Important - Beach Access Update
 

Just went to a commission meeting in Lauderdale By-The-Sea. You may recall, this was the fairly small coastal town (with five miles of beach!), which was very close to:

1. Requiring registration of all kiters at a fee of $60., (perhaps as high as $300. if some had their preference), per year.

2. Issuance of a kiter identity card to folks that register and show proof of PASA or IKO Level III certification.

3. Possible limitation of the number of kiter registrations.

4. Stopping all kiting instruction.

5. Possible creation of two designated launches.


Some major restrictions in response to what seems to have been limited complaints largely reportedly caused by a small handful of kiters. This approach was dropped close to completion in 2009. It sounds like there are even fewer complaints today.

Tonight the main issue was illegal kite instruction and the loss of control of kites slamming into the beach and bystanders. The other issues may or may not stay on the sidelines, largely depending on us.

IF we want to avoid all these restrictions or worse, there is something we need to do. It is pretty simple, to discourage kite instruction of ANY kind at the beach there. I understand there are very few instructors that teach here. It may come down fairly easily to either they go or WE ALL go.

Also, new kiters or folks working on kite control will sure as hell see us all shut down IF they drop their kites anywhere close to bystanders. This is not a location to work on basic kite control.

So, those are two things we need to try to make happen IF we want to keep riding here without a lot more restrictions or worse. Seems to be an easy choice to me. Your actions or inaction will decide how this works out.


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