For anyone who has kited out in San Francisco, they know all about 3rd avenue. For everyone else- 3rd ave serves up conditions similar to Waconia, except the launch is shrouded with rocks and the wind is shifty and gusty near shore with the typical wind direction. Not a beginner beach. Additionally, the shoreline offers a pedestrian path that, while infrequently used, brings folks who know nothing about kiting within the vicinity of stray kites.
Additionally, because of 3rd ave proximity to downtown SF, it is by far the most crowded and popular beach. When I was there and the wind was blowing there was easily over 40 kites out, and this was on a weekday!
Recently they've had some SERIOUS accidents. One guy broke a leg landing on shore. Another guy is in the ICU, and from what I gather his injury is somewhat due to the fact that a bystander who knew nothing about kiting landed his kite, which then repowered and dragged him across some rocks.
Anyway, the folks in SF now have realized that they need to form a group that can self regulate the sport to avoid getting it banned. This is something that needs to be addressed everywhere, including here. Certainly we're not at risk of getting kiting banned, but this seems to be becoming a trend nationwide.
I am not fully aware of what's being done in the minneapolis/st paul area as far as self regulation, and that's why I'm posting this message. What is being done? If nothing, what should we do, or should we do anything?
Many messages about 3rd ave have been posted on the ikitesurf website, and additionally, the folks in SF have started a yahoo webgroup to discuss their current issues at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/3rdave.
Check these messages out to appreciate what's going on in San Francisco.
Later,
Jeff
SF kiting issues... How can we protect kiting in Minnesota.
Moderator: MK
very good subject. We have talked about this over the last few years though as we grow in numbers it might be a good idea to readress the issue.
So far the kiting community has been self regulating and following a concensus formed through Lakawa. We've all decided to not sail Calhoun in the summer due to the potential risks to others, for example. We've tried to keep the dialog open with windsurfers, since we share the water with them most intimately. If we see someone new we try and provide any assistence we can...even going as far as recomending not launching if the conditions are not safe.
Do we need more? I hope not, though I know there are kiters who may never know of Lakawa. And I also know that one or two serious accidents will create access issues. We are one borrowed time with the DNR as it is at Waconia. One accident with a boater and we would never kite there again.
I'm open to any ideas.
So far the kiting community has been self regulating and following a concensus formed through Lakawa. We've all decided to not sail Calhoun in the summer due to the potential risks to others, for example. We've tried to keep the dialog open with windsurfers, since we share the water with them most intimately. If we see someone new we try and provide any assistence we can...even going as far as recomending not launching if the conditions are not safe.
Do we need more? I hope not, though I know there are kiters who may never know of Lakawa. And I also know that one or two serious accidents will create access issues. We are one borrowed time with the DNR as it is at Waconia. One accident with a boater and we would never kite there again.
I'm open to any ideas.
Tighe
For quite a while now, there haven't been any new kiters. Since we finally got some wind yesterday, the beach at Bellaire filled up quickly. There were two kiters out that I've never met before. I can just about guarantee that neither of them read Lakawa.
One of them crashed his kite upon coming in for a landing - right on the edge of (and, from my perspective partly in) the swimming area. There was a group of kids swimming in the area out of reach of the kite, and a (thankfully) clueless lifeguard in the tower.
I should have politely spoken with the new kiter at some point, especially after that one - but did not, unfortunately.
Let's not forget that great community aspect we have which helps keep us all working together and safe.
One of them crashed his kite upon coming in for a landing - right on the edge of (and, from my perspective partly in) the swimming area. There was a group of kids swimming in the area out of reach of the kite, and a (thankfully) clueless lifeguard in the tower.
I should have politely spoken with the new kiter at some point, especially after that one - but did not, unfortunately.
Let's not forget that great community aspect we have which helps keep us all working together and safe.
Hey Coach.
One of those kiters was me. This was only my second time sailing out of Bellaire. I've been there numerous times before, but opted not to kite because the beach was too crowded. I decided to kite that day given the light crowd conditions and good winds.
When I was coming in, I decided to land my kite next to the beach after making sure that my landing signal was noticed by Mike and that the landing conditions were safe for the swimmers. The kite landed upwind from road and the tree into Mike's waiting arms. Maybe I should have landed downwind from the swimming area, like you did.
I try to put safety first, even before my own enjoyment, but I must admit that the itch to get out can get the best of me. Having read this post, I am sure that I don't want to be the one who gets Kiting banned in MN, so I'll make sure _never_ to compromise safety in the future, especially to innocent bystanders.
I didn't see Mike land, but I will watch to unsafe behaviour (starting with my own) and help to politely point out potentially dangerous situations. Also, if anyone notices us doing anything bone-headed, please let us know on the spot. We might not be aware of it.
Denis
One of those kiters was me. This was only my second time sailing out of Bellaire. I've been there numerous times before, but opted not to kite because the beach was too crowded. I decided to kite that day given the light crowd conditions and good winds.
When I was coming in, I decided to land my kite next to the beach after making sure that my landing signal was noticed by Mike and that the landing conditions were safe for the swimmers. The kite landed upwind from road and the tree into Mike's waiting arms. Maybe I should have landed downwind from the swimming area, like you did.
I try to put safety first, even before my own enjoyment, but I must admit that the itch to get out can get the best of me. Having read this post, I am sure that I don't want to be the one who gets Kiting banned in MN, so I'll make sure _never_ to compromise safety in the future, especially to innocent bystanders.
I didn't see Mike land, but I will watch to unsafe behaviour (starting with my own) and help to politely point out potentially dangerous situations. Also, if anyone notices us doing anything bone-headed, please let us know on the spot. We might not be aware of it.
Denis
Kiting in MN is tough, with the limited spaces, lack of open beaches, the docks, and the boats.
I actually just about gift-wrapped a dock yesterday, and managed to get my line tangled in it when I came it... Sometimes I get a little boneheaded like everyone else. Extra caution is always a good motto.
-Coach
I actually just about gift-wrapped a dock yesterday, and managed to get my line tangled in it when I came it... Sometimes I get a little boneheaded like everyone else. Extra caution is always a good motto.
-Coach
Best Practices
Just an idea here, but an expansion and "official" list of the Best Practices and Safety Standards may be exactly what we need to get things started with regard to putting together some rules for local area kiters. We could start by putting together a list of the beaches not to sail, launching/landing standards, bystander information, emergency contact info, etc.
One thought I think that needs to be considered is also winter kiting - because of the difficult wind and tough learning conditions in MN during the summer, I bet that a lot more people will be starting the sport in the winter. Rules and information on what to be aware of with snowmobiles, inflatable kites on the snow, etc. could go very far in keeping everyone safe. I can remember one event on Waconia last winter with a beginner on a 16M LEI on skis - they lost control, their wrist safety leash broke and the kite went out of control and flew down the lake. All we would need is for the kite to hurt an unaware ice fisherman, snowmobile, hit a car, etc.
As a beginner on my first LEI this winter, I was dragged toward open water when my LEI crashed and the safety system failed to depower the kite - luckily I had started out on a small foil and knew what to do with the kite and myself. A beginner that goes out for the first or second time may not be so lucky.
Michael
One thought I think that needs to be considered is also winter kiting - because of the difficult wind and tough learning conditions in MN during the summer, I bet that a lot more people will be starting the sport in the winter. Rules and information on what to be aware of with snowmobiles, inflatable kites on the snow, etc. could go very far in keeping everyone safe. I can remember one event on Waconia last winter with a beginner on a 16M LEI on skis - they lost control, their wrist safety leash broke and the kite went out of control and flew down the lake. All we would need is for the kite to hurt an unaware ice fisherman, snowmobile, hit a car, etc.
As a beginner on my first LEI this winter, I was dragged toward open water when my LEI crashed and the safety system failed to depower the kite - luckily I had started out on a small foil and knew what to do with the kite and myself. A beginner that goes out for the first or second time may not be so lucky.
Michael
Good points Mike. I'll try to start a list soon. There are some loose guidelines in the Kiting section
http://www.windancing.com/windsurfing/k ... rfers.html
It was created a few years ago and we've learned a great deal since then. I'll work to update it.
and as Coach points out, let's help eachother. Yes Coach if you saw Denis doing something that you thought could have been handled differently, you should have said something. We don't need to point fingers, we just want to make sure we all have the same understanding of safe kiting practices...which brings us back to Mikes idea. I'll work on it and ask for input as it comes together.
Also, a hand out to give to life guards, boaters, etc. might be a good idea. Most think those big beautiful kites are harmless. A little education goes a long way.
http://www.windancing.com/windsurfing/k ... rfers.html
It was created a few years ago and we've learned a great deal since then. I'll work to update it.
and as Coach points out, let's help eachother. Yes Coach if you saw Denis doing something that you thought could have been handled differently, you should have said something. We don't need to point fingers, we just want to make sure we all have the same understanding of safe kiting practices...which brings us back to Mikes idea. I'll work on it and ask for input as it comes together.
Also, a hand out to give to life guards, boaters, etc. might be a good idea. Most think those big beautiful kites are harmless. A little education goes a long way.
Tighe
Here's a current working document from kiteforum:
The latest updated Safe Kiteboarding Guidelines appear below. These guidelines have been derived from accident/incident analysis and are intended to reduce accidents, incidents and complaints that might threaten kiteboarding access. This latest version includes special emphasis on acting while there is still time to DEPOWER your kite. Kiteboarding is a potentially dangerous sport and regardless of what procedures are or are not followed, injury may still occur. Be careful out there.
SAFE KITEBOARDING GUIDELINES – June 12, 2003
These safe kiteboarding guidelines have been prepared to attempt to improve kiteboarder and bystander safety. These procedures have been derived from other guidelines from around the world and from lessons learned from actual accidents and incidents. Kiteboarding can be potentially dangerous both to the rider and to bystanders, particularly if practiced without adequate training, safety gear, knowledge and caution. Riders must accept that even if these guidelines are followed that accidents, incidents and/or injury may occur in the "extreme sport" of kiteboarding. Kiteboarders should follow these guidelines, area specific guidelines if applicable and other prudent and safe practices in an attempt to maintain safety and continued access to beaches for kiteboarding. Using good judgment is key to kiteboarding safely. These guidelines are updated regularly so please check the FKA website for the latest version.
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
1. Readily help other riders with launching and landing. Whether you are starting out or are almost a pro, your help may avoid a serious incident/accident and possible restrictions. Get involved with your local association or club and with area riders to try to preserve access to kiteboard. Riders are solely responsible for their safety and that of effected bystanders. If you are new to an area or visiting, seek out local kiteboarders, shops and/or associations for local guidelines and rules before riding.
2. All kiteboarders, particularly beginners should seek adequate professional instruction. Beginners must avoid crowded areas as most bystanders aren't aware the potential hazards. Beginners should body drag out at least 300 ft. (60m) from shore prior to water starting and should always stay out of guarded or restricted beach areas.
3. Know your equipment’s limitations as well as your own. If you aren't 100% healthy OR IN DOUBT, DON’T FLY! Always maintain an energy reserve while out kiteboarding. Hydrate regularly and wear adequate exposure clothing to deal with extended time in the water. Don’t kiteboard alone or further from shore than you are readily able to swim in from.
4. Make sure you have proper safety equipment, i.e. a tested, well maintained kite depowering leash attached to your body, a good well fitting helmet, impact vest, gloves, whistle and hook knife. Rigging a frequently tested, well maintained and reliable chicken loop or centerline quick release should be carefully considered.
5. Give way to the public on the beach and in the water at ALL TIMES. Be courteous and polite to bystanders. Complaints have led to restrictions on kiteboarding in some areas.
6. Is the weather acceptable, free of storm clouds and excessive gusty winds? If storm clouds are moving in, land and disable your kite well in advance of any change in wind or temperature. Consider organizing an alert air horn and flag signal for your launch as a warning to riders of pending unstable weather. Are seas and wind condition within your experience, ability and appropriate for your gear? Offshore and onshore winds should be avoided. REMEMBER: TWICE THE WIND – FOUR TIMES THE POWER!
7. If despite all precautions you are lofted AND have time to react, depower your kite at the earliest possible time and ideally before being lofted and still offshore, away from hard objects. Multiple gusts can hit over a short period and you may be lofted a second or third time, so ACT to depower your kite as soon as you can.
PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST
1. Make sure your launch is open, FREE OF DOWNWIND BYSTANDERS, hard objects, nearby power lines, buildings and walls, within at least 100 ft. (30 m), and preferably 200 ft. (60 m) or more. Avoid kiteboarding near airports and in low flight path areas.
2. Check to see what size kite other kiteboarders are rigging and get their input on conditions. Do not rig too large a kite for conditions and carefully consider advice of more experienced riders. Failure to act on prudent advice has cost some riders very dearly.
3. Check your kite for tears or leaky bladders. If you have leaky bladders or tears in your kite, repair them before flying.
4. Check ALL lines, webbing, pigtails, bridles, the chicken loop and leaders for knots, wear or abrasions. If the line sheathing shows any breaks, replace them. The pigtails should be replaced no less frequently than every 6 months on inflatable kites.
5. Make sure your flying lines are equal as they will stretch unevenly with use. If they have knots that can’t be easily untied, replace your flight lines.
6. Solo launching and landing are NOT recommended. If solo launching make sure your kite is properly anchored with a substantial quantity of sand and is draped downwind to avoid premature launch. Rig your kite for solo launch at the last minute and launch without delay AFTER CAREFUL PREFLIGHTING as serious accidents have happened in only minutes during this stage. If you leave the kite unattended, disabled by disconnecting all lines from one side and roll your lines when not in use.
7. Walk down your lines and examine them carefully. Just before launch pick your bar up and carefully look down the lines for twists and tangles that could cause the kite to be dangerously uncontrollable. While you are holding your bar up look down the lines, shake your bar to make sure the center lines are connected to the leading edge of the kite. Be particularly careful, slow and methodical in high winds. Multiple, careful preflighting in higher winds are advised.
LAUNCHING AND GETTING UNDERWAY
1. Avoid hooking or snap shackling in while onshore or near hard objects. CONSIDER LAUNCHING AND LANDING "UNHOOKED" or not connected to your chicken loop. Pull in your trim strap or rope entirely or to a point that will allow stable kite flight with existing wind conditions, to properly depower the kite before launching and so that you can readily hold the bar and release it if necessary. Physically and mentally rehearse managing emergency situations including just "letting go" of your bar.
2. Announce your intention to launch and then launch promptly. In many cases the kite should be launched towards or preferably from the water. Assisted launches are always preferred.
3. To try to avoid lofting or involuntary lifting. DO NOT BRING YOUR KITE much above 20 degrees off of the surface, within 200 ft. (60 m) of ANY HARD OBJECT (on water or land). NEVER BRING YOUR KITE TO THE VERTICAL WITHIN THIS 200 ft., preferably more, of hard objects.
4. Go offshore at least 300 ft. WITHOUT DELAY after launch. Stay beyond 300 ft. until time to come in. If there are substantial waves where you need to put on your board consider body dragging outside the breaker zone first. Be aware of and properly react in advance of low flying aircraft coming into your area.
5. Yield the right of way to all others in the water. Riders must yield to others when jumping, maneuvering, or riding on port tack (left hand forward). Kiteboarders should not jump within a buffer zone of at least two hundred feet (60 m) of others and objects that are downwind. Incoming riders give way to those launching.
6. All kiteboarders are encouraged to master body dragging to facilitate board recovery. Use of a board leash may prove to be hazardous to the rider due to board rebound. Wearing a helmet is always advised but a helmet may not provide adequate projection against board impact as the boards can and have violently hit any part of the rider.
7. If you are in the water for an extended period of time, frequently signal that you are "OK" to the shore by placing one hand on your head, palm down for ten or more seconds every 15 to 20 minutes to try to avoid an unnecessary rescue attempt.
LANDING
1. Approach the shore slowly with caution. Take care to avoid causing an accidental jump in well powered conditions by slowing suddenly while approaching the shore. Keep your kite low (ideally within 20 ft. of the surface), to try avoid lofting.
2. Arrange for assisted landings at least 200 ft. (60 m) from bystanders, power lines and vertical surfaces. Do not use non-kiteboarders for assisted launches or landings. Use mutually understood, hand and voice signals to improve launch and landing safety. IF IN ANY DOUBT, ALWAYS SAFELY SOLO DEPOWER your kite in the shallows well away from shore and bystanders and swim in.
3. Properly anchor your kite, disconnect and wind up your kite lines. The kite should be placed in a safe area well out of bystander and vehicular traffic.
© FKA, Inc. 2002,2003
LOCAL KITEBOARDING GUIDELINES FOR ______________________________
(e.g. necessary area specific precautions and restrictions )
1.
2.
3.
An example follows:
LOCAL KITEBOARDING GUIDELINES FOR BOCA RATON, FL
The following guidelines have been prepared to aid kiteboarding safety and access privileges at the City of Boca Raton Beach in the vicinity of Spanish River Blvd. These practices and other appropriate procedures should be followed while kiteboarding off this beach.
1. New kitesurfers must seek adequate, proper instruction BEFORE or while kiteboarding here.
2. Launch and land north of lifeguard stand #20 located due east of Spanish River Blvd. No launching or landing is permitted at guarded beaches.
The latest updated Safe Kiteboarding Guidelines appear below. These guidelines have been derived from accident/incident analysis and are intended to reduce accidents, incidents and complaints that might threaten kiteboarding access. This latest version includes special emphasis on acting while there is still time to DEPOWER your kite. Kiteboarding is a potentially dangerous sport and regardless of what procedures are or are not followed, injury may still occur. Be careful out there.
SAFE KITEBOARDING GUIDELINES – June 12, 2003
These safe kiteboarding guidelines have been prepared to attempt to improve kiteboarder and bystander safety. These procedures have been derived from other guidelines from around the world and from lessons learned from actual accidents and incidents. Kiteboarding can be potentially dangerous both to the rider and to bystanders, particularly if practiced without adequate training, safety gear, knowledge and caution. Riders must accept that even if these guidelines are followed that accidents, incidents and/or injury may occur in the "extreme sport" of kiteboarding. Kiteboarders should follow these guidelines, area specific guidelines if applicable and other prudent and safe practices in an attempt to maintain safety and continued access to beaches for kiteboarding. Using good judgment is key to kiteboarding safely. These guidelines are updated regularly so please check the FKA website for the latest version.
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
1. Readily help other riders with launching and landing. Whether you are starting out or are almost a pro, your help may avoid a serious incident/accident and possible restrictions. Get involved with your local association or club and with area riders to try to preserve access to kiteboard. Riders are solely responsible for their safety and that of effected bystanders. If you are new to an area or visiting, seek out local kiteboarders, shops and/or associations for local guidelines and rules before riding.
2. All kiteboarders, particularly beginners should seek adequate professional instruction. Beginners must avoid crowded areas as most bystanders aren't aware the potential hazards. Beginners should body drag out at least 300 ft. (60m) from shore prior to water starting and should always stay out of guarded or restricted beach areas.
3. Know your equipment’s limitations as well as your own. If you aren't 100% healthy OR IN DOUBT, DON’T FLY! Always maintain an energy reserve while out kiteboarding. Hydrate regularly and wear adequate exposure clothing to deal with extended time in the water. Don’t kiteboard alone or further from shore than you are readily able to swim in from.
4. Make sure you have proper safety equipment, i.e. a tested, well maintained kite depowering leash attached to your body, a good well fitting helmet, impact vest, gloves, whistle and hook knife. Rigging a frequently tested, well maintained and reliable chicken loop or centerline quick release should be carefully considered.
5. Give way to the public on the beach and in the water at ALL TIMES. Be courteous and polite to bystanders. Complaints have led to restrictions on kiteboarding in some areas.
6. Is the weather acceptable, free of storm clouds and excessive gusty winds? If storm clouds are moving in, land and disable your kite well in advance of any change in wind or temperature. Consider organizing an alert air horn and flag signal for your launch as a warning to riders of pending unstable weather. Are seas and wind condition within your experience, ability and appropriate for your gear? Offshore and onshore winds should be avoided. REMEMBER: TWICE THE WIND – FOUR TIMES THE POWER!
7. If despite all precautions you are lofted AND have time to react, depower your kite at the earliest possible time and ideally before being lofted and still offshore, away from hard objects. Multiple gusts can hit over a short period and you may be lofted a second or third time, so ACT to depower your kite as soon as you can.
PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST
1. Make sure your launch is open, FREE OF DOWNWIND BYSTANDERS, hard objects, nearby power lines, buildings and walls, within at least 100 ft. (30 m), and preferably 200 ft. (60 m) or more. Avoid kiteboarding near airports and in low flight path areas.
2. Check to see what size kite other kiteboarders are rigging and get their input on conditions. Do not rig too large a kite for conditions and carefully consider advice of more experienced riders. Failure to act on prudent advice has cost some riders very dearly.
3. Check your kite for tears or leaky bladders. If you have leaky bladders or tears in your kite, repair them before flying.
4. Check ALL lines, webbing, pigtails, bridles, the chicken loop and leaders for knots, wear or abrasions. If the line sheathing shows any breaks, replace them. The pigtails should be replaced no less frequently than every 6 months on inflatable kites.
5. Make sure your flying lines are equal as they will stretch unevenly with use. If they have knots that can’t be easily untied, replace your flight lines.
6. Solo launching and landing are NOT recommended. If solo launching make sure your kite is properly anchored with a substantial quantity of sand and is draped downwind to avoid premature launch. Rig your kite for solo launch at the last minute and launch without delay AFTER CAREFUL PREFLIGHTING as serious accidents have happened in only minutes during this stage. If you leave the kite unattended, disabled by disconnecting all lines from one side and roll your lines when not in use.
7. Walk down your lines and examine them carefully. Just before launch pick your bar up and carefully look down the lines for twists and tangles that could cause the kite to be dangerously uncontrollable. While you are holding your bar up look down the lines, shake your bar to make sure the center lines are connected to the leading edge of the kite. Be particularly careful, slow and methodical in high winds. Multiple, careful preflighting in higher winds are advised.
LAUNCHING AND GETTING UNDERWAY
1. Avoid hooking or snap shackling in while onshore or near hard objects. CONSIDER LAUNCHING AND LANDING "UNHOOKED" or not connected to your chicken loop. Pull in your trim strap or rope entirely or to a point that will allow stable kite flight with existing wind conditions, to properly depower the kite before launching and so that you can readily hold the bar and release it if necessary. Physically and mentally rehearse managing emergency situations including just "letting go" of your bar.
2. Announce your intention to launch and then launch promptly. In many cases the kite should be launched towards or preferably from the water. Assisted launches are always preferred.
3. To try to avoid lofting or involuntary lifting. DO NOT BRING YOUR KITE much above 20 degrees off of the surface, within 200 ft. (60 m) of ANY HARD OBJECT (on water or land). NEVER BRING YOUR KITE TO THE VERTICAL WITHIN THIS 200 ft., preferably more, of hard objects.
4. Go offshore at least 300 ft. WITHOUT DELAY after launch. Stay beyond 300 ft. until time to come in. If there are substantial waves where you need to put on your board consider body dragging outside the breaker zone first. Be aware of and properly react in advance of low flying aircraft coming into your area.
5. Yield the right of way to all others in the water. Riders must yield to others when jumping, maneuvering, or riding on port tack (left hand forward). Kiteboarders should not jump within a buffer zone of at least two hundred feet (60 m) of others and objects that are downwind. Incoming riders give way to those launching.
6. All kiteboarders are encouraged to master body dragging to facilitate board recovery. Use of a board leash may prove to be hazardous to the rider due to board rebound. Wearing a helmet is always advised but a helmet may not provide adequate projection against board impact as the boards can and have violently hit any part of the rider.
7. If you are in the water for an extended period of time, frequently signal that you are "OK" to the shore by placing one hand on your head, palm down for ten or more seconds every 15 to 20 minutes to try to avoid an unnecessary rescue attempt.
LANDING
1. Approach the shore slowly with caution. Take care to avoid causing an accidental jump in well powered conditions by slowing suddenly while approaching the shore. Keep your kite low (ideally within 20 ft. of the surface), to try avoid lofting.
2. Arrange for assisted landings at least 200 ft. (60 m) from bystanders, power lines and vertical surfaces. Do not use non-kiteboarders for assisted launches or landings. Use mutually understood, hand and voice signals to improve launch and landing safety. IF IN ANY DOUBT, ALWAYS SAFELY SOLO DEPOWER your kite in the shallows well away from shore and bystanders and swim in.
3. Properly anchor your kite, disconnect and wind up your kite lines. The kite should be placed in a safe area well out of bystander and vehicular traffic.
© FKA, Inc. 2002,2003
LOCAL KITEBOARDING GUIDELINES FOR ______________________________
(e.g. necessary area specific precautions and restrictions )
1.
2.
3.
An example follows:
LOCAL KITEBOARDING GUIDELINES FOR BOCA RATON, FL
The following guidelines have been prepared to aid kiteboarding safety and access privileges at the City of Boca Raton Beach in the vicinity of Spanish River Blvd. These practices and other appropriate procedures should be followed while kiteboarding off this beach.
1. New kitesurfers must seek adequate, proper instruction BEFORE or while kiteboarding here.
2. Launch and land north of lifeguard stand #20 located due east of Spanish River Blvd. No launching or landing is permitted at guarded beaches.
Communication is key! Everyone needs to know everyone else who they kite with. Recognize new guys and make sure they are safe, and are aware of any hazards.
My brother offered the idea of a voluntary certification for kiting in Minnesota. To get certified you demonstrate certain skills and an understanding of risks associated with kiting, maybe something similar to what south padre island does with the "windsurfing association" but more of an emphasis on safety. If some of the more "popular" kiters were to initiate this I think most everyone would follow suit. Naturally this has to be voluntary, but peer pressure could be effective and a minimal certification fee could go towards a newsletter and other expenses (maybe a t-shirt as discussed in another thread). Then as new kiters show, the older kiters can be friendly and encourage them to join the voluntary certification.
This is ONLY AN IDEA, certainly there are flaws with the idea, but it can help stimulate other ideas that will create a group of safe kiters, and will protect kiting as the sport gets more popular.
My brother offered the idea of a voluntary certification for kiting in Minnesota. To get certified you demonstrate certain skills and an understanding of risks associated with kiting, maybe something similar to what south padre island does with the "windsurfing association" but more of an emphasis on safety. If some of the more "popular" kiters were to initiate this I think most everyone would follow suit. Naturally this has to be voluntary, but peer pressure could be effective and a minimal certification fee could go towards a newsletter and other expenses (maybe a t-shirt as discussed in another thread). Then as new kiters show, the older kiters can be friendly and encourage them to join the voluntary certification.
This is ONLY AN IDEA, certainly there are flaws with the idea, but it can help stimulate other ideas that will create a group of safe kiters, and will protect kiting as the sport gets more popular.