New spot I found today!!!

I actually remember "the day" we got locked out of Fred Howard Park.
It was 6, maybe 7 years ago. Jeff Weiss was going to have a free kite demo at the park that particular Saturday. When he showed up, he was told he could not enter. Thing is, the day before, a kiter pissed off a lot of windsurfers (is the story I heard from Jeff). I know the kiter, but it doesn't really matter. He was yelling at the windsurfers (out of panic) to get out of the way of his fallen kite because he was concerned for their safety. Then, he used basically zero tact with the windsurfers and the park supervisor, is what I heard. That incident was all it took.

I have only kited the general area once (about a month ago) and have never tried to enter, rig and ride Fred Howard (has anyone else tried?).

The day I rigged at Sunset, I rode over to FHP about ten times and was riding with the windsurfer in the FHP vicinity for about a half hour. They didn't seem to care, I actually got the impression they were having fun racing with me, because they ended up following me all the way back to Sunset and then talking with me about kiting for about an hour.

Is there definite animosity between the kiters and windsurfers in that area?
Is it imagined? Again, I was only there once, so those are sincere questions, but it seemed like the windsurfers got along and actually knew the other two kiters there that day (Sean and John) and acted like they hung out together all the time.

Is it just the park ranger at FHP?
If so, hopefully that guy will opt for early retirement

[TampaBay Noob]

There's no animosity between the windsurfers and kiters in that area. It's no different than being at EB and sharing the stoke with other kiters. We all get along well and talk about each other's sport. Good vibe IMO

[oldschool]

I still do both and I can tell you there are still quite a few windsurfers who do not like kiters AT ALL

Here's my 2 cents - stop putting "windsurfing has been cancelled" stickers everywhere (and never, never, never on their vehicles)

Stop telling them to "come over to the dark side" or "get with the program man - kiting is so much more awesome"

Just treat 'em well and give 'em a beer (or two) and ask 'em if they had a great day

OS/Sarasota

Very good points.

Yeah we are certainly just kidding... the truth is, I've tried both and wind surfing is a LOT harder and more physically demanding than kiteboarding.

I agree about not putting the stickers on their car.

Scott finally discovered his and removed it. I thought he'd get mad but I guess he just accepted that his windsurfing days were over. After all, he's not in the shape he used to be... he's getting old and all and gaining weight like crazy.

[Optionryder420]

I've rode at that sandbar area once a while back... wind was dying though. Got there Via boat.

[toby wilson]

Originally Posted by oldschool

I still do both and I can tell you there are still quite a few windsurfers who do not like kiters AT ALL

Here's my 2 cents - stop putting "windsurfing has been cancelled" stickers everywhere (and never, never, never on their vehicles)

Stop telling them to "come over to the dark side" or "get with the program man - kiting is so much more awesome"

Just treat 'em well and give 'em a beer (or two) and ask 'em if they had a great day

OS/Sarasota

AMEN my friend. Nicely put.

[toby wilson]

I personally have found that ALL of the area windsurfers, surfers, etc. are more than cool with us riding near them. It blows my mind that this topic keeps surfacing as some of these people (windsurfers, surfers, jetskiers, etc.) seem like some of the coolest people I have ever met. Why do the area kiters always seem to choose the path of "drama" and label a group of people (windsurfers) instead of just chilling out and getting along with everyone?

So I guess my question is why do we, as kiters feel such a strong desire to worry about what others are doing and not so much tend to our own business? If you see someone blatantly doing something stupid, bring it to light. Otherwise, enjoy your sport for what it is and let others do the same...happy kiting, see you guys out on the water!!!

Originally Posted by TampaBay Noob

There's no animosity between the windsurfers and kiters in that area. It's no different than being at EB and sharing the stoke with other kiters. We all get along well and talk about each other's sport. Good vibe IMO

That's what I thought. I will admit, in the earlier days of kiting, there was some pretty strong friction for a few seasons. It was based on two things, imo:
1) Windsurfers' fears of us possibly hurting them (not unwarranted, btw)
2) Some (not all) kiters acting too-cool-for-school toward windsurfers. (that windsurfing has been canceled sticker was a real vibe for some at one point).

In the last 3 years though, I haven't personally witnessed any friction. Quite the opposite. All I know is the next time I launch at Sunset, I plan on riding FHP again, if the wind direction allows me to get there.
One of the windsurfers was actually egging me on to jump over him and his mast last time, it was pretty fun.

Originally Posted by toby wilson

Why do the area kiters always seem to choose the path of "drama" and label a group of people (windsurfers) instead of just chilling out and getting along with everyone?

Drama??? Do you mean the original incident at Fred Howard? If so, I agree... but I'm not sure what you mean by label.. is windsurfer a slur? lol