Walking the fine line

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

It can be hard to post on this, or any forum as we all have differing opinions. Having said that, if nobody steps up to the plate with a suggestion we end up with chaos as the number of kiters explodes, which is happening now.

To the point. Please do not throw big powered kiteloops 50' west of the sandspit on a really busy weekend. There are lots of other places to throw them.

Regards,
Eric

They were tight, though.
Cheers

carolb · Sun Jul 06, 08 8:26 am **HR Kaos**

I don't ride the spit very often but came up yesterday. It seems some organization on the sand and water directly in front would help tremendously so here's my suggestion.

Simple - West to East- lessons, beginners, advanced.

Since it is extremely difficult to tell where the beginners and lessons are being given and I want to give plenty of room to those learning:

1). Each school or group of 2 schools should put out cones to mark their lesson zone and/or line up all 6 schools on the west side. Have the schools work out positions or rotate weekly.
2). Saftey vests/orange or bright colored matching shirts for all shop instructors. From a glance you would be able to tell a lesson is in progress and give some respect or know your chances of being tomahawked.
3). Students in a rashgard that stands out also.

Second zone from the west is the friends teaching friends/girlfriends and trainer kites. The instructors know each other and would be able to spot illegal instructors that may be working the sand bar and not associated with a school and are charging.

Third zone is new kiters not taking lessons but able to ride.

East zone is advance riders throwing tricks. If you can't do a back roll, you probably are not an advanced rider and should not be in this zone.

I think this is should be a topic for a meeting between the schools and CGKA. Once you decide on some zones, they will need to be clearly posted on multiple signs.

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

carol,

this is so smart and simple it makes me wonder why no one has suggested it before.

proactive as all hell and great way to show the a thor it ees that we are in charge of our own.

carol for president.

endoshred · Since 22 May 2006 232 Posts HR Stoked

the area directly west of the sandspit as eric was describing is not great for lessons or for those aspiring pro dudes to work on kiteloops. this area is right in front of the event site with lots of windsurfers and a major traffic zone for launching and landing kites during the busy season. also i dont believe you zone off an area for advanced kiters only. some wake style guys want the smooth flat water but i am sure the beginner intermediate kiters want the same thing. it is a big river folks, and if you are an advanced or expert kiter you can easily kite to some areas far away from the launch/ lesson/ beginner area. during the busy times everyone needs to accept that the river is crowded and the crowds will continue to grow over the coming years.

HoodRat · Since 30 Mar 2008 199 Posts Stoked

dont let the noobs ruin your fun.kite where u want to IMO

forrest · Mon Jul 07, 08 8:02 am

Just as easily as advanced kiters can go elsewhere, the schools could zoom their students away on a jetski. Just because the rest of us aren't affiliated with a business entity, doesn't mean we don't have needs too.

I predict compromises on both sides. If we could elevate 10% of the congestion by getting the schools to take their students who are further along in the learning process off the Sandbar, it would be a big win for everyone. The current situation doesn't scale for anyone, so telling the advanced kiters to bugger off isn't an option.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I'm tired of bringing this up again, but what's up with schools having students drifting off into the whirlpool of death (where HR and Columbia meet) while the instructor stands helplessly at the edge of the sandbar? This happened again yesterday and someone had to pull the student in (forgot who, sorry). When the student thought he could stand he was let go and promptly managed to drift back out into deeper water at which point I think Tony pulled him back in to the beach. Big props to the guys that helped, but this issue needs to be addressed with the schools. Trevor also mentioned a very similar situation occurred a few weeks ago. We know which school was the culprit this time and I think the CGKA should take this up with the schools and port to work out a safe solution before someone gets hurt (and probably discuss the issue with the school directly). The instructors need to accept responsibility for their negligence and prevent this from happening again.

Also, I second what Forrest said.

Bettyboarder · Mon Jul 07, 08 8:58 am

forrest · Mon Jul 07, 08 11:10 am

Yea, I pulled the guy in the first time but he let go of me prematurely.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Wow, so that musta been a different time on Saturday because this happened yesterday when Forrest wasn't even kiting. And, these are just the times a handful of us have noticed. I wonder how often it's actually happening.

forrest · Mon Jul 07, 08 11:17 am

Oh, I didn't even realize.

HoodRat · Since 30 Mar 2008 199 Posts Stoked

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

forrest · Mon Jul 07, 08 12:32 pm

There is a difference, I really do hate localism and I'm sorry if this is being confused as such. We're talking about the students of the schools, not people who are already self sufficient but aren't well versed. I'd never hesitate to help rescue someone, but when there is an instructor standing on the beach looking dumbfounded, it kind of makes you wonder.

These weren't beginners (people that are self sufficient but not good), these were students of a school.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Jul 07, 08 1:18 pm

I REALLY like the idea of orange shirts and vests for students. It would help everyone including the students, teachers, and experts alike. Is there some downside to this system that I'm not seeing?

The presence of trainer kites on busy weekends should also be addressed. I mean their really isn't a need for them down there.

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

HoodRat · Since 30 Mar 2008 199 Posts Stoked

and a dunce cap