Kiteboarding association

[scottman]

Nathan, I don't mean any disrespect to you or anyone else but who are the "We" that you are talking about and what association? I'm sorry to say that I don't want anyone governing me at all it takes away my freedom. So far the so called self imposed ban on Calhoun has worked other than one individual that does not even live here or mainly kite here. So with this association what are the dues going to be, are we all going to have to get PASA certified to kite in public waters that we have been kiting in for free the last 8 or so years? It's great to have events with prizes if you want prizes for having fun with friends, personally I don't think we need to have promoted events, a perfect example look at the gathering we don't need anything from anyone other than an idea from an email suggesting a get together and everyone seems to show up and have fun. So I really don't get the need for an association or laws or regulations as to what we do here in Minnesota. we have for the most part governed ourselves pretty darn well, it's not going to make a difference if we have the green light from the officails from the DNR or the Sherriff if after we do have the right to use a lake and WE have an accident by jumping right next to shore or running over a swimmer that was in OUR way or whatever, my point is that an accident rather you are authorized to use and area or not will shut kiting down all it's going to take is one bad one and it's over and by the looks of this year it's only a matter of time in my opinion.

[Tighe]

With Scott's permission I broke this out of the Calhoun thread. You bring up some valid questions Scott. As you know, this topic comes up every year or so. I think there may be a time when forming an organization or association makes sense. Not sure if now is the time or not. I have talked to Chris Nygard from PASA about it as well. I know they have been instrumental in ensuring access in some threatened areas around the country. Working through associations like what Nathan is proposing, they have been able to work with the authorities to have laws (yes the legal type) lifted.

In light of all this week's dialog, I cannot offer my opinion on the topic. My hope is that your post will open a healthy discussion on the pros and cons of developing an association like this here in Minnesota.

[Woody]

I've been following the threads closely the past few days, and hope that you some of you see this the way I do from way up north here in Canada.

The Calhoun incident has seemed to shed some light on the need for an organized body/associationn for the kiting community. Now whether one person likes to freeride, have no rules, kite wherever & whenever they want or whatever. Like it or not, one day you will need to form an organized body/association with a board of directors etc to fight for your access rights. This isn't a matter of IF there might be a need, but rather, WHEN there WILL be a need. And I don't know if you realize this or not, but you already have a organized body in Fleet8 that has been doing kiting events since what, 8 yrs!? Fleet8 has also been in the business of lobbying govt. before, so why wouldn't you get involved and use the history of Fleet8 to your advantage? Michael Fox has openly stated that he is willing to step aside for the new wave of enthusiastic riders to take the helm of Fleet8 and preserve the rich history of this organized body that was started right there in your own back yard of MN!! I'm dumbfounded at the lack of committment that you all could easily give.

So my question is why start something new when you have an organization at your disposal waiting for a new direction? I'll tell you if I lived in the Minneapolis area, I'd be first in line. Come on you guys, step up to the plate and do it!

Good winds...

[JRN]

Good points everyone. I wish I had concrete solutions. To me it is apparent that this has brought to light the deep divisions among us, which I hate to see. Those who agree with and support voluntary bans, and to my amazement people who actually applaud what was done and want no restrictions on anyone, anywhere. Last weekends great time at the Crossing, when everything seemed harmonious, has been tainted by the actions of one individual, dredged up old grudges and hard feelings, and fanned the long dormant flames of divisiveness. I think we may have come to take the role of Michael &
Fleet 8 for granted, and frankly, we may be hard pressed to find anyone willing, much less able to do that job. On the bright side, we have the chance to create something new and of our own design. We also have several bright and capable individuals who are retired, or nearing retirement, who may enjoy this challenge. Hopefully, something positive may result, and those persons will step forward in this time of need.

[Erik Stone]

Thanks Woody. I couldn't agree more. Though personally, I would have liked there to be effective self regulation, it's obvious that with certain leadership in MN, it's just a matter of time before bans are everywhere. Lobby the government BEFORE something happens and use the resources available.

[RandyL]

Nathan
I noticed Erik Stone didn’t respond to both your posts on Kiting Calhoun, but he responded to everybody else, no matter how small of a post, positive or negative even Kurts. Why? I’m asking you because Erik doesn’t post on LAKAWA anymore. I don’t mean to put you on the spot but if you are going to try and steer this group in a new direction you certainly will have many questions to answer both simple and difficult. I have to admit the timing of Erik’s LAKAWA debut and your new venture has me wondering. I’m very sorry if he did reply and I just missed it, as there is a ton reading to get thru. I’m very interested in hearing about your new plans but I can’t make Monday’s meeting. If possible will you email the info or meeting minutes to randyl@sbsmn.com

You said it best, no negativity intended, just wondering.

Randy