SFBA Comments re Treasure Island preferred project alternati

[SFPete]

You said "here" too many times.

[OliverG]

True...I should have said "there" a few times instead... #-o

[rvv]

The launch IS difficult but not nearly as DANGEROUS as the OFTEN UNPREDICTABLE WIND and RIPS, etc, etc...- (Oh did I forget to mention the ALWAYS OFFSHORE factor!) If you break down off T.I. your chances of making it back to shore "unassisted" are VERY-VERY SLIM!!

Been there done that :twisted: Did get offered a cold one on the yatch ride back to the marina tho after the kite taco! Definately though too much could go wrong and does.

[Greg]

True...I should have said "there" a few times instead... #-o

You can say here or there, just PLEASE, dont swear! :lol: :lol:
L.M.G.


I'd like to add that using T.I. as a launch for DOWNWINDERS isn't really a great plan either due to the "thermal bubble" issue off Berkley/Pt. Emery. I've been involved in TWO MAJOR "clean up" opperations from the MASS downwinders from Crissy Field to Pt.Emery... The problem is the wind CHANGE from point A to B. Of the three SUPPORTED rides that happened, AT LEAST HALF of the riders needed RESCUE on TWO, on one 80% to 90% failed to make the the last mile or two.. (and that left allot of SWIMMERS for one boat and two jet skies to handle)

NOW I'm NOT saying dont ever ride in the middle of the bay, just do it WISELY!! (meaning bring your own SUPPORT), at minimum share your FLOAT PLAN with friends/family. =D> =D> =D>
Gregory Burton Boyington

[baypirate]

I'd like to add that using T.I. as a launch for DOWNWINDERS isn't really a great plan either due to the "thermal bubble" issue off Berkley/Pt. Emery. I've been involved in TWO MAJOR "clean up" opperations from the MASS downwinders from Crissy Field to Pt.Emery...

Anybody getting ideas of launching off T.I. or riding thereabouts (say the T.I. - Alcatraz - Angel Island Axis of Evil) should definitely ask people who have attempted this; a good source would be racers in the Bay Challenge(s) that pretty much zig-zags the whole [Central] bay over ~40mi.

I visited the T.I. launch on the return from Berkeley on last year's Classic Challenge. I'm just a rookie at this so stupidly didn't rig down when I saw Chip rushing back for a 9m right before leaving the beach on the "proper" Crissy/Bridge choice of 11m. On way back after rounding Berkeley Pier, could barely hold my 12m pointing upwind into then 30+ wind. Called it quits for the "return race" into T.I., but thought wow, who wants to ride these waters. Ride in the boat into that VAS chop was even worse, btw.

Middle of the bay is no joke. And anyway since when we're launching in (straight) offshore winds like T.I.?

[Don Lester]

I agree with everyone about the safety issues associated with Ti, BUT......... being arguably, one of the best wind and water sailing sites in the USA with the longest sailing season anywhere around here, It would be nice if we could solve the safety problem without the CC.
The idea of a maned rescue boat or jet-ski has merit. Perhaps a usage fee could pay for this ? Maybe even a short daily sailing period like 3pm to 7pm during the summer ?
Really guys, the only regret I have in giving up windsurfing for kiteing is not being comfortable with sailing at Ti. My wife and I still often reminisce about those days there.

[Greg]

Don-
I fully AGREE it would be NICE to have OUR own system(S) in place, but (most) KITERS are UNWILLING to do ANYTHING other then their own thing....
I've been trying to HURD these cats for years (meaning get US better UNIFIED, etc..) and it's PROVEN to be a TOTAL WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY (for me).

Personally I see OUR issues getting WORSE not better, unfortunitly the Bay Area ISNT Terrifa or whatever with HUGH BEACHES, etc.. As I see it most KITERS are far to SELFISH and CHEAP to ever work TOGETHER for the GREATEST GOOD...

Sorry for the BITTER TONE but all my efforts seem to have proved USELESS, (thus far) hopefully this is simply MY DISTORTED REALITY and is NOT based on actual REALITY.
My plan is to BACK OFF (quit kiting) for a while (and get MY HEAD together) and watch what happens without my PUSHING for CHANGE, perhaps THAT is how I can be of greatest service to the community, I just dont know what to do....

Yours truly,
Gregory Burton Boyington