For what it's worth, I introduce myself to newbies all of the time and try to offer advice. I was super busy this weekend, and had a guy proactively walk up to me to check his lines. I was in the middle of a windsurfing class, but I was able to introduce him to an experienced kiter who walked his lines with him.
I'm sure he asked for advice because I was wearing a red rash guard shirt with instructor on it. Had I had the time, I would have been happy to walk his lines and help him out.
I know there may be some liability issues, but it seems to me that we already offer advice and help each other out. Having rash guards to point out the fact that you're open to giving assistance might be a very, very good thing.
Here are a few areas where we could use assistance:
1) Someone to spearhead getting the upwind bush dug up and replanted
-Estimate the cost and work with the park, SFBA and maybe even do a fundraising bbq to get the funds (We'll donate the new shiney Boardsports BBQ for the cooking)
2) People to take shifts being "zone managers."
-Introduce yourselves to the newbies
-Have them read the safety guidelines
-Make sure kites/lines aren't left in the launch zone
-Make sure the launch zone is clear of the public
-Maybe even have kiters wait a second until a family clears the pathway before launching
-Ask people to move from the bench downwind of the launch zone (when the wet paint sign isn't on it).
-Maybe we keep a list of times on the shack were volunteers can sign their name in for 1/2 hour duties??
3) Volunteers to order rash guards and volunteers to wear the rash guards.
3) Work with the park to see if we can get the downwind bench moved to a location upwind. If there are expenses involved, see if we can get the SFBA to contribute...
4) A few volunteers who's mission is to get fellow kiters enrolled in the SFBA. Maybe 10 kiters who are committed to getting 10 other kiters to sign up (since we'll be using funds for the kiting community we have to find a way to contribute back). I have a box of SFBA news letters with enrollment forms.
5) Other ideas????
Finally, we need an Alameda Kite Safety Leader who can spearhead stuff like this. I thought I could take a more active role, but Jane's back has been thrown out, so I'm very busy with the school right now.
If any of you would like to take on any of these tasks or be the Safety Leader, please contact me: 415-385-1224 or
boardsportslessons@sbcglobal.net. This past weekend I collected a list of people that would like to volunteer in one capacity or another. I'd be happy to expand that list and pass it along to a leader. Also, I'd be happy to help give assistance to anyone taking on these projects...I know where we can get rash guards, I have the names/numbers of the park personel and the names/numbers of the SFBA board of directors.
Cheers,
Rebecca - Boardsports Shack