Kitesurfers, Windsurfers Have A Scare At Aurora Reservoir

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - Seven people are safe after a water rescue in Aurora on Monday. The windy weather was way too much for a group of kitesurfers to handle.

The kitesurfers were in trouble in the water in Aurora Reservoir, but fortunately all seven made it out safely.

It was exactly the kind of weather kitesurfers and windsurfers seek Monday evening, but when the stronger winds rolled in it caught a lot of people off guard.

"That's the most frightening part of sailing in Colorado is the wind can come up like that out of nowhere," windsurfer Eddie Walker said.

Windsurfers can come out of the wind if necessary, but it's the kitesurfers -- riding a board and holding onto a kite -- that can't adjust as easily.

"Sand kicked up, there was liquid smoke. There were a couple kiters out there; two of them cut their kites because it came in so hard, just to survive on the water," windsurfer Greg Krivec said.

The Aurora Fire Department got the call late Monday evening as wind gusts reached 60 miles per hour.

"Kitesurfers who were unaccounted for ranged from two to 12. We were finally able to get out and get an accurate count of seven," Cpt. Allen Robnett with Aurora fire said.

No one was hurt. The recreational thrill seekers played it smart as they were well equipped.

John Camponella's wife Donna watches his every move.

"When it was a little bit crazy, before everyone was accounted for, there's a little bit of anxiety. But he knows what he's doing, he's an expert sailor and I feel comfortable now because the guys who are out there all know what they are doing," Donna Camponella said.

Emergency crews couldn't stress enough how prepared the surfers were. They had helmets, wet suits and floatation devices. But what was most critical is they knew everyone they were with and could all account for each other.