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View Full Version : Proposed Sarasota County Kiteboarding Rules


ricki
05-20-2010, 03:15 PM
Rob Hassle prepared the following building upon guidelines he developed in 2000.

"To maintain kite surfing/boarding access it is imperative that all kiters abide by these rules that have been put in place by county official and local riders. We need all kiteboarders to help police and enforce these rules so that we don’t lose our privilege.


These regulations pertain to; Kiteboarding areas on Siesta and Lido Beaches and all of Sarasota County Fl.

-All guarded areas are Off Limits on Siesta Public and Lido Public; these areas are marked with swim buoys. Stay well outside (200') the swim buoys when riding.

- March 31st through August 31st a no fly zone within 500 ft of the federally protected endangered Snowy Plover nesting areas. These areas are well marked by the Audubon Society with signs, stakes and strings. Our kites are seen as predators while the mothers are nesting. This in turn scares the mothers off the eggs and leave them vulnerable to crows, gulls and other wildlife like raccoons, which come in and destroy the eggs. If a nesting bird can see your kite you are way too close and in violation of federal law.

-Land boarding has recently been banned on all county beaches. County officials have banned land boarding in order to protect sand dunes from destruction, and pedestrians who are walking the waters edge from becoming entangled in lines.

-Ground handling and lessons on Siesta to be done in one area only! The only area with enough beach is north of the public beach behind homes, it is a private beach and kiters have permission to practice there. Stay away from walkers on waters edge.

-If you launch anywhere else on Siesta go directly to water and body drag out away from beach.

-Ground handling and lessons on Lido in two areas only! Area 1... North Lido at least 1/4 mile north of Lifeguard tower. Notice and observe north marking swim buoy.
Area 2...South Lido park beach side.

-If you launch anywhere else on Lido go directly to water and body drag out away from beach.

General Rules:

-All beginners must seek professional instruction

-DO NOT Launch in areas were beach users are down wind from you

-Beginning kiters drag out two line lengths prior to water starting

-Kiteboarders yield right of way to all other beach users and walkers

-Kiteboarders yield to other water users

-Assisted launch and landing is recommended

-All kiters must use a proper kite safety leash

-While you are setting up pay attention to incoming kiters and assist in landing their kites

-Do not leave unattended kites on the beach

When Launching:

-Make sure that beach area is clear, no people down wind

-Launch kites only from designated area

-Leave the beach in a slow and controlled manner

-Beginners body drag 200 ft out before water starting

-ABSOLUTELY NO BEACH JUMPING! !

On the Water:

-Starboard tack has right away (right hand forward is starboard, left is port)

-Jumping kiters sacrifice right away

-Incoming kiters let launching kiters go out first before landing

-Jump and jibe at least 200 ft outside shore break and swimming area

-Yield right away to ALL other water users

-DO NOT COME WITHIN 200ft OF THE BEACH OR SWIM AREAS UNLESS LAUNCHING OR LANDING! !

Your compliance with these rules will help to keep public beaches safe and open to kiteboarding. Please remember that we are new comers to the beach and our behavior will determine how others will perceive our sport. For more information about how you can get involved to keep kiteboarding safe and legal in Sarasota Fl., visit our local kieboarding shops.

Thank you, Rob Hassle"