back' also reinforces (or maybe introduces) the Kite as a valuable tool in surf rescue. In the hands of skilled surf rescuers on patrol, the Kite's image could soon be more positive.
It was the "Don't think, just act" process going through Matt's mind that makes him a Hero. Even well after the event, I'm am still not sure if Matt realises what his actions mean to this young family.
Thanks again Matt, for saving the lives of my Boys.
I got goose bumps reading that.
Sounds like Emmett is real little hero too.
Good on you buddy for posting here.
And good on you Matt, legendary stuff.
Great ... I gotta sit here at work for the next 5 mins and hide my teary face so the others dont see me .....
Great tale .... ledgendary
I just read that, and am speachless.
I can only imagine the situation that Tas was facing. Good on ya Matt, you saved 2 generations from what can only be described as a nightmare situation.
Kudos to you my man. Should i ever meet you, i'm buying you a beer.
Atruely great act of heroism by all of you it seems.
Well done Matt for saving this terrific family from tragedy.
Good on you Tas for sharing your story with us..I can't imagine a more unenviable position to be in when this happened.
Incidentally a group of kiters were there last week and at about 8pm and a large shark was spotted cruising inthe channel !
Am I just blind, or is it not on the Geraldton Guardian website??? If not how can I read the rest of the article on page 2???? Anyone wanna scan it in?
Amazing stuff and pretty much what a large number of volunteer lifesavers do daily all over Australia.
Matty(and the lifesaver blokes/burds) are a credit to humanity.
I thought this was interesting.....
"also reinforces (or maybe introduces) the Kite as a valuable tool in surf rescue. In the hands of skilled surf rescuers on patrol, the Kite's image could soon be more positive."
Would be cool to see kites being used to help trawl in wayward swimmers. Anyone know if this has been tried anywhere else in the world?
Real noice...
As a dad of two boys it freaks me out thinking about having to let one go to save the other. Couldn't imagine a harder decision if I tried.
Absolutely top work Matt. Now go buy a Lotto ticket, surely some good Karma is coming your way
Noice to get a good kite story in print too. We aren't all selfish w@nkers after all.
Unfcknbelievable!!!! I'm knotted up inside and choking them back reading this.
I, like alot of others here, am the father of 2 youngsters. What a decision! I couldn't even contemplate it.
Matty your a hero mate. A dead-set hero. Well done!!!
Well done Matt. You saved a man from a life time of heartache and your reward is forever knowing that you saved three peoples lives.
Thankyou for sharing your experience. I feel truly grateful for the outcome that has happened. Thankyou Matt and TAS.
hey guys thanks for all the thankyous an well wish's, it has been really over whelming to see all the support over the net an locally in town here in geraldton. well thanks again all hope to see you all at dongara if you make it, an hope Tas has a good day at the Adelaide test on the weekend. cheers guys
WELL DONE.
Jesus that musta been a terrible situation they were in.
What a champ. I bet that dad couldnt say thanks enough.
Kids are good to save, they dont panic like adults do and are easy to manage.
Ps, did you get your board back?
Fantastic.... I've never met a kiter not willing to help out, other kiters or otherwise.
Select to expand quotemrmawalker said...
Fantastic.... I've never met a kiter not willing to help out, other kiters or otherwise.
That's the point I've tried to make about Matt, like many others will agree, he acted, did not think. That is what makes him the hero.
Thanks again Matt.
Adelaide Test is sensational. You put my mind at ease, allowing me to punt on you, not my boys.
Thanks Mate!
Good stuff.
Not unlike this one in Newcastle which made the local tele news, although not in as dire situation by the sound of it.
Jeez matty seeing you mug on the paper was almost too much thought I was free of it when Uni finished...
Seriously though well done, will see ya in Donga's for a lager or 10...
