Event Site Port Meeting Went Very Well

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

Very positive vibe from windsurfers and kiters alike. Windsurfers were very well represented, and expressed very reasonable concerns. There was NO we don't want kiters at the Event Site ever again talk--none! There was no Us against Them BS. I thought that Justin Menasco--Big Papas--did an exceedingly good job of boiling it down to the real issue being we have more water users now, and we need a plan to address the needs of everyone. Nobody gets left out, regardless of your water toy of choice.

The Recreation Committee was very attentive, asked great questions, and really seems committed to coming up with a comprehensive plan for everyone. Both the CGKA, and CGWA were present and very involved. Remember, they are volunteers.

Boarding Bob got a well deserved round of applause for his above and beyond efforts at the Event Site. It was a windsurfer who publicly thanked him, by the way.

Tim from New York was somewhat astounded at how civil everything was. Apparently it's not so in New York at public meetings... Moreover, he told us the DAY USE fee to use the kite beach closest to where he lives in New York is FORTY BUCKS! That's PER DAY.

Regards,

Eric Cohn

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Nice! Thanks for the representation and report Eric! Thumb's Up

wemolly · Since 02 Aug 2008 9 Posts Kook

I agree that the meeting went well regarding consideration among the various user groups. However, I think there is a big hurdle to overcome regarding Event Site access. The issue of hazard/safety real and perceived is a huge concern, especially among those who haven't been around kites very much.

It will have to be addressed if kites are to get more access.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

I think it would be good if a fresh group of kiter advocates showed up today. The last meeting was very civil and folks had an open mind. That should be continued by all means.

As for danger perception I think that is a valid point that needs to be addressed. I also agree with Forrest that the perception of danger often clouds the factual incidence of danger/accidents. Modern gear is light years ahead of where we were even three years ago.

Eric Cohn

wemolly · Since 02 Aug 2008 9 Posts Kook

Yes, perception is the issue. I'm often surprised when talking to people who windsurf but have no experience with kites. Things that we see as nuisance, they see as big danger.

For continued Event Site access, we will have to address this fact.

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

I went to the meeting also. I was impressed how everyone considered each others views & it was more of a group effort for everyone who utilizes the event site safely etc. Great recommendations. Loved seeing the salty wind people who have been here forever. Very wise.

I checked out the flight deck yesterday and it was pretty bad. 3 or 4 people trying to launch at once. Kook carnage. No Board Bob to guide people. We need more volunteers. Wear a yellow T-shirt to indicate the Flight Deck Director of the hour.

I recommend that people body drag out a little ways before putting your board on your feet. There were a few winsurfers that drifted into the kite water zone - couldn't be helped. They just weren't very good windsurfers.

Out in the river, my windsurf buddy was hit by a kiter yesterday. Kiter, brought the kite low, bopped her good. As he transitioned downwind there was Board to Board contact. She is an excellent sailor and very cool.

The Honey Badger mentality is apparent. Be nice people. It's not all about you.

And just for the record...the best thing to come out of that meeting for me was the discussion of dogs. I don't care if you hate me for my view..but keep your dog at home or take them elsewhere.

Some things I disagree with: Steve Gates threw out a number to indicate that windsurfing is not dead. I agree but not how it was presented. You can teach 10 people at a time for a windsurf lesson per one instructor - whilst kiting is only 2 people per instructor. Also, a beginner windsurfer can use "the hook". That's not true for kiting.

Forrest indicating that he can only make decisions on factual safety data. That's subjective if there is no way to account for it in reporting. I understand what he is saying but there needs to be a way to collect that data. I find that Gerry Anne is a legend here and would never disagree with her in public out of respect. I spoke to her post meeting to educate her better about what the issues are for kiting. She was very receptive. Never mess with the lady that makes the best carrot cake on the planet. But kudos to Forrest for taking his time out,caring so much and doing all that he does for all of us.

My failure was to not discuss better signage and having a volunteer "wind patrol". I got a little nervous and froze up a bit. It's better to speak later in the meeting than the beginning.

forrest · Thu Jul 21, 11 3:18 pm

My point is, everyone makes kiting out to be the equivalent of flying a lawn mower around at high speed. "WATCH OUT, IT'S GOING TO CHOP YOUR HEAD OFF!" But is that really the case? Where are the reports of the incident?

Mel, here are some questions about the incident in question:

1) Did anyone get hurt? IE, did anyone experience actual pain?
2) Did anyone sustain an injury?
3) Did it happen immediately in front of the Event Site?
4) Was the kiter/windsurfer launching or landing?
5) Did either party notify ANYONE resembling a Port of Hood River official?

BTW, I'd be stoked to hear ONE positive idea come out of the CGWA representation on the Water Front Recreation Committee.

BTW2, Honestly, it doesn't matter what I think. If the event site kiters just start sitting in at every single Port meeting, they'll get what they want.

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Great Questions Forrest. I will type those up & have copies made. Maybe I can find a way to have people fill out the "report" and collect them.

The flying lawn mower is a great analogy. Education is the key.

Not trying to ruffle your feathers. You are doing a great job.

forrest · Thu Jul 21, 11 4:23 pm

No sweat, I'm working for the kiters and my position is based on kiter feedback. The nays on the WFRC are stressing safety as the primary decision maker. I'm stressing facts rather than F.U.D. If the facts are there, then it's something to take into serious consideration.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

This has been a really tough year for access and frustrations are running high. If I am a kiter I just want a piece of real estate to get my kite in the air that is not two feet under water. If I am a sailor I am dealing with an influx of new users to whom I may not be accustomed. If I am a shop I am trying to run lessons in such a way that students can maneuver around, knowing that students end up downwind into a mix that was not there before. That's why they are still taking lessons.

So, I am a kiter from a family that has windsurfers as well, and here is what I see, and how I feel:

1. I think the majority of windsurfers don't really have a problem sharing the event site until the sand is fully back. After that, not sure how they feel, but as a kiter I really don't need the grass to launch/land anymore. The sand is better, the wind is cleaner, I can self launch and be out of there much more quickly.

2. Students need a place to learn. The Event Site is one of the better spots on the Port to do so. They deserve the access as much as we do. If we make learning more difficult we will cut the sports off at their knees, let alone deny the very access that has been denied to us. How is that fair?

3. While I can't speak for all schools, the school that uses the neon green shirts, in my opinion, are fully on it. It may be that all schools are on it, it's simply that neon green is really hard to miss and I don't notice the uniform of other schools. I see instructors help the students from the west end, call out instructions from shore, and help them to walk their gear back upwind. Remember, they end up downwind because they are students--they are learning. Nobody is trying to make launching or landing more difficult.

4. I have had irrational outliers from both user groups say things to me like, "We were here first," or "Kiting is too dangerous," or "The group with the most users gets the access." These are all paraphrased, or course. None of these statements are very rational, useful, nor do they further the cause of access for all folks who want to recreate.

5. I think the Port and Rec committee are very much listening to kiter concerns regarding access to launchable terrain. In fact we all KNOW they are. People, it's July 21 and we are still using the grass that in the past years was closed to us on May 1, if opened up at all. I feel very confident we will get a usable, fair plan. I feel confident that the Port will come up with a contingency for high water in the future. The focus, in my opinion, needs to be access to land to get our kites in the air so that we can get onto the water.

6. I think there is no reason for hostility, or anger. Yes it can be really frustrating, but let's keep to the high road. I believe that the next phase with the Port will be improving/creating access west of the swim beach park for all. That will take concerted efforts and cooperation from all users.

7. On water collisions happen all of the time. I saw some pretty bad ones while windsurfing at the HAtchery in my days there as a windsurfer. This has nothing to do with the Event Site, or even kiting. Rather it's a function of larger numbers of users.

8. The perception of kite danger is simply that--a perception. It is only through education and calm discussion that we can work through that. Getting pissed at someone who feels that kiting will "take their head off, " simply leads them to believe that we are angry AND dangerous.

9. I have a great deal of respect for the CGKA, CGWA, Port Rec Committee, and all other VOLUNTEER board members who are putting in countless hours on this, and many other issues. Like many of us they have kids, jobs, housework, and everything else to do. Never mind they would also like to get a session in. While we were getting a session Monday and Wednesday they were at another Port meeting. You have to respect that. Even if you don't agree with everything said, you have to respect that.

Best,
Eric Cohn

forrest · Fri Jul 22, 11 8:24 am

Eric for President! His words will CUT YOUR HEAD OFF!!!

Pepi · Fri Jul 22, 11 3:16 pm

Thanks Eric for your supporting both organizations and for attending the meeting to share your well thought ideas and comments.

We (heart) Eric.