Safety at 3rd Upper Launch

[elli]

I think a rider coming in has right of way in third upper launch, and this does not include any kiter 500 feet from the beach. Just the guys coming in.

All this discussion would not be so necessary if:
1. People get in and out quickly and not stand in the entry point with kites in the air forever.
2. People apply common sense and common courtesy to each other.

Maybe a sign would help? Something short and quick that says that you have to keep the access point clear? If we put a very short and bold sign on a rock near the access point people will see it.

[adamT]

Just be courteous.

Any detailed rules will get forgotten or confused and you really don't know if the other guy knows (or if he/she has it backwards).

If you really want to be safe then just be safe and aware of others around you. No one has total control, but some have more and some have less. Just do what you can to not be a dumb ass..

[sloughslut]

i agree, no matter what you think (i think landing, coming in or leaving water, whatever you call it has right of way) just be courteous this sport needs more of this, i always just sneak in and out when it is safe, i know its tough with 30 kites on the water. :twocents-02cents:

[stone]

I agree with being courteous, and more than that, the requirement to avoid collisions at all times. And I hate to get involved in, let alone continue one of these internet forum arguments, but this one does matter.

For those who think an outgoing kiter should yield to an inbound kiter, how does a kiter standing in waist deep water (about to put board on or body drag) "yield" to the inbound kiter? They can only move about 1 mile an hour. Yeah, they can park their kite at neutral in the middle of the launch to try and let the inbound guy slip past. I think I've heard some complaints about parked kites in the launch.

Last thing I'm going to say is that as far as I can tell, every kiteboarding association or kiteboarding school that publishes something on the web about rights of way around the launch says "incoming kiter yields to outgoing kiter", or some variation of that. Maybe this is new since the precedents you learned, but it sure is what is being taught and published today:

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=outgoing ... TZlSg8c0wI

[kailuakiter]

hmmm, interesting. Last time the rules were called into question where I was kiting was probably about 4 years ago, and I guess the rules have changed. In general it definitely makes more sense for the launcher to have priority.

[baypirate]

re: right of way, I wouldn't agonize too much over legalese here, clearing quickly the narrow opening to the water in a place flanked by rocks takes just a little common-sense. When the launch is crowded, it just takes basic manners.

I'd dare add something else, with yesterday's wind chart as context:

3rd Wind 07-27-09.gif (19.56KiB)Viewed 2186 times

I think it's fair to say that when you see whitecaps filling in to shore at 3rd, it means it's pretty windy, and (for most riders), too windy for 12/13 meters. I'm totally sympathetic to the "I need to get water time" urge, so I can't really preach not to go if you have the wrong kite size. Two suggestions:

1) wait it out a bit: lately at 3rd wind has been weakening at least a kite size during late p.m.
2) if you REALLY have to go out on a big kite, try the inside first, i.e. ~ the triangle between upper launch, the bike path and the flags at the windsurfing ramp. Obviously don't hug the rocks, and don't go too far downwind messing with the "racing oval" of the guys coming in to throw tricks at the flags (aka "3rd Ave Pro Pool"), and watch for windsurfers, is their runaway there. Note also I said try first, the wind may be lighter there but also crappier.

As always, good to see so many new faces!