3rd Ave Guidelines: Input Please

[steve]

I met with Jennifer of Foster City Parks and Recreation and she shared a "mock up" of proposed signs. The proposed signs are basically the same as the existing signs with the exception of the last 3-4 items depending on the sign. It is my personal belief that the proposed and existing signs need to be simplified and updated. I also believe that the new signs should be relocated to 1) the new bathrooms/shower area in the parking lot and 2) when you exist the Mariners Island parking area.

Here is my attempt at new signs...Please provide your input. A copy of the "mock up" is at the bottom of this post.
3rd Ave KiteBoarding Rule and Guidelines
In case of Emergency: Call 573-3333 or (415) 399-3530

RULE ONE: for the safety of all users of the 3rd Ave location
>DO NOT fly any kite from, on, or over the path...also known as the Bay Trail

Guidelines: to enhance the safety and flow of kiters
>All kiters need to use a kite leash
>Let go of your bar immediately if the launch or landing does not go as planned. Be prepared to activate your flagging line if the danger persists
>Kiters leaving shore have right-of-way over kiters returning to shore
>Keep the launch and landing areas clear, both in the water and on land
>Starboard rider (right hand forward) has the right-of-way over Port rider (left hand forward. However, both are responsible to avoid any collision
>When two riders are approaching each other from opposite directions, the upwind rider flys the kite high while the downwind rider keeps the kite low
>Kiters in the water and not on their boards, or bodying dragging have the right-of-way
>Kiters jumping have no right-of-way. It is incumbent upon them to maintain a safe distance from all other kiters
>When there is sufficient water at the "upper launch" there are two areas to get on and off the water. In both locations, there should be no riding except to get on and off the water. Additionally, getting on the water should be from the downwind end of the "opening" with the kite low if someone is also attempting to get off the water. The rider wishing to get off the water should be towards the windward end of the opening with their kite high

Be Courteous, Be Safe, Have Fun

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[Kiteboardertony]

I think you have some good points to add steve but somehow it seems to me that most people(beginners/visitors) may not quite understand some of the things clearly? I even had to re-read some of it and visualize it in my head a few times to get the message, and i know the upper launch better than most anybody.. I think the sample you posted from the city has pretty much covered what are the most important things people should understand and follow. I like that they added the part about right of way for riders entering/exiting the beach( could have also mentioned for people to be patient and wait until there are no kiters coming in before launching and exiting against the incoming riders reducing bottlenecks at the launch area...) Also maybe throw in a line about overall courteousness and helping fellow riders launch & land safely and properly even if they dont ask for help, just to keep everyone safe and build a sense of a friendly community at 3rd ave. It doesnt help to yell at someone for their mistakes AFTER the fact, but to try and be helpful before something happens is the way to do it if you ask me? I operate under the assumption everyone is an idiot and will do something dangerous or stupid sooner or later, so if i can offer them some pointers or suggestions in a friendly, respectful manner they will be much more receptive to what im saying..... Anyways, thats just my 2 cents on this matter.

[NorCalNomad]

What about not riding on the marshlands when it's really high tide?

[Cali_Rider]

Looks good. I would add only one more thing:

1) Roll up lines immediately unless launching or landing.

Also, I think that a lot of beginners and intermediates ride out of the upper launch. A sign should be placed either right after you walk through the fence from the parking lot to the bike path OR somewhere along the edge of the bike path so it can be seen before walking down the rock wall.

How big will these signs be? When I rode at Belmont Shore in SoCal they had about 4'x8' wide signs that stood about 8' high off the ground. You couldn't miss it - and it definitely made me stop and read the rules/guidelines.

Upper_Launch_Signs.jpg (195.83KiB)Viewed 1976 times

peter

[Mauigirl]

Definitely needed:
"Also maybe throw in a line about overall courteousness and helping fellow riders launch & land safely and properly even if they dont ask for help, just to keep everyone safe and build a sense of a friendly community at 3rd ave."