Draft Guidelines - Matheson Hammock

[balistic]

First, kudos to this initiative as we attempt to govern ourselves before we become governed. Let us prevent what has occured at Crandon. Kudos also for democracy in action as we begin to discuss the rules under which we shall have to abide by. Let those who have an interest speak their peace now and contribute to this endeavor because when the rules are enacted, and the park has authority to enforce them, it will be too late to complain about the rules.

First, perhaps what is needed here is more accessible education. Instead of the stylized sign found currently, change it to a google earth style picture with graphics for the different zones. Place these signs on every garbage can and on every sign post in the launch area and on the wreck marker.

Place another one on the cashier shack at the entrance with a sign below it that reads, "Kiting? Ask for flyer!" The park already gives out flyers on the history of the park and happening at the park, they can give these flyers out as requested to inform those interested and prevent waste by not giving it out unless requested. This way the flyer can be given to anyone new to the area or those who need more information about kiting at Matheson. The flyer can have not just the safety rules but also a brief on kiting and contacts for instructors. The instructors can fund this as advertisement. Just make sure to put a legal disclaimer on the bottom that stipulates this information is provided without any implied or actual endorsment of the instructors ability or liability.

In addition to this a larger sign may be placed on the east side of the parking lot between the trees that border the lagoon and the palm by the grassy area. This display can be an informative park bulletin board with a small rain cover to protect the contents. The display may be seperated in two sides. The left side may contain a large 2' x 3' version of the smaller google earth signs. The right side can house a display where certified instructors, the Matheson Hammock Kite Organization, for sale posts, and the park itself can post advertisements and information. A 5' wide 7' tall display should house this and be relatively inexpensive to construct.

In this fashion kiteboarders and the general public get educated about park and kite regulations. Involvoing the park in this endeavor will also allow the park to pay for this, if not in whole then at least in part. The funds the large amount of kiters bring to the park is enough reason to invest some of those funds to better manage the kiters.

Lastly, I must recommend a no board zone next to the launch area, although not as deep as Hobie Beach. Extend the red bouys parallel to the beach and make the inner water area a kite walking area only, no one should be riding in this area. This will prevent reckless kiters from buzzing the launch area and performing jybes on the beach. This is extremely dangerous and has been discussed on this forum in the past. Matheson has the same dangers as Hobie minus the crowds in the water. From my experience, if instructors do not follow that suggestion, then you can not expect other kiters will either. Telling people not to do this will not work, making it enforcable as a rule, will.