Kiteboarding Banned at Hobie Beach

FL_Kiteboarder · Since 02 Feb 2009 48 Posts Ft. Pierce, FL USA

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A link to more information about the matter is provided within the video itself, near the end.

Link

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pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Mar 19, 10 8:13 am

That sucks bro. You guys seem to have allot of beach closures based on the irresponsible actions of a minority. I guess that is the price you pay for warm water and sunshine. Are beach goers wear fleece and goretex.

Seems like you guys need some kind of mandatory registration and policing system. Never a popular option

Pepi · Fri Mar 19, 10 1:46 pm

I've been hearing a few stories from a shop owner buddy of mine down in Florida regarding their feeling another surge of beach closures banning kiting due to this exact sort of situation.
He says it's near impossible to control the situation due to a few locals who continue to ignore the rules and set the example for others do the same, then when they get shut down these guys tell the city to go f&*k themselves and move on to another beach where the same thing ends up happening.

Believe it or not, he's been thinking of restocking more on windsurfing gear in one of his shops due to their possibly losing more kite access at another beach.

Now folks, THAT is scary.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

Two Summers ago during the Gorge Games a lot of those same riders were here doing the same antics right up wind of the sand bar. After several warnings from our locals it took one of to unplug a deflation valve in order for it to sink in.
I know a lot of Florida kiters. Of the ones that keep coming back here to ride, they get the rules. It seems like the sponsored riders who get the free ride are the worst when it comes to respecting our rules.
Sponsors....you need to clamp down on your team guys. It has a very negative reflection on you.

Pepi · Fri Mar 19, 10 8:35 pm

specialk · Guest

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

SpecialK,

Your comparison of public lands and the kiteboarding launches is not adequate. If a sponsored athlete wants to go huck their self off a big cliff out in the middle of nowhere for a photo shoot....no problem in most cases (pending they follow the law). If they want to act like idiots at launches where there are other kiteboarders, swimmers, photographers, and anyone else in harms way that is when there is a problem.

Here is a little analogy for you. I drive a truck, it has a big sign on the side of it that says who I work for. If I drive like an idiot and put others in danger, do you think my employer is going to hear about it? Do you think they are going to take the blame? Most responsible employers (or sponsors) will discipline their employee. I value my job, so should a sponsored athlete. They wear the billboard for the company and are a representative of them.

How many athletes can you name that have lost sponsorship or scholarships for making bad choices while representing their employer, sponsor or school?

specialk · Guest

HELLO!!!
Tiger u still make millions baby!
Might I add that we have traffic laws and people continue to not adhere to them; despite the fact, that it's one of the most likely ways we end up in Trauma centers around the world!

forrest · Sat Mar 20, 10 7:57 am

One of the incidents where Blancoh2o get's his opinion from is one pro rider in particular. He would not listen to anyone on the beach and responded with insults and naughty words. Obviously, his sponsor needed to know about it.

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

nice trolling there k,
but tiger has lost $100 million in sponsorships.
And the wife will take a $300M chunk out of him if she bails.
So there are consequences.
But sure, yeah idiots on the road cause problems too, doh.

And dipshit was on a rpm. If I recall that kevin guy was on a fuel.
If I were SS I would take those kites back tomorrow if the guy is sponsored.

And just might sue him for damaging the brand's goodwill.

Might even say screw it, no more team riders in FL until there is improvement.
Seems like >50% of the coverage that comes from FL is negative. Mad

Big market there, but it's also the source of a national image problem. IMHO.

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Chooch · Sat Mar 20, 10 2:24 pm

Yeah I think that Florida gets a bad wrap because there are so many kiters on beaches mixed with the general population.

We are lucky to be in a spot where the majority of people (both locals and tourists) enjoy similar sports. Florida is not just a popular kiting destiantion...it attracts millions of people from the north east seeking warm air and water.

This type of environment is always going to be volitile for us kiters.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Chooch · Sat Mar 20, 10 4:18 pm

fa·ce·tious [fuh-see-shuhs]
–adjective
1.not meant to be taken seriously or literally: a facetious remark.
2.amusing; humorous.
3.lacking serious intent; concerned with something nonessential, amusing, or frivolous: a facetious person.

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Sorry. Its a little stressful here these days.

Chooch · Sat Mar 20, 10 4:39 pm

Its all good.... Very Happy