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Sherman Island Guidelines 
Kiteboarders - Welcome to Sherman IslandWE NEED YOUR HELP SO EVERYBODY CAN ENJOY THIS AREA SAFELY
PLEASE take a couple of minutes to read the following guidelines.
If you have any questions, please ask around for additional information.
Let's work together to make this a fun and safe place. Get involved, ask how.
Thank You!
*THIS IS AN ADVANCED KITING AREA WITH MANY HAZARDS*
If you are not a confident, competent kiter who can consistently launch and land safely, or are unfamiliar with this area and launch, PLEASE ASK FOR HELP or consider launching someplace easier.
*LAUNCHING AND LANDING*
DO NOT LAUNCH OR LAND YOUR KITE WHEN PEOPLE ARE IN THE WAY
This means no one should be between you and where your kite will be launching from or landing to.
INJURING SOMEONE ELSE WILL SERIOUSLY AFFECT OUR ACCESS PRIVILEGES.
Take the time to double check your equipment and do it right.
Wait until all incoming kites and windsurfers are clear.
Please take turns.
Always use the kite landing signal (Hand tapping on top of head) before landing.
Get a definite response from someone first before bringing your kite down.
*LAUNCHING AREAS*
UPPER KITE BEACH: Direct onshore wind, minimal beach at high tide, MOST DIFFICULT
MIDDLE BEACHES: Cross/onshore wind, no beach at high tide, at high tide launch in grass area by parking area and walk kite down. ASK FOR HELP walking kite. Very busy beach, so pick up your kites and lines and clear the area quickly.
PLAYPEN: Crowded area with many beginner windsurfers and children: NOT PREFERRED.
THE ACCESS/PIT: NO LAUNCHING ALLOWED per California Water Management Board
BAJA AREA: Good launching and landing, safest beginner area around. Watch the rocks!
If you are unfamiliar with these areas, ask someone to show you.
*KNOW THE RIGHT OF WAY RULES*
Starboard Tack (right hand forward toward the beaches) has right of way over Port Tack (left hand forward going away from the beach)
When on same tack downwind sailor has right of way over upwind sailor
RIGHT OF WAY DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN VEER UP AND DOWN WIND - HOLD YOUR COURSE -
*KITER SPECIFIC* RIGHT OF WAY: When a kiter is launching give them the right of way to get away from the shore and danger.
THIS IS A MULTISPORT AREA SO BE AWARE OF OTHER PEOPLE ON THE WATER
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO STEER CLEAR OF OTHER PEOPLE
IF PUSHED DON'T FIGHT! GIVE THE RIGHT OF WAY - SAFETY FIRST! -
*BEACH AREA ETIQUETTE*
DO NOT COVER THE LAUNCH AREAS WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT
Do not leave kite lines unwound across the beach, roll them up with your kite
Put your kites off to the side, stack them up, or better still take them off the beach.
Everyone, including windsurfers, needs to keep the waters edge and the middle area clear for people to pass through easily with their equipment. If someone's equipment is in the way, ask them NICELY to move it, or you may move it.
Don't string your lines and gear over other peoples gear.
STAY A MINIMUM OF 200FT. AWAY FROM THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS
No jumping and doing tricks close to shore - there is no room for recovery if anything goes wrong.
Everyone can see just fine and will appreciate it that you are acting safely.
If you are working your way upwind make your turn and head back out.
Please be considerate and watchful of others.
Help make this a great area and a great sport.
Sherman Island Kiteboarding Organization
From the Rio Vista Windsurfing Association:The County Park launches and the Baja Road launch are the only approved kite launches on Sherman Island. Our lease arrangements with the California Department of Water Resources prohibits kiting at The Access.
The Kite Launch, located on the Baja Road, is the least crowded and most preferred of all Delta kite launches. It is fully improved, with a large rigging and launching area designed specifically for kiters. The best features of this launch are that it is far away from any windsurfing launches, and itís virtually obstacle-free. And remember-if you choose to launch downwind of the Baja Road, there are low power lines that parallel the levee road.
Hopefully Delta windsurfers are beginning to feel more comfortable around the Delta kiters and vice-versa.†† This doesnít seem to be a problem in lighter winds, when there are no windsurfers in the area. However, the County Park becomes very crowded as the wind picks up. As you well know, this can be potentially hazardous for all water users. Remember that there are other places to launch if your favorite spot is crowded.
Kiters please remember to be courteous on the water and on the beach. What you choose to do out there, affects all of us. The kite launch privileges at The Access was lost due to the irresponsible actions of a few.† Here are some Doís and Doníts to help us co-exist and enjoy our passions together:
R Do help each other out if someone needs assistance.
R Do respect the rights of other water users and remember that many people are extremely intimidated (freaked-out) when you come around them on the water or on land.
R Do ask an experienced Delta kiter if you need local knowledge regarding launching, landing or kite handling.
R Donít launch upwind of popular windsurfing zones if you know you canít stay upwind.
R Donít Be a Jerk! Be patient as others learn to understand and accept our sport.† Your actions reflect how others perceive kiting.
