Crissy - Rescues, South Tower, Presidio Shoal, R-E-S-P-E-C-T

[friggin old guy]

I gotta say I don't kite out at Crissy much these days but I used to windsurf there all the time when I lived in the City.

Worth saying that this time of year the wind at Crissy gets considerably more undependable.....it's already got that fall feeling going, and as we move further into it the wind will lose oomph and it lays down much quicker even when it does blow. Watch the tidelines......amazing sometimes how much apparent wind you lose in just a matter of a few feet.

Still remember being in front of the outbound freighter and slogging, eaking in front of it......went from 25 to 10 in a heartbeat. THAT was hairball. Even if you're watching what you're doing you can find yourself in some dicey situations out there.

Greatest place in the world for all kinds of sailing but you'd better be ready for that swim in from the rock........I'm betting it'll get you now and then, especially this time of year........

[pacspeed]

Maybe we should start a collection from all the Crissy kiters and throw CG Station San Francisco a keg and roast pig party or something. I know its their job and all, but a little appreciation would go a long way I bet, especially if it had BAK official stamp of approval.

[scottp]

I'm just learning to kite (at Alameda) and hope to someday have enough skill to kite at Crissy Field... I live in the Presidio and often see the kiters out there and I think "wow"!

Knowing that there is the Coast Guard to save lives if needed is a comfort that only a kiter (or someone who has been stranded at sea by some other means) can understand... They have rescued friends of mine before...

They deserve a show of gratitude...

Let me know where to contribute.

[feixaq]

I would definitely contribute to and attend a party in honor of the SF Coast Guard. Please let me know if someone is organizing this...

[baypirate]

Maybe we should start a collection from all the Crissy kiters and throw CG Station San Francisco a keg and roast pig party or something. I know its their job and all, but a little appreciation would go a long way I bet, especially if it had BAK official stamp of approval.

This is the best idea in a long time! If anybody with a good liaison w/ the CG is reading this, can we sound them off as to whether they would be receptive to accepting such an invitation (I think Peter was in touch w/ them). I'm sure we could collect enough to throw a BBQ. Something towards the end of season would be awesome, for once it may be even be a warm Crissy day in Sep/Oct...

(we'll probably have to think about something for those crews that would be on duty and not able to attend, but let's take it one step at the time).

BTW, to get an idea of these guys, yesterday with a handful of rescued kiters/surfers on board already, literally idled the boat by the Presidio and wait for the pack of kiters coming in from the Bridge, as the hole extended a mile from beach. The "core Crissy gang" disappointed them however, made it in dry in full contingent.

[vant20]

Although I seldom sail in the bay I donated some money last year when the GC lost some people in a rescue mission. The SFBA set that up: http://www.sfba.org/

I get now the yearly requests for donations to the non-for-profit association that supports the GC.

Marius

[thelaserman]

As some of you know I am in the CG, although these days I am at a desk doing Oil Resonse. I would be more then happy to act as the liason with station GG. There are a bunch of rules the CG has to follow in regards to recieving "gifts" I am researching them now and can get back to everybody. But the general thought is it is very possible, there are just some cost thresholds we need to stay under. Which should be easy for us cheap bastards.

[robotvox]

This is an awesome thread, thanks laserman.
Lets do this! I am not a Crissy kiter, but I would love to show my gratitude to all the CG anyhow.

[KillaHz]

BTW, to get an idea of these guys, yesterday with a handful of rescued kiters/surfers on board already, literally idled the boat by the Presidio and wait for the pack of kiters coming in from the Bridge, as the hole extended a mile from beach. The "core Crissy gang" disappointed them however, made it in dry in full contingent.

Exactly!

This is a touchy subject. The core locals at Crissy have been riding there for years and while I don't think there is one of us who haven't gotten a rescue at least once from the CG, we for the most part know our limitations and how to read the conditions and get home safely. Every once in a while there are uncontrollable circumstances that create the need for a rescue for even the most seasoned veteran.

Offering to throw a party for the CG is a slippery slope and one I believe could backfire a bit. The increase in rescues just this past year is directly related to the amount of new people venturing out without the proper skills or experience. Allowing those people to feel better about themselves and their demands on a service that should be reserved for more serious accidents/requirements by throwing a party for the Coast Guard in my opinion will come across as "spoiled and selfish" to the coast guard.

Like I said, it's just my opinion but I think if you want to show appreciation donate to the non-profits that support the CG, join the SFBA and don't go out at Crissy if you think that there is more than a 1% chance that you will need CG assistance. That means 1 rescue every 100 sessions and I would say that is about average for a core Crissy rider if not a little above average.

I am by no means trying to bring localization into the spot/sport. Just saying that if you want to talk about respect, let's really talk about respect. I've seen a lot of ignorance on the beach at Crissy this year and some of that I believe is echoed in these posts so I'm hoping that this post may actually reach some of the right people...

[moblvet]

Right on Gabe!!!