Sat Jun 11, 11 6:42 pmCGKA - How to get kiteboarding access cancelled
For those of you who witnessed the kiter leashing himself off to a 200' static line anchored to the tree at the marina that he uses to 'fly' himself up into the air like a paraglider towed behind a power boat, you know how dangerous this is.
This same individual was witnessed doing this same stunt off of the Event Site last Fall, preventing anyone from leaving or returning to the Event Site until his line broke and he ended up on the Sandbar.
If you see this person repeating this stunt around any of the Port of Hood River launches, or any of our publicly authorized access launches, please either take the time to speak to this person or inform the authorities that he is not a kiteboarder and does not represent kiteboarding in any safe or sane manner.
It's hard to have to say this, but if he repeats these stunts again at any of our launches, it has the possibility to radically change our access situation.
If you value your access along the Columbia River, then it is worth your time to speak up and ask this person to please go somewhere else, where his actions will not jeapoardize the privileges of others. _________________ [b:13763ca0d3]The CGKA is your advocate for Kiteboarding in the Gorge! [i:13763ca0d3] Join now: [/i:13763ca0d3]GorgeKiter.com/join[/b:13763ca0d3]
eric
Since 13 Jan 2006
1860 Posts
XTreme Poster
Sat Jun 11, 11 7:08 pm
I think many of us know who this is. He is a great guy, somewhat of a Gorge legend from the Windranch days, and I am sure that if he were contacted by a CGKA member he would agree to not do this near any public area. I doubt he meant any harm, nor blatant disregard. I have never seen him display any kind of agro, or "Others Be Damned" attitude. At least not intentionally. He does, however, walk to the beat of a different drummer.
Eric
luke
Since 06 Jul 2005
399 Posts
Obsessed
Sun Jun 12, 11 10:21 amLet's support all aspects of kiteboarding
I am not writing this in support of what Carl is doing.
However, I am writing this in support of kiteboarding.
Is what he is doing dangerous: yes.
Is what he is doing unsafe: depends on skill level.
Is what he is doing kiteboarding: time will tell if it becomes an accepted and popular aspect of our sport.
I remember when Joby, Ian, Jake, and Dylan first wanted to place a slider in the water. They wanted to hit rails while using a kite. The same type of things were said. It is dangerous. It is unsafe. It is not kiteboarding. And, it will cause kiteboarding access to get shut down. NOW, 8 years later, The Slider Project is installing the best slider, rail, kicker, Terrain Park for kiteboarding in the World.
As Eric mentioned, Carl does kite to a different drummer. One of innovator. 12 years ago he was riding directional boards on 2 line Wipikas at the Hatchery. He might not be PC but seldom are true innovators.
The CGKA and the kite community can help find a spot for him or others that might participate in this aspect of kiting. An appropriate spot that does not cause access to be shut down or hinder other kiteboarding activities. The Slider Project has a location. The schools have their location.
I wonder what aspect of kiteboarding will show up next? The sky is unlimited!
Ken
ps: Kiteboarding is dangerous
Pepi
Since 16 Jun 2006
1831 Posts
Pure Stoke Sports
Shop Owner
Sun Jun 12, 11 1:12 pmRe: Let's support all aspects of kiteboarding
luke wrote:
I remember when Joby, Ian, Jake, and Dylan first wanted to place a slider in the water. They wanted to hit rails while using a kite. The same type of things were said. It is dangerous. It is unsafe. It is not kiteboarding. And, it will cause kiteboarding access to get shut down. NOW, 8 years later, The Slider Project is installing the best slider, rail, kicker, Terrain Park for kiteboarding in the World.
As Eric mentioned, Carl does kite to a different drummer. One of innovator. 12 years ago he was riding directional boards on 2 line Wipikas at the Hatchery. He might not be PC but seldom are true innovators.
The CGKA and the kite community can help find a spot for him or others that might participate in this aspect of kiting. An appropriate spot that does not cause access to be shut down or hinder other kiteboarding activities. The Slider Project has a location. The schools have their location.
I would think that if this is just as important for Carl, then he will follow the same steps that The Slider Project and all of the Kite Schools took, in communicating with the Port of Hood River, the Marine Patrol Sheriff and the Dept of State Lands to ensure that their actions are co-existing with all other recreational users safely.
Safety and Access are the biggest concerns for the local kite community. If an individual wants to take things to another level to impress others, then all we could ask is that he please do this where he can operate as freely as he wants without effecting the safety and access of others. He could very easily go far out east to somewhere no one else is at.
I'm personally posting this because, I, as one of the waterfront rec reps for the CGKA have seen how much work we have had to put into securing, maintaining and even expanding our kiteboarding access on Port of Hood River Properties. It would be difficult to see this all be taken away because of one person.
Insurance policies in this economic period are very fragile. It is far too realistic to think that just one bad lawsuit/claim can get us shut down.
Happy to Pepi. Totally understand where you--we really--are coming from. I really don't think the tethered kite thing is a good idea anywhere near anyone. I just wanted to let folks know that Carl is not an "In your face kind of guy."
If anyone has contact info for him--I don't--please pm me and Pepi and both I'd us can talk with him
Best,
Eric
pkh
Since 27 Feb 2005
6549 Posts
Couve / Hood
Honored Founder
Sun Jun 12, 11 4:06 pm
I think anyone should be free to do what they want but not if it impacts other beach users. What he was doing monopolized 300 feet of beach access, and it would be very easy for someone else to get hurt.
Inept_Fun
Since 14 Apr 2005
1417 Posts
Hood River
XTreme Poster
Sun Jun 12, 11 5:33 pm
He should tie off to the bridge, this way his line would already be an extra 40+ feet in the air allowing for ultimate dangleage. _________________ I heart dangling
forrest
Since 21 Jun 2005
4329 Posts
Hood River
Hick
mschulz
Since 29 May 2007
530 Posts
Reno, NV
Addicted
Mon Jun 13, 11 6:03 am
What I think is really sad, is that many of the decisions (sliders, beach access, etc) is all being regulated because of liability insurance. It is a shame. Next thing you know, you will need to sign a waiver to use the porta potty at the spit. _________________ MS
Gman
Since 11 Feb 2006
4911 Posts
Portland
Unstrapped
Mon Jun 13, 11 7:38 am
One plus, the carcass is tethered for fast and easy removal
Anyone remember back in the day - big studs would tether delta kites to a car bumber with a chair in between - short-lived landbased activity _________________ Go Deep!
Happy to Pepi. Totally understand where you--we really--are coming from. I really don't think the tethered kite thing is a good idea anywhere near anyone. I just wanted to let folks know that Carl is not an "In your face kind of guy."
If anyone has contact info for him--I don't--please pm me and Pepi and both I'd us can talk with him
Hurricane Mike and I spoke with Carl and let him know that the Port has taken notice of his activity.
Scriffler
Since 03 Jul 2005
581 Posts
LYLE
Addicted
Mon Jun 13, 11 12:02 pmthe man
Carl is the man. He was ripping the Gorge before any of you were born. Cut him some slack. That is like telling Laird Hamilton he can't sup at Hanalei.
Bettyboarder
Since 18 Mar 2005
1823 Posts
PDX/ White Salmon
XTreme Poster
Mon Jun 13, 11 12:57 pm
Quote:
Carl is the man. He was ripping the Gorge before any of you were born. Cut him some slack. That is like telling Laird Hamilton he can't sup at Hanalei.
Does that mean he can dangle like a fool....taking up the complete Marina preventing everyone else from landing and launching?
glad you guys talked to him...it was interesting to watch maybe he can just find another place to do it at...maybe the other side of the restroom at the marina he could tie off to that post. _________________ Join the CGKA! Membership is only $10! Sign up at http://cgka.net/become-a-member/
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