COMMUNITY EFFORT - Educating Spectators

[Fassn8]

Wanted to start a new thread on this topic give some recent events.

I meet people all the time on the beach that are simply unaware that they could be in danger when standing too close to kiters or walking by someone launching, etc.

Here's one idea, please post others if you have them:

SPREAD THE WORD
Create a flyer talking about the exciting sport of kiteboarding (read: "Not Dangerous") and print it in english on one side and spanish on the other. Use a few pictures to point out the "danger" of the lines and equipment. On busy beach days folks could pass them out to spectators. We could also proactively approach the city officials letting them know about our "education efforts". I think the two most important spots to hit are Crissy and Alameda given their weekend crowds.

Thoughts?

If folks think this effort would be worthwhile, I'll volunteer to lead it.

-Jason

[Greg]

Honesty is the best policy!

The sign(s) should start out:
Kiteboarding IS dangerous.....
Do NOT attempt to help UNLESS you've been given instruction!


I believe education efforts should be directed TOWARD kiters and combined with STIFF FINES for violations..

[CdoG]

I think if kiters just followed the guide thats already there

i.e keep the launch clear for comings and goings
dont park, dont setup in street clothes
drag out 200 feet
stay out 200 feet
make sure your clear befor you throw
ect,ect
p.s.
and if you do make signs put one at shellgate

[Greg]

I think if kiters just followed the guide thats already there

i.e keep the launch clear for comings and goings
dont park, dont setup in street clothes
drag out 200 feet
stay out 200 feet
make sure your clear befor you throw
ect,ect
p.s.
and if you do make signs put one at shellgate

WORD!!

[maxsteamer]

Hey Guys,


I'm not sure??.. but I think all (Signage) will have to be approved by EBRP or your effort will just be removed..this is not a new idea as I tryed this in the 80's and did not get there approval and one day they were gone. The sign was in regards to a safety issue with windsurf equipment left on the pathways to the beach. cdogs idea is a good one and we all have been guilty of at least one of his comments and this would alert all of us to follow kiting etiquette.

In regards to the general public singnage:

I don't think it is a good idea to post in different languages as this has proven to have a nagative outcome as there are some many different dialects.. I think that pic's would be better as it would only have to be a picture of a kite with the the red circle with a line through it I think that is a national symbol for use caution that all walks of life will understand.

Max be with you " " 200 feet ??? " :o " Guilty fo sho..

[CdoG]

Max you noe i LovE ya...
you where the frist "shop I could buy from"
no internet needed...........


but if we "parked at the Shack and payed the 5 Doller's

we could get the bathrooms cleaned and sign's made to order...

shit happens fast ,when you act
not think


and
gives no quarters..............


kite-n ant Ez when you just want Too.........




.




.


.
have it your way

...

[Greg]

have it your way :-" :-" :-"
ant'e no bigg'e to me-
I'll jus- kite round ya!!
L.M.G.

[windhorny]

I really dont like the idea of signs as it is basically saying we cannot self regulate ourselves and are dangerous enough that we need signs! People should be told, and never assumed to know what they probably don't.

This forum is the most powerful sign we as kiters have. If every new goon looked on here I feel confident it would be a better/safer place.

[CdoG]

I hear you yuri..
but
i would rather not have helicopters and ambulances ..on the beach
i would take the signs

one guy yelling is not going to do it

or two... me and L.M.G.

every kiter needs to step it up

every L.Z needs to be on the same page


now I'm not per say pro signs
but
what else are we gonna do?

3rd ave has them...

sticking your head in the sand
and looking the other way
is not getting it done

shit put up a sign....

then you could just yell ,,
,,
did ya read the sign..?

[Boardsports]

We (the community) have kite safety guidelines posted on the side of the shack (compiled after a safety meeting which LMG attended years ago). We (the community of kiters) that I have worked with at the launch by the shack, have worked diligently to educate all of our local and visiting kiters (and everyone passing through the launch by the shack) to exercise CARE, SAFETY, AND CONSIDERATION around beach goers. Kiting is a privilege, not a right. Kiting is an obtrusive sport and all kiters should set the example for others by following local guidelines (that the community defines) to protect the public. Every day I educate and ask the public to not sit by the kite launch zone (that we mark with signs every day we are open), and ask kiters launching there to only launch if they have a clear safety/buffer zone around them.

It is up to the individual in the end. No matter how hard we all try, it only takes one incident to jeopardize the safety of beach goers and to tarnish the view and future of our sport.

PLEASE FOLLOW SAFETY GUIDELINES. Here (listed below) is what is posted at the shack. I will speak with the SFBA (san francisco boarding association, community organization that promotes safety and access) about getting guidelines posted down at the lower launch in Alameda.



KITE SAFETY GUIDELINES:
Wind is a mystery; traction kites are powerful. These combined forces can wreak havoc especially in an urban environment.
The Bay Area is one of the most consistently windy places in the United States. A relatively short drive is usually all it takes to find enough wind to kite board. Due to the numerous microclimates in the Bay Area, kiters can often choose their conditions from light to extreme.
Modern traction kiting gear has become very refined, making kites user-friendly. Extremely fast and powerful kites propel riders to great heights and speeds. Introductory gear is very predictable and stable, making kiting easy to learn. In the hands of experienced riders, traction kites appear fairly harmless. Don’t be fooled: traction kites can produce enormous power.
Our urban environment demands that kiters exercise caution especially around the public. Just one serous interaction with the public could threaten kiter access around the bay. With our ever-increasing numbers, kiters have been trying to develop a workable system of self-policing.
It is imperative that we work together so every body can enjoy their day at the beach.

Thanks in advance for reading these guidelines. Using the guidelines below along with common sense judgment will help keep current kiting areas open to kiting and safe for everyone. Ultimately we are responsible for minimizing the risk to ourselves and others.
Have fun and keep it safe!


Beginner Guidelines

• All beginners should get professional instruction from a certified instructor at an established school
• All beginners are encouraged to get at least 6 hours of practice on a training kite before instruction. However, do not fly the trainer until you have read and understand its instruction manual
• Never buy, rig and launch a non-trainer kite before instruction
• Never try to help launch or land a kite before you’ve had instruction

General Guidelines:
• When in doubt, don’t go out
• Kite with a friend and let a non-kiter know where you have gone kiting and when you should return home
• Kitesurfers are responsible for their own safety and for the safety of others in their vicinity
• Always use a proper safety leash
• Always were a helmet, life jacket/Impact vest, harness and wetsuit
• Never kitesurf in off shore or onshore wind
• Check weather forecast before every session. Avoid storms and squalls. Consider not going out in higher winds (20+ knots) and gusty conditions
• Before going out read site specific guidelines and/or talk to other kiters about water hazards, obstacles, land considerations, etc.
• Kiters should yield right of way to all other beach users
• For beach goers’ safety, it is strongly recommended that you do not walk up the beach with your kite in the air
• Be helpful to others and take responsibility for public safety
• Do not leave unused kites on the beach
• Roll up your lines when not in use


Help us all protect kiting access at Crown Beach in Alameda.

FOR RIGGING, LAUNCHING, LANDING, AND SCHOOL ZONES, PLEASE SEE MAP AND RESPECT DESIGNATED AREAS

Launch Area:
• The launch zone must remain clear of equipment. It is for launching and landing only. Additionally, launch areas are typically based on kiter consensus and not sanctioned by law. Often they are also the launch area for windsurfing, kayaks, etc. That means that anyone has the right to stand in the launch land area and you are responsible for their safety. Ask bystanders to "Please remain clear"

Pre Launching:
• MAINTAIN A SAFETY ZONE around you of a minimum of 200 ft (or approximately 2 kite line lengths at all times!)
• Set up kite and clear all tangled lines
• Ensure that all safety systems are properly working
• Always prevent kites from inadvertent launching on the beach by weighting with sand etc…
Launching:
• Attach kite safety leash
• Make sure that launch zone area is clear and there are no incoming kiters.
• Look in the launch area before signaling to be launch. Ask bystanders to "Please move out of the launch zone” before you launch
• Don’t fly your kite at 12:00 over land.
• Whenever possible, launch toward the water, keep your kite low and go. Self launching is discouraged. Please ask for assistance
• When launching, make sure that kite is free of sand before release (This is a courtesy to other beach users)
• Launch kites only from designated areas
• Leave the beach in a slow and controlled manner, but do not hesitate to get to the water
• Beginners should body drag 200’ out before water starting
• No beach jumping

On the Water/Right of Way:

• Starboard tack has right of way (right hand forward is starboard, left is port)
• Right of way does not mean you can veer up or down wind. While passing, maintain your course
• While passing another kiter who is down wind of you, fly your kite high; if you are the down wind kiter, fly your kite low
• Keep clear of all beach goers, swimmers, and waders. They always have right of way
• Downwind kiters/windsurfer has the right of way (they can’t see behind them)
• Kiter should give way to other water crafts (kiters can maneuver easily, others can't)
• Don’t jump 50m upwind of another water user
• Incoming kiters should let launching kiters go out first before landing
• Jump and jibe at least 200’ outside shore break and swimming area
• Always yield to ALL other water users
• DO NOT COME WITHIN 200’ OF THE BEACH OR SWIM AREAS UNLESS LAUNCHING OR LANDING!! …

Landing:
• If you are on the water and can’t water relaunch and you are drifting toward the beach w/swimmers or bystanders, you must perform a self rescue before your kite reaches them – 200’ Minimum!
• Be sure that no one is launching as you come in
• Self landing is discouraged. Obtain assistance for landing your kite
• If you have been taken down wind, do not ask beach goers to help land your kite; self land in the water
• If you must walk your kite upwind, please only do so where the kite can be flown over the water and where you can maintain the 200' safety zone
• Roll-up your lines immediately after landing and move your kite out of the launching/landing zone