Kiting at Ramsey

[tdb]

Just my observation as someone who has been sailing on WB for a long time: Launching a kite from Ramsey on an ESE wind is not a great idea, especially in the summer months.

Out of the 12 or so kites in the air today, I counted only 3 that were upwind of the beach more than 100 yards. Most everyone else hugged the shore between the beach and the boat dock. That gives you runs of about 200 yards maximum. Also, there are a lot of hazards downwind...the dock, boats, picnic tables, trees and especially people. There were a number of kiters that sailed through the swim buoys of Memorial beach-which are clearly marked. I watched one guys sail through the beach, keep his kite flying and walk around the boat dock to get back to Ramsey. There were kids swimming directly downwind of him. If a sheriff sees that, I am afraid the party is over for kiters on WB.

Couple of tips: Get upwind. The wind is better and if you have a problem, chances are you won't put yourself or your kite on anything hard. Also, learn the rules for sail craft. That includes port/starboard, points of sail right of way and observing marked buoys. If that is too difficult- find another sport or another place to kite before you hurt yourself or someone else.

[Dave Z]

AGREED - if you can't get upwind and out of the way you should not be kiting at Ramsey especially during June, July, August when the swim buoys are out and swimmers are in the swimming area....ESPECIALLY WHEN SWIMMERS ARE IN THE SWIMMING AREA. GO OVER TO RUTHERFORD. Given the Easterly component to the wind direction today it sounds like everyone was at Ramsey....I was there with my kids swimming around 6 when it came up to SE at 20 - no one was out kiting. Scotty was out windsurfing and a guy was putting up an 11TD - didn't get a chance to talk to him since I was keeping an eye on my kids....

Sorry for the mini-rant but I start feeling a tad territorial given WBL is the only place I ride - I don't have the time (wife-work-kids) to drive to Milly.

See the sticky posted by Tighe related to Summer Kiteboarding Restrictions:

http://www.lakawa.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9315

[Mike W]

I was there early in the morning before anyone was around, and I was gone by afternoon. I would ordinarily go to Rutherford, but because of the early hour and the overcast skies and the wind direction, I chose Ramsey.

I agree with what has been said about safety and good judgment. Kiters should never go within the buoys. Flying kites over people on the beach is a to be avoided too.

In defense of those who may have been close to shore-- the wind was light. Getting upwind is not always an option. I try to avoid flying my kite over windsurfers and boats, but it is not always possible or practical, especially on a busy day. Everyone has to have respect for each other's space. Kites have as much right to the water and launches as any other water vehicle. I see some us vs. them in the initial post. With good communication and mutual respect everyone should be fine.

[cautionkid]

I was the guy who walked around the dock. I never once put any bystanders in any harm. The only reason we all kited Ramsey was because there wasn't anybody at the park. The only reason I walked around the dock is because the wind died and there wasn't anybody within 400 yards of me. Yeah I understand it was a private dock but was it really that big of a deal to walk around it. If it was a busy summer day we wouldn't have been there. I doubt the people that own the dock are going to lose any sleep that somebody quickly stepped on their dock to get around it. Anyway I think its pretty funny that you sailed all the way over to me and told me that and the wind wasn't hardly blowing it seems like your the one who will be losing sleep. And one more thing nobody owns the water it doesn't matter how private the BEACH is.

[JRN]

Is Memorial beach the one in Ramsey Park? Anyway I think it is GREAT that we continue to show our concern for jeopardizing our launches, so this discussion is healthy. I have witnesssed the water patrol handing out stiff fines for getting inside the swim buoys, so besides safety, it can hurt the wallet. I just hope everyone uses common sense and courtesy in the future. When there is any doubt, please err on the side of caution & go elsewhere, walk your kite out of the danger zone so you can ride away from traffic. Ask yourself, "Am I the one who wants to get kiting banned on this beach?" Use that thought before putting yourself or others in harms way. Stay safe! JRN

[Tighe]

I think this is a good example of how the more experienced kiters need to lead. Mike even though there were no other water users when you went out, you may have had an effect on the launch choice of the less experienced. If I was to get to the lake and was deciding between two launches, I'd probably choose the one where others were.

No harm done

[drknap]

Yes it is definitely Mike's fault. We were just following the more seasoned rider and did not know better. Mike also said it was OK to jump over swimmers as long as you clear them by 10 feet.

[Mike W]

[Dave Z]

He won't kite there! Let's get Mikey to try it. YEaahhh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYEXzx-TINc

In all honesty - given the weather and wind direction Ramsey was probably the best place to kite that day for experienced kiters. Looked like there was too much East in it to ride Rutherford. Plus, when my kids and I got there (6 'ish) the lifeguards were not present and no one was in the swimming area. I wasn't around while anyone was kiting so I hope no one took my post the wrong way. I just hope everyone plays nice and stays out of the swimming area, doesn't tick off any fishermen, etc...

Then again Winter's trouble - he'll try anything

[Tighe]

nevermind.

[ice_kmauve]

I was out of town.

[seamonkey]

Thanks for the precedent guys! Kiters should have access to all launches that anyone else has. I live in Minneapolis. How many feet do you need to clear a kayak? Calhoun, here I come!

[Catzo Ikiro]

Seamonkey,

I live in St. Paul and am happy to meet you at Calhoun. It is easy for me to take the bus there. Is it a good place to try body drags? Arigatou gozaimasu,

Catzo

[JRN]

You guys MUST BE JOKING! Do not under any conditions violate the Calhoun ban!!
It is way too close to jogging trails, and could easily result in injury to yourself & others under the unpredictable gust found there, not to mention the dirty looks you'll get from the windsurfers.