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Kmun
Since 05 Jul 2009
258 Posts
Obsessed
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bigjohn
Since 13 Mar 2012
663 Posts
Addicted
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Tue Jul 05, 16 7:23 am Re: Rufus Etiquette |
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That old video still gets hits on Youtube
I think with all the out-of-towners for the holiday there was some confusion in the runway area.
To quote Jonah from the previous post:
Jonah wrote: |
If I could make one request it would be to ask everyone to please move their kites further up-wind (as close to the bushes as possible, or up-hill on the rocks). |
I would concur. With the extra traffic the runway often turns into a two way runway with simultaneous incoming and outgoing flights.
I had an instance this weekend coming in where just as I reached land another kite popped up going out. This wasn't a problem as I kept my kite low and allowed the other kite to pass above my kite. Problems occurred due to the fact my kite was low and the Rufus wind shadow stalled my kite forcing it down to the ground.
Under normal conditions this would not be a problem as the kite would simply float out into the water where I could bring it up again. However, in this situation another kiter had chosen to set up camp on the down wind side of the sandbar. My kite line ended up catching the wing of their kite. If I had attempted to relaunch my kite it likely would have shot their equipment out into the water. Luckily someone waded into the water to grab my kite and no equipment was lost.
I bring up this story to emphasize the fact that if you choose to pump up your kite on the downwind (east) side of the sandbar, you not only make things more difficult for others around you, but you also increase the odds of damage or loss of your own equipment as well. _________________ Kiting starts at 40MPH |
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BCD131
Since 26 Mar 2013
31 Posts
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Tue Jul 05, 16 9:09 am |
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Thanks for the confirmation that I made the right call by not going to Rufus yesterday. |
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dhhr
Since 09 Jul 2015
30 Posts
Hood River
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Tue Jul 05, 16 4:22 pm |
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Quote: | Thanks for the confirmation that I made the right call by not going to Rufus yesterday. |
Despite the crowds and hectic launching/landing, I can honestly say that the conditions all weekend were WELL worth putting up with a few extra people and delays. |
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knotwindy
Since 25 Sep 2011
606 Posts
Addicted
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Tue Jul 05, 16 5:03 pm |
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BCD131 wrote: | Thanks for the confirmation that I made the right call by not going to Rufus yesterday. |
For those of us who went and had a great few days, I'd like to thank you and say yes, you made the right choice😄 |
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eric
Since 13 Jan 2006
1831 Posts
XTreme Poster
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Tue Jul 05, 16 5:24 pm |
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It was terrible northerly gusts with 1000's of angry fishermen and no kiters should ever go there. |
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BCD131
Since 26 Mar 2013
31 Posts
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Wed Jul 06, 16 7:56 am |
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knotwindy wrote: | BCD131 wrote: | Thanks for the confirmation that I made the right call by not going to Rufus yesterday. |
For those of us who went and had a great few days, I'd like to thank you and say yes, you made the right choice😄 |
Just trying to be a team player Glad you guys got it. |
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toesinthesand
Since 08 Sep 2009
167 Posts
Hood River
Stoked
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Fri Jul 15, 16 9:42 am Rufus incoming/outgoing |
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IMHO if we regulars would take turns being "beach monitor" and explain this stuff to folks who are new to Rufus or just kinda clueless then there would be some organization. Just be nice and explain. I find most people want to do the right thing. Sometimes if the gear is left out downwind of the area I just move the gear up into a safer area. They will find it. |
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Freeride Kiter
Since 08 Jul 2011
701 Posts
El Sargento, B.C.S. Mexico
Instructor
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Fri Jul 15, 16 11:28 am |
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Beach Ambassadors, that's not a bad idea!!
I typically use the launch if I'm the first there or only if a handful of kiters are there. Once it turns in to the socialite water cooler and impress-fest I launch further west in the parking lot. _________________ "I have often regretted my speech, never my silence" ~Xenocrates |
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deminimis
Since 15 Jul 2014
326 Posts
On the Rocks
Obsessed
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Mon Jul 18, 16 3:54 pm |
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So anyway, seems a mom I know was at the cove this weekend with her kids swimming in/at the cove (along with some other kids). She reports (via her deputy husband who was giving me crap about it) kites were landing in the cove in close proximity to her kids and a kiter suggested she take the kids elsewhere. Needless to say, she was rather pissed. I doubt it was anyone here, but locals have been swimming there before kiters ever existed, heck, before we ever sailboarded at Rufus. If there are kids swimming in the cove, then simply land your kites elsewhere. Telling locals to move along is a major dbag move, so don't do it. We don't need native fisherfolk and locals also pissed at kiters. |
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A.K.
Since 01 Jul 2006
190 Posts
Stoked
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Mon Jul 18, 16 4:51 pm |
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Moving the sheriffs wife and local fisher people. - Its a tough call on this one - especially not being there and knowing the exact locations of all involved.
If I see a situation where I would advise my own family to move for the sake of their lives- then I take it upon myself to advise others that they are in a position of extreme risk.
I am actually shocked at the disregard most kiters have for those directly downwind of them when launching.
Would it bother kiters to at least yell out "heads up" before you launch. At least give me the option to move. Or if I am pumping up a kite I will stop, turn around, and be ready to hit the deck in case of mayhem.
-A.K. |
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deminimis
Since 15 Jul 2014
326 Posts
On the Rocks
Obsessed
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Mon Jul 18, 16 5:26 pm |
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There are several issues at play (liability for injury to others, for example). One concern is the area is a multi-use recreation area. Landing kites in the cove effectively excludes one group of users. That, more than anything, could get our butts in a ringer. Frankly, I don't know why anyone would take their kids there to swim as the John Day is much warmer, safer, and more swimmer friendly, but not our decision I suppose. Folks just need to be cool.
On a slightly off topic note, if going into Rufus to the Family Market, the Bull Dog Diner, or whatever, it doesn't hurt to let them know (subtly ) that you're a kiter. I've asked businesses how many kiters they get, and they think they get very, very, very few. Would be nice if local businesses thought we were important to their businesses. Helps garner support for our cause. |
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knotwindy
Since 25 Sep 2011
606 Posts
Addicted
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Mon Jul 18, 16 9:09 pm |
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Not sure how this will go over in a kite forum but
WE are the ones creating a.potentially dangerous situation so it is also our responsibility to be aware of others and their safety is also our concern. It is not our place to tell others to move so we can have fun. They have just as much right to be there and we need to make it safe for everyone in the area. Educate nicely and be careful and have fun. |
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Matt V
Since 26 Oct 2014
462 Posts
Summer- OR Coast, Winter - My van near good snow
Explosive Diarrhea
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Mon Jul 18, 16 9:22 pm |
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What Knotwindy said makes sense. And that is how I play it. Taking personal responsibility is a good thing and will keep our spots open. _________________ MSN has temporarily removed commenting on our websites while we explore better ways for you to engage in discussion on the issues you care about. |
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