Wothington Windsurfing Regatta / Kiting?

Jeff Hegwer · Post by **Jeff Hegwer** » Fri May 19, 2006 12:20 pm

Greetings Wind Addicts.
The Race Commity, Tighe, Coach and other have been working on a solution to the space and saftey concerns during the regatta. I would like to invite all addicts to particapate and think that we can come up with a plan to make sure that all our needs are met .
I have asked Tighe ,coach and crue to help manage the kiters .
I will let those guys talk more about the plan .
We have another great show planed agained this year.
As the Events Director I'm comitted to being as open as possible considering that we are hosting a US Windsurfing National Race, part of the Mowind Race Series ,Midwest Speed Quest .Start Windsurfing , Start Racing, Holding work shops to teach/ educate wind and non wind addicts about our passions . Hey this kind of feels like juggling flaming torches while standing on my head ,but lets add just a little more shall we .
Some things I need is too ask all the Kite Piolts is to strickly abide by the NO FLY Zones!! over land !

All wind Addicts must be registered and wavier ,But with that you get 3 meals (sat noon sat nite and sun brunch) a T-shirt , Beach front parking on Sailboard Beach , 24 hr Security.a Colorful Anntena Ribbon (rumored to have a boat load of positive energy and helps make everything alright Just ask Randy Johnson) But you must be open to the messages of the universe to work, AND all the music and festival atmosphere you can smoke . I would like to ash Tighe and crue to address the Rules and Fight plans for all the Kite Piolts .

Good winds
Jeff Hegwer E.D.
winddog@iw.net 1800- 695-4199

Jeff Hegwer · Post by **Jeff Hegwer** » Fri May 19, 2006 12:35 pm

P.S. I would also like start a rumor that there is a HIGH WIND & SMALL WATERCRAFT ADVISORY for that weeknd !!!

gbgreen59 · Post by **gbgreen59** » Fri May 19, 2006 12:47 pm

Sounds like kiters will be allowed on the water this year. I'm assuming Tighe/Coach will be providing more details on this forum??? My wife and I are planning to attend again this year.

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Fri May 19, 2006 2:18 pm

We'll be handing out a Guidelines Document at Registration. Essentially there willl be designated times when kites can be on the water, these will be dictated by when the races and windsurfing events are NOT taking place. Most likely early morning and in the evenings.

We'll also have a buoy in the water to designate a downwind mark. If for any reason you get pulled downwind of that mark, you must put down your kite, do a self rescue and get to your kite. There are hundreds of people on the downwind side of the lake, we don't want to take any chances.

Also, you must be a profitient kiter to ride during the event. By that I mean you must be consistently staying upwind, know how to body drag back upwind to your board, etc.

Helmets and kite leashes required.

You must be registered and have signed a waiver.

Our riding this lake during this great event is a priveledge. Let's respect that and do our best to ensure that we can all enjoy this lake and the event for years to come.

gbgreen59 · Post by **gbgreen59** » Fri May 19, 2006 2:58 pm

How do you plan to verify that a kiter is as proficient as claimed? Maybe the waiver covers this, plus you talk to them if the don't display the level of competency??? Maybe IKO cert...?

gbgreen59 · Post by **gbgreen59** » Fri May 19, 2006 3:06 pm

Another question...I just went to the Worthington web site. The registration form does not distinguish between kiters and windsurfers. Will there be a special form for kiters? Is the price the same? Will there be kite competition events or just riding sessions?

Jeff Hegwer · Post by **Jeff Hegwer** » Fri May 19, 2006 3:40 pm

Greetings
The price will be the same and please use the form on the website or you can register on site .
Comp?I'm not sure the tighe will have to decide.

Don S · Post by **Don S** » Sun May 21, 2006 10:58 pm

Jeff, are you requiring sail numbers this year? If yes, what are the size and style requirements?

Stroh · Post by **Stroh** » Mon May 22, 2006 10:24 am

A few Questions & Comments;

Do we need to, and can we set reservations at the campgrounds? what is the Phone # for the camp grounds?

Why are we trying to put kites on the lake????... kite sales?? Are kiters complaining about not being able to ride there?? I had a great time last year on Spirit Lake….and if I not mistaken everyone had a great time. Kite all day long then go back to Worthington for the festival. it kind of sounds like there will only be a few hours a day for kiters to ride on Okebena, and as soon as the wind gets good we will have to exit the lake

I would much rather travel to spirit and back each day. And be able to kite all day long with all of the kiters up wind or not. For me a self rescue always results in hours of untangling lines.

I don't mean to undermine you guys and what you are trying to do (Tighe and Crew) but it sound like there are ALOT of risk, Hassle and liabilities involved with integrating kiting with the windsurfing. I am also worried about kiter turnout.... (People who are worried about beeing allowed to hit the lake) I will be sticking with spirit lake I hope lots of kiters will be there with me

just My 2 Cents

Jon

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Mon May 22, 2006 12:38 pm

Good points Stroh. The drive is not sales. I don't think anyone has any business incentive for including kiters.

I think there is a genuine intention to include all wind addicts in the event. The little riding we've done in the past has been well received by the spectators.

Yes the times are not ideal. The ideal times are being reserved for the racing. I highly expect that the majority of the kiting will happen at Spirit, and I agree, you can still feel connected to the event, even if you choose to spend a few hours riding a short distance away.

And I do have to tell you that last year our short session in Worthington, was pretty amazing. The energy was great, Randy and Ride jamming away up on stage, the sun setting behind us, very cool. You couldn't fully here the band until you jumped and your board went quiet. very cool.

I think Jeff, Kevin and Coach and I were trying to find a way to keep the option open for those who may want to ride. Who knows maybe in years to come, we may decide to make it a kite event with competition, though we wanted to start small. I'm just not convinced the spot is that ideal, or safe, for competition.

If you go to the WOW website there is info on the campground. There should be a number you can call to make a reservation.

ride on

gbgreen59 · Post by **gbgreen59** » Mon May 22, 2006 12:52 pm

I'll probably do Spirit too. It was great fun last year. Plus, sounds like you pay $50 to fly in non-prime wind times. Spirit Lake was amazing last year. Maybe Alf and company from Des Moines will come this year.

steveb · Post by **steveb** » Mon May 22, 2006 2:15 pm

The entry fee is not about when you fly the kite, it's about supporting the event and the event organisers
Whether you kite spirit or okebena you should enter if you're going to take advantage of the music and weekend. These things cost a fortune to arrange, $50 for a weekends entertainment is peanuts.

Jeff Hegwer · Post by **Jeff Hegwer** » Mon May 22, 2006 2:52 pm

Greetings All
The camp ground #507-3728650
I agree with Tighe to start small and go from there .
We are listening to feedback from the wind community and we are tring to make room for Most everyone .
The $50 fee is for all people wanting to take advantage of our great hosptality Racer or non, kites or windsurfers.
Thanks

gbgreen59 · Post by **gbgreen59** » Mon May 22, 2006 4:31 pm

I see what you mean. On the other hand, my wife pays the fee to have her booth set up for selling her crafts. It's going to be a lot of fun.

Jeff Hegwer · Post by **Jeff Hegwer** » Mon May 22, 2006 9:57 pm

Greetings All
Don you bring up a good ?
Yes We will require everyone to have #'s
The Qwick answer is over 9+ inchs with simple & ledgable font
Any sign shop will be able to cut them out of there regular vinal.
We will also have #'s avalible on site.
Long answer National letters and sail #'s shall be in capital letters and Aribic numerals clearly legible and the same color and better legiblty than Helavetica are acceptable . Minimun Height 230 mm & Minimun space between characters is 45mm. Numbers should be on both side with those on starboad side being the uppermost . Or if only 1 side they should be on starboard . The US#'s are asigned by US Windsurfing.

Thanks Jeff