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#1
02-23-2008, 02:04 PM
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It's definitely worth a try. I've kited at Sunset Beach since 2002 when there were only 1 or 2 kiters there. Lately more are kiting at that location and last Sunday it was crowded, both beach goers and kiters.
Fortunately, we have had no major incidents/accidents, but with more coming there, it will probably be a matter of time. I've stopped a couple of beginners from launching and told them to come back after they take some lessons. One wanted to launch a 20.5 machine in 12m conditions. I told him he would probably injure/kill himself and others as well as getting us banned there. An obstacle to kiting at FHP will be the Friends of Howard Park, aka windsurfers. Once they hear about our effort they will lobby the park ranger to oppose it. There are areas designated for the PWCs along the causeway and perhaps we can get an area designated for kiting. The windsurfers always want the windward side of the backside beach, so perhaps to get our "foot in the door" we could take the leeward side. A rider certification card would be great. However, keeping the beginners out will be a problem. Who's going to "police" the kiters to be sure they have a card? How does it work at Crandon? Does the park crew enforce the credentials?
__________________
CEO & Airman of the Board 
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#2
02-23-2008, 02:52 PM
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#3
02-23-2008, 03:03 PM
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I hadnt been back to crandon since the new deal there, but I am sure Christoph is trying to make it work, not sure if the park backs him up or not.I think its 25 or 30 bux, plus 89.00 IKO insurance that probably doesnt pay U.S. claims.
Windsurfers are pretty cool people and probably out numbered by now, so we do what it takes to get along with them. Ultimately a "system" has to be enforced at the local level, by the locals. New kiters want to blend in asap, they will want a tag and have to earn it. Thats what it takes to be a kiter, and would be common knowledge. Theres info posted in various threads about this system on here and on Kiteforum.com. Lemmie know if you think it would work up there.
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#4
02-23-2008, 04:37 PM
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[QUOTE=Jake;29555]
An obstacle to kiting at FHP will be the Friends of Howard Park, aka windsurfers. Once they hear about our effort they will lobby the park ranger to oppose it. There are areas designated for the PWCs along the causeway and perhaps we can get an area designated for kiting. The windsurfers always want the windward side of the backside beach, so perhaps to get our "foot in the door" we could take the leeward side.QUOTE] I'm setting up a mtg with a few kiters to talk about all aspects and corners to open up kiting as well as launch spots and agreements with the windsurfers their. I talked to some of the windsurfers there. Thus far some of the windsurfers don't mind us kiting their when asked about the topic. Jake, Funny thing I mentioned that today to a couple guys, if there a designated area for PWC's along the causeway then you should technically be able to kite there. Obviously I wouldnt launch their, to many mangrove hazards, but in theory it should be open to us. Once again its going to take alot of time and effort for this to happen. In addition, HP is going to be closed up to a year due to bridge contruction. Therefore, it'll only be boat accessible. -B
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#5
02-24-2008, 12:45 PM
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Brian,
seeing that the park is going to be closed can a boat even make it close enough to unload gear like we do else where will there be a problem with us kiting there while this construction is happening , when is the park gonna be closed ????
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#6
02-24-2008, 04:22 PM
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Park is scheduled to close sometime after Labor day, probably in October. Again, sometimes these things get delayed. As far as bringing in a boat, well technically your not allowed to come inside the swim area bouys, but since theres no one going to be on the beach, it'll be much like Anclote Key, nobody around, no rangers, no nothing. Therefore, you'll probably get away with it. Its still a long ways away till contruction. I asked the park supervisor if it was ok to kite there when its closed, he said yes because there is no safety concern on the beach while its closed.
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#8
02-25-2008, 11:35 AM
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this should show without a doubt what one a-hole in one situation can do to ruin it for everyone.
at the time tho, i'll bet kiters had next to ZERO representation to go against the park as the windsurfers did. things have changed, we are a community now, i hope you are able to get this proposal at least considered.. at least get a chance to meet with someone that will give you time to speak your case. it might just be put aside due to the park simply not wanting to take any risk.. understandable in some sense. i never ride up there.. just quite a drive for me when i can get to ft. desoto or pass-a-grille in 10 minutes.. but i hope you are able to open it up. if there is any sort of a meeting where we need to represent ourselves in numbers.. absolutely count me in. -b
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#9
02-26-2008, 07:09 PM
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A presentation is set for either March 20th or May 21st to the Pinellas County Advisory board mtg @ 9:30. I'm probably going to shoot for May 21st. for better preperation or should we speed up things and get a presentation in March 20th?? I'll keep everyone posted. l8er -Brian
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#10
02-27-2008, 11:03 AM
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scared the parents and bang, banned.
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