A "test run" for the Gulf Coast Event Anyone?

[Unimog Bob]

Yeah. As silly as that idea is (b/c we shouldn't have to do this lame stuff), it's the best one. To be honest though, since I gave up on the trolley, I don't mind meeting up with people and driving and dropping vehicles.

Having a backup in case of a break down is good though.

[robertovillate]

Originally Posted by Unimog Bob

Yeah. As silly as that idea is (b/c we shouldn't have to do this lame stuff), it's the best one. To be honest though, since I gave up on the trolley, I don't mind meeting up with people and driving and dropping vehicles.

Having a backup in case of a break down is good though.

Only problem is I probably do 10+ downwinders solo...so it's pretty essential for me. Hate to start having to pay a cab fare from RB to PAG.

[Danimal8199]

Did a downwind run from IRB to the undertow with Eric and Roy Saturday, nice swells, a little choppy, but the wind was solid and i was lit on a 10m the entire time.

No problem getting back onto the trolley for the ride, the driver just asked us not to put the gear on the seats so we slid it under and everything was all good.

D.

[Unimog Bob]

As it should be. Trust me, I wish it were always that way.

Again, I don't enjoy complaining. But, facts are facts and people should be aware of the possibility of encountering Miss Bitch driver. She exists.

I am still waiting on a call, Mrs. Howard forwarded my phone call to the Safety department, and they are going to call me with an answer either way. I did tell her I would be more than happy to bring some gear and show them just what we have, not much really. I hope I did not open a can of worms, but I would rather know one way or the other so I do not get stranded, if I truly have to be someone where on time. Mrs. Howard said her son Eddie is a kite surfer, so I am sure she is aware of the gear. I usually go with friends so we can use our cars, but as Roberto stated when you are solo it is a great resource, and is great for all if they let everyone use it. BTW If I did not screw of two Sunday ago and bruse some ribs at EB, I would be with you guys kiting, mowing the lawn sounds good about now.

[robertovillate]

Originally Posted by stpetesal

I am still waiting on a call, Mrs. Howard forwarded my phone call to the Safety department, and they are going to call me with an answer either way. I did tell her I would be more than happy to bring some gear and show them just what we have, not much really. I hope I did not open a can of worms, but I would rather know one way or the other so I do not get stranded, if I truly have to be someone where on time. Mrs. Howard said her son Eddie is a kite surfer, so I am sure she is aware of the gear. I usually go with friends so we can use our cars, but as Roberto stated when you are solo it is a great resource, and is great for all if they let everyone use it.

Let me know if you need any help making a presentation or educating them. Also, If we had a way to demonstrate/proove/convince them that - over the last 5+ years i have been riding the trolley with my gear - I have yet to hear of one incident or potential safety issue and that we are all very good at keeping our gear from being a hazard. In fact...we are probably more worried about our gear than our own safety and they don't even have seatbelts on those trolleys, so where do they draw the line? airbags? carbon fibre tubs for each passenger? ejection seats with parachutes would be cool too...but in all seriousness I think we could easily show them that we are not creating a hazard for anyone and that 95% of the drivers who do allow us to ride exercise enough good judgement to permit us to ride.

Maybe if we did a quick poll here:
-how many times have you ridden the trolley with gear?
-how many times a safety problem?
-how many times denied boarding?

Sometimes these people like facts and figures. Seems silly we would have to take this approach, but if that is what it takes I'm happy to do it.

I just talked with the Safety director and they are still working on an outcome. Mike said most drives have no problem and that kiters are polite and have even waited for the next trolley when one is full or partial full. He said the only thing that may be a problem is the surfboard, like my NSP, which is 6ft. the twin tips do not seem to pose a problem. He did say some drivers my be sticklers and that is why they are trying to come up with a solid answer. He did ask that we not give them a hard time if one drive says no and one says yes, they will have an answer soon. He may take us up on bringing some gear to show what we carry on the trolley. I gave him the measurements of one of my twin tips and he said that would not be a problem. I get the felling they will say yes, but will be a size limit, but twin tips and smaller directionals I think will be a go, JMO.