The Skyway, aka the Highway to Hell

[Wolfie]

I think all we can do is keep a constant and gentle pressure in the direction of cleaning up some of the riding at SW. We should all try to discuss dangerous riding with anybody when we see it. If the person is unwilling to change their practices, so be it. The worst that can happen is the same as if we do nothing. I really don't think being reminded that something is dangerous and may get us banned should be taken confrontational. The truth being told, I don't think there is one of us out there that has not showboated near shore. It is instinctual....but with a slow, constant push anything is possible. I'm looking into sign prices today.

[Wolfie]

FYI-
Sign Prices for an outside 18"x24" (like the real estate open house signs). This maybe bigger than we need.

Just text- $40.95

With a map/graffics $66.00

With a Y-Frame to hold up add $17.50

RickI offered $100 and that covers two signs.

[Wolfie]

Who has the last copy of what we came up with. I will e-mail it to a few sign companies and see what would be best $-wise. I will also help with the idea to sink a few bouys to mark off the no jump/trick area at SW. How far out should they be?

[Steve-O]

Scott, very good perspective on the current situation.

Some thoughts.

1. We need to continue this effort and not give up until we succeed with these ideas that we all seem to agree on.

2. Wolfie's idea with the bouy's is something I was discussing last week with Craig Whiteleather, a very safe rider. I don't see why we couldn't permanently put some bouys at both Skyway and East beach to allow for a safe buffer zone for outgoing riders and to remind folks to stay clear of the beach. Are there laws against having them in place on a permanent basis? Anyone?

3. It sounds like the signs are close to some completion. Let's get it done. Count WSW in for $100 towards signs.

4. As far as tagging goes, Triton and Watersports West have the most amount of instructors in the bay area. If we could put our resources together and agree on a tagging system hopefully other instructors/schools in the bay area will follow our lead. I will spearhead this with Matt.

Signs could be in place in less than a month as well as marker bouys.

Tagging could take a bit more time and have the most issues to deal with, but if we don't try, we will never know.

Let me know what you all think

[RKITEKT]

Originally Posted by kite-4-life

Scott, I agree on your posts completely.
the original (missing)posts werent negative at all, they were facts. I was a little shocked to read something, grab a cup of coffee, and have it gone when I get back, thats all!
My solution to getting the tricksters off the beach?
Build a slider, put it on the sandbar.

One of the photographers who has been taking photos of us recently offered to build a slider... just let him know what to make and he will make it. That is what he said...

I think its a good idea... build a slider way out there! And put "no jump - zone bouys" up. Can't we hit up some of the local marine shops and kite shops to donate for the cause?

[Sam]

would bouys really make it safer? It would seem that a bouy could tangle with downed kitelines and create a different set of hazards...

[jim]

I think Sam has a point. With the density of people at SW buoys will be another hazard to tangle with in an already small area.

[inferno]

Originally Posted by Sam

would bouys really make it safer? It would seem that a bouy could tangle with downed kitelines and create a different set of hazards...

probably 99% of downed kites are due to people trying tricks, whether it be an inverted handlepass or a backroll.....

so the bouys might actually encourage them to stay further away.....

Originally Posted by kite-4-life

My solution to getting the tricksters off the beach?
Build a slider, put it on the sandbar.

This really is a funny idea and it would probably work. At least it'll keep the injuries on the sand bar.

Was it Mike who knocked out his front teeth on the slider earlier this year?

Ouch!