|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Should make the stay out of swim zones more pronounced on that sign considering that is the main concern with johnny law. Do this and I've got 20 on sunset and if we can get one on honeymoon Ill match that! Approval for a sign shouldn't be to hard it's for public safety can't see them complaining. Kiteboarding is not a crime!
|
#2
|
||||
|
||||
AGREED!
So what about a sign like this. I pulled this from a vid from a kitesurfing location. I mean if we have to have a sign with 10+ ways asking us how to behave, why not 1 simple sign for non-kiters? "The Cooler" |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
I feel like I am on a merry go round and I can't get off.
Gotta agree with Scott 1000% (unimog bob) #1 issue in kiteboarding is poor examples set by veteran riders (I too have been guilty from time to time) Forums, signs, self-policing all can have a positive impact, but none will have more impact than the good and bad riding habits that veterans display at their local spots. On another note I have seen self-policing be effective, however, it can all get thrown out the window if riders that know better don't police themselves. It's human nature to learn the hard way. That will always be the battle IMO. I ride Sunset and I hope that this will be a wakeup to us all that ride there to step up and lead by example. Mistakes get made, but if we choose not to learn from them, then we have no one to blame but ourselves for losing this jewel of a spot. I think the essence of what Scott is saying is make the signs if it makes you feel better, but you better be ready to back it up. Be careful what you wish for.
__________________
"kiteboarding for whatever reason, is the recipe for much of my happiness" |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Can the local shops help us out by sharing this info with the students in their "intro to kiteboarding" classes? Steve-O?
When I was in Wrightsville Beach and asked the local shop about riding locations (there were only a few), the shop spent about 1/2 hour with me discussing the launch areas and what all the rules were. They made it very clear that if I broke these rules that I was risking THEIR ACCESS. Then when I hit the beach, the local riders explained these rules AGAIN (but of course I ASKED, like most experienced riders would). If we are PROACTIVE instead of REACTIVE, we hopefully shouldn't have any more problems. What if: 1. FIRST, the shops/instructors explain the rules and the REASON for these rules..... 2. PLUS we all lead by example.... 3. AND we watch out for new riders/non-locals and politely explain the local rules to them... Hopefully we shouldnt' have any more issues and can PROTECT OUR ACCESS!
__________________
"I LOVE the smell of WIND in the morning... Smells like..... KITING!!" "The biggest drawback of kiteboarding is the adverse effects it has on getting anything else done." |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
I will however, post a riding map of Sunset Park for any visiting kiter to inform them of that space. Sunset is unique in that if you kite there, you will definately be sharing space with the public unlike many other flat water spots around the greater Tampa Bay area. However, be careful what you wish for, as posting a riding map will only push folks towards that location. Its a double edge sword IMO. With all that said, your 2nd and 3rd suggestion will go along way as well. If we all work together, then we can hopefully spot potential problems from turning into bans. Like I said earlier, I am not perfect and have made my share of mistakes, but I can only improve and try to set a better example as each session passes. By the way, I offered to put together an informative handout for everyone to have and distribute as needed, but it did not get much response. I don't think something like that could hurt. Thoughts????
__________________
"kiteboarding for whatever reason, is the recipe for much of my happiness" |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Being a local at SB I strongly disagree about doing any advertising regarding this location We will self police the spot ourself. Last edited by Gui; 06-28-2009 at 01:13 AM. |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Personally, I wish we could go back in time 2 years when SB was THE "secret spot".
__________________
"I LOVE the smell of WIND in the morning... Smells like..... KITING!!" "The biggest drawback of kiteboarding is the adverse effects it has on getting anything else done." |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Alright then. I think an understanding has been struck. Keep in mind Todd that most folks that ride Sunset live near the place. Call it their local spot if you will.
Any new riders you see there for the most part started the path to kiteboarding by seeing kiteboarding at Sunset. Those same folks have never heard of Watersports West. In their journey to wanting to get into the sport, they find us. It is only natural for them to want to use the spot as they learn. Kiters too often forget that it is the kites themselves that drive people to the sport, certainly not a shop. Yes, however you look at it, the sport is growing, and "the secret is out". Sunset is a classic example of that growth. If there is one place that I have faith that a group of folks can work together to keep a spot under control, it is Sunset Park. I have not witnessed such a tight knit group like the "Sunset Crew". Let's keep doing what we are doing and set an example for others to follow. 1. Keep communicating about issues and find solutions 2. Treat each other with respect 3. Not play the blame game You have my word that you can rely on myself and the others that teach up there to work with you all to preserve that space. Brian, Doug, Sarah, and myself will do everything in our power to preserve access there. We will set a good example, we will make sure our students understand the "rules", and we will be the first to get our hands dirty if need be. If you would like us to do something, just ask. With that said, I would like for you all to consider how you as locals ride the spot, and consider what kind of effect that riding behavior has on others, especially new and/or visiting kiters. If you would like a sign up there, come together as a group, decide what you want on it, and let's get it approved, made, and installed. If there is one place that I can see a group coming together and making this happen, I believe it is "the Sunset crew". Whatever, you all decide, you know I will support.
__________________
"kiteboarding for whatever reason, is the recipe for much of my happiness" |
|
|