CGKA demo day postponed

Mark · Wed Jun 17, 09 11:44 am **CGKA demo day postponed**

Due to the litigious society we now live in, The CGKA demo days will be postponed. We will announce the new date soon. Thanks to all who helped out to try to get the insurance squared away before the event.

boarderchick · Since 10 Aug 2007 196 Posts Wherever there's wind:-) Stoked

Good Evening,

After much consideration and a great deal of time working with insurance, permitting, and other necessary items for the event, it is the determination of the Board Of Directors for the Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding Association to postpone the Demo Days, which is currently scheduled for Saturday June 19, 2009. We regret any inconvenience this has caused our participants and vendors, and we ask that you understand and abide by our decision. Due to the current situation regarding accidents within our kiteboarding industry, there are a lot of changes going on, one of those major changes is with the Port of Hood River. At this time, they are requiring everyone who applies for an event permit to provide proof of insurance. This in turns requires the CGKA to obtain annual insurance, Director Insurance, as well as each participating vendor to obtain insurance and then have it approved via the Port of Hood River and so on.

There are multiple other things which also need to be completed as well, but that can be explained another day. As a new Board of Directors has come into play, we are now understanding the liability that is out there for us as a BOD and also for the CGKA as a whole. So, this entails us as a Board to fully research multiple insurance companies and do this with more time than two days to ensure that we are protected appropriately. We truly tried to have this completed in two days, but with massive amounts of paperwork to go through, some vendors missing insurance, etc., the liability is to great to bear at this moment. We would rather make sure that our community is fully protected with the right insurance policy, we have all other paperwork aligned and reviewed by an attorney, and we continue to build relationships with the City and Port, then we can move forward with events.

We realize that people have traveled to Hood River for Demo Days, and various other activities going on over the weekend, and understand the logistics around this for our vendors. Those items weighed heavily on our decision to postpone, but in the long run we hope that you can realize the importance of insurance, keeping ourselves with the minimalist risk possible, and educating our community on the importance of everything we are doing and will continue to do in the future. We hope to provide you with the new "Demo Days" date in the coming days, and will send out updated communications with all the information regarding the event including new requirements.

Again, we are sorry to our participants and vendors for this inconvenience, but truly appreciate your patience and understanding whilst we work through these ever changing times (insurance, waivers, contracts, new BOD) within our community. We will announce the new Board Members shortly as well. And please keep in mind that if anyone is tossing around the idea of holding their own demo day, they need to obtain permits from the City and the Port as well as obtain approval and endorsement from a school and then provide proof of insurance. Typically, it is a 30 day request period for an event. Please follow all guidelines/policies that the Port has in effect, if not, the Port has the authority to shut down all future events, and we would like to continue holding events in our community.

Sincerly,
Board of Directors for the CGKA

HoodRat · Since 30 Mar 2008 199 Posts Stoked

if i can drive my car without insurance then ... Twisted Evil

you know... Twisted Evil

Pepi · Wed Jun 17, 09 11:10 pm

boarderchick · Since 10 Aug 2007 196 Posts Wherever there's wind:-) Stoked

Pepi-Oh that was funny, I needed that laugh:-)

HoodRat · Since 30 Mar 2008 199 Posts Stoked

it doesnt have to end this way:

tdalb · Since 25 Oct 2008 63 Posts

Thanks to the CGKA for all of your efforts to make this event happen! The insurance thing is a bummer but better safe than sorry! After attending the CGKA board meeting last week, I know that it was not for lack of effort to make d-day happen. Better to wait and do this thing correctly, than to have an accident with lawsuits flying around, preventing us from enjoying future demo daze!
Thanks again

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

I know this probably sucks for a lot of people, but the postponement is awesome for me. I was not going to be able to make it. Thanks CGKA.

Sella · Thu Jun 18, 09 11:28 am **Re: Demo day**

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

That's a bummer, we were ready but once again shut down by greedy lawyers and the greedy people who sue. Hang'em high.

Thanks CGKA for trying.

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

That stinks ! oh well, since I will be in town to ride anyway now I assume the local shops will still have demos available like any other time. Its just the "event" that has been shut down till further notice right?

DownStream · Since 18 Apr 2007 381 Posts Obsessed

cgka demo day: cancelled

a bunch of kiteboarders at the sandbar with a lot of extra gear to pass around all day: totally still happening

is it about kiting or politics. see you on the water tomorrow.

forrest · Thu Jun 18, 09 11:40 pm

See you in court!

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

EdG · Since 19 Dec 2005 425 Posts Just a Kook that's Obsessed

Why go looking for trouble? I don't think this is the weekend to push things too much Smile

kiteboards · Since 19 Mar 2009 47 Posts

Thanks for the heads up, keep us updated.