Got lucky at gandy

[rando1994]

As a South Tampa Kiter, I'd like to weigh in on the Gandy launch, as I was one of the ones riding there that Tuesday.

The hazards are real. The oyster beds follow the channel on the South side. And are either exposed or just under the surface. And there are a lot of oysters there.

The powerlines are right next to the major highway where the slow traffic is going 60mph.

There are channel markers in the way.

Did not see boats, but the launch is right by the channel, so it's a matter of when, not if.

That said, the South wind was 10-12kts and building as we set up.

This launch is a perfect example of knowing your skills and riding within your envelope of experience and abilities.

As the newest member of our South Tampa Crew, it was my first time riding there. My total kiting experience is a year and a half.

Having ridden most Tampa area launch sites as well as Islamorada's Whale harbor and Anne's Beach, I felt qualified to ride at that launch.

While the hazards are very real, a solid intermediate kiter, can negotiate the hazards with relative safety.

Anyone who's been to West Skyway has seen big oyster beds and channel markers to avoid.

Been to Cypress? Channel markers, jetties, crab traps, oyster beds, and deceptive shallows.

Picnic Island? Just launching for riding the South bay is an experience. Climbing a mangrove tree bafefoot to retrieve your stranded kite is something I've witnessed and have no desire to experience.

Sunset Beach? If you have a problem just off the west side of that beach, you are in deep water and need to have your self rescue techniques ready. Yeah, you'll end up in the shallows soon enough, but that big rockpile to the south will not do your fancy kite any favors.

Fred Howard? If you can't stay upwind and get outside, you'll have to try to land on the swimming beach. ALWAYS a BAD idea. That launch is threatened by kiters who do that.

East Beach? I GREAT learning area, BUT, any good day will find 20-50 kites in the air, and another 15-30 on the beach. NOT a good place to just launch and hope for the best.

So, what to do? Where to go?

Go to Watersports West, (I have no affiliation, btw) and get signed up for lessons with Steve-o. Truly among the best instructors you will find. Get your skills honed. Get your practice time in at safer launches. NOT GANDY.

Get some new launches and experience under your belt.

Really learn to fly that kite with a dedicated instructor helping you remain safe while doing so.

Then, after you have your skills down. Upwind no problem. Self land and launch safely. Self rescue. Emergency procedures.

Then maybe the Gandy Launch is occaisonally doable.

I rode Tuesday until the wind was 16-18 kts and getting too much for my big kite. I landed with a friend's help, even though my self-landing sand auger was in place just in case.

Packed up and was home in time for lunch.

Not the best launch, I agree wholeheartedly. But by remaining within my envelope of skills and experience, I had an enjoyable and safe day on the water.

[KenBrackins]

Nicely put Rando. There's always going to be hazards no matter where you ride. North Shore wasn't mentioned and it has the seawall on the south side that is certainly a hazard for novices. Wind conditions change constantly and must be monitored continuouslsy. Has anyone ever kited the 520 Slick around Cocoa? Talk about a sketchy launch/landing. You have to stand in the middle of a four lane highway directly under power lines (much like US 1 at Smathers in Key West). Then walk through a mangrove path that leads directly into a busy boating channel. Cabarete has razor sharp reefs just under the surface and strong currents. Aruba has the same plus fishermans huts its straight offshore and SUPER gusty.
As long as you kite within your ability-location and wind speed-I don't see a problem with "Unemployment Beach"
(Just beware of the h-mos in the mangroves! Thats what Big G told me anyway)

[Danimal8199]

Originally Posted by rando1994

I felt qualified to ride at that launch.

While the hazards are very real, a solid intermediate kiter, can negotiate the hazards with relative safety.

Although you make some good points, no matter how good of a rider you are, your gear doesn't care where you are or what you are doing when it decides to fail. In addition to that take into consideration that same riders gear breaking and having an unsecured kite coming at you from upwind.

It's not always your own misfortune you should be worried about. Gandy is just a horrible spot all together.

One of the best things you can do is ride in an area that offers a safe environment for screws ups. I should know, I've had man!

[CrazyJay]

The Gandy (ie. Redneck Riviera) can be a decent spot but only on an E or NE wind. There is no blockage from the N so u can ride side offshore winds there without it being gusty.
I agree that it should never be riden on any southerly winds regardless of skill level. A broken leash could mean the deaths of many drivers only 30 yards away and major bans in Tampa Bay.
Just watch out for the oyster beds and drunken rednecks trying to catch ur kite.

[Danimal8199]

Originally Posted by CrazyJay

u can ride side offshore winds there without it being gusty.

I just want to point out that side offshore is not a recommended wind direction per most kiteboarding instruction.

In this case your risk is that you will likely wash up in mangroves vs being blown out to sea, keep that in mind.

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

I am working on an updated area ride guide for TBKA, and wondering if we can get the Google launch sites map updated with:

Gandy Information
Fred Howard Park- now open for kiting
Sunset- post the kiting guidelines that were passed
Correct spelling of Skyway (it says Skway)
If anyone has more detailed info or new sites to add, please post them here.

I am also looking for the Sarasota Launches map, and can't get in touch with anyone from either of the Sarasota Kiteboarders Coalition(s).

I'd also like to get some basic guidelines finalized for South County, mainly regarding instruction around Skyway and Ft Desoto.
As we instructors are the first to get blamed for problems, its time we sort this out for good and stick with it.

Steve Sadler (813)389-3683
www.kiteboardingtampabay.com

[gluepet]

Hi Steve - Just wondering about the Sunset guidelines that you mentioned - Could you post a quick rundown here? Thanks

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

I don't have them, nor the time to track them down. I know the North county kiters got a sign installed and have some basic guidelines in place. Maybe one of them can chime in with the info on Sunset and Howard Park.

Thanks for updating the map, mystery dudez...

www.kiteboardingtampabay.com

[Danimal8199]

Originally Posted by gluepet

Hi Steve - Just wondering about the Sunset guidelines that you mentioned - Could you post a quick rundown here? Thanks

There was a meeting last night between a number of North County riders to discuss the best approach to educating and informing new and existing riders of the best practices to use on and off the water at all north county riding locations. I would expect something to come out soon on the forum with the results of that meeting or at least some guidelines.

Danny