Sunset Beach FYI

[Todd RT]

Can the local shops help us out by sharing this info with the students in their "intro to kiteboarding" classes? Steve-O?

When I was in Wrightsville Beach and asked the local shop about riding locations (there were only a few), the shop spent about 1/2 hour with me discussing the launch areas and what all the rules were. They made it very clear that if I broke these rules that I was risking THEIR ACCESS.

Then when I hit the beach, the local riders explained these rules AGAIN (but of course I ASKED, like most experienced riders would).

If we are PROACTIVE instead of REACTIVE, we hopefully shouldn't have any more problems.

What if:

1. FIRST, the shops/instructors explain the rules and the REASON for these rules.....
2. PLUS we all lead by example....
3. AND we watch out for new riders/non-locals and politely explain the local rules to them...

Hopefully we shouldnt' have any more issues and can PROTECT OUR ACCESS!

[Steve-O]

Originally Posted by Todd RT

Can the local shops help us out by sharing this info with the students in their "intro to kiteboarding" classes? Steve-O?

When I was in Wrightsville Beach and asked the local shop about riding locations (there were only a few), the shop spent about 1/2 hour with me discussing the launch areas and what all the rules were. They made it very clear that if I broke these rules that I was risking THEIR ACCESS.

Then when I hit the beach, the local riders explained these rules AGAIN (but of course I ASKED, like most experienced riders would).

If we are PROACTIVE instead of REACTIVE, we hopefully shouldn't have any more problems.

What if:

1. FIRST, the shops/instructors explain the rules and the REASON for these rules.....
2. PLUS we all lead by example....
3. AND we watch out for new riders/non-locals and politely explain the local rules to them...

Hopefully we shouldnt' have any more issues and can PROTECT OUR ACCESS!

It is definately within our best interest as a business to keep access open to the sport. Just for that reason, I think we take that responsibility more seriously than most. We do not advertise galore all over the internet to come to Tampa Bay and ride. We don't really want that for our local scene. Tampa Bay is the best kept secret and we would like to keep it that way. Furthermore, we have designed a 3 hour lecture for each student to take them through the basics of riding a spot, which include detailed insight on Sunset Park and East Beach. Emphasis on launching kites in the water vs. on land, keeping a good safe distance from the beach, not riding in swim area, ect. is all covered. Lots of time is spent on the reality of bans and what can be done to prevent them. Again, a great deal of detail is being spent on these topics. I can't think of one kite school that is going to this length to educate their students about these topics. Our students don't even see a kite until after 3 hours of instruction. I think that is unheard of in the industry. Quite the exception and not the norm unfortunately.

I will however, post a riding map of Sunset Park for any visiting kiter to inform them of that space. Sunset is unique in that if you kite there, you will definately be sharing space with the public unlike many other flat water spots around the greater Tampa Bay area. However, be careful what you wish for, as posting a riding map will only push folks towards that location. Its a double edge sword IMO.

With all that said, your 2nd and 3rd suggestion will go along way as well. If we all work together, then we can hopefully spot potential problems from turning into bans.

Like I said earlier, I am not perfect and have made my share of mistakes, but I can only improve and try to set a better example as each session passes. By the way, I offered to put together an informative handout for everyone to have and distribute as needed, but it did not get much response. I don't think something like that could hurt. Thoughts????

[Gui]

Originally Posted by Steve-O

I will however, post a riding map of Sunset Park for any visiting kiter to inform them of that space. Sunset is unique in that if you kite there, you will definately be sharing space with the public unlike many other flat water spots around the greater Tampa Bay area. However, be careful what you wish for, as posting a riding map will only push folks towards that location. Its a double edge sword IMO.

Yes Steve-O as you mentioned It's a double edge sword.

Being a local at SB I strongly disagree about doing any advertising regarding this location
We will self police the spot ourself.

[Todd RT]

Originally Posted by Steve-O

I will however, post a riding map of Sunset Park for any visiting kiter to inform them of that space. Sunset is unique in that if you kite there, you will definately be sharing space with the public unlike many other flat water spots around the greater Tampa Bay area. However, be careful what you wish for, as posting a riding map will only push folks towards that location. Its a double edge sword IMO.

Nope... didn't wish for that bro. My point was... if you're going to tell people it's a good place to ride and send them up there, you guys could help us by explaining the rules. Sounds like you are.

Personally, I wish we could go back in time 2 years when SB was THE "secret spot".

[Steve-O]

Alright then. I think an understanding has been struck. Keep in mind Todd that most folks that ride Sunset live near the place. Call it their local spot if you will.

Any new riders you see there for the most part started the path to kiteboarding by seeing kiteboarding at Sunset. Those same folks have never heard of Watersports West. In their journey to wanting to get into the sport, they find us. It is only natural for them to want to use the spot as they learn.

Kiters too often forget that it is the kites themselves that drive people to the sport, certainly not a shop.

Yes, however you look at it, the sport is growing, and "the secret is out". Sunset is a classic example of that growth.

If there is one place that I have faith that a group of folks can work together to keep a spot under control, it is Sunset Park. I have not witnessed such a tight knit group like the "Sunset Crew".

Let's keep doing what we are doing and set an example for others to follow.

1. Keep communicating about issues and find solutions
2. Treat each other with respect
3. Not play the blame game

You have my word that you can rely on myself and the others that teach up there to work with you all to preserve that space. Brian, Doug, Sarah, and myself will do everything in our power to preserve access there. We will set a good example, we will make sure our students understand the "rules", and we will be the first to get our hands dirty if need be. If you would like us to do something, just ask.

With that said, I would like for you all to consider how you as locals ride the spot, and consider what kind of effect that riding behavior has on others, especially new and/or visiting kiters.

If you would like a sign up there, come together as a group, decide what you want on it, and let's get it approved, made, and installed. If there is one place that I can see a group coming together and making this happen, I believe it is "the Sunset crew".

Whatever, you all decide, you know I will support.

[dpfly]

Hey Ya'll, after reading the thread, and reflecting on my experiences over the last 2 years, I believe imprinting students from the first day is paramount. We all learn the technical aspects of rigging and riding on our first lesson, but students should also be taught to find out what the local spot practices are before opening the bag. It needs to become an integral part of kiteboarding. If standard practice were to meet and quickly discuss where to ride and local dangers, there would never be a need to engage in "after the fact education". I think teaching riders from day one, that a briefing is as much a part of the sport as pumping up the kite, we can go a long way in preservation efforts worldwide. I also agree that the actions with the greatest consequences need to be listed first if local signs are used as part of the solution.

[jakester]

I wouldn't suggest sunset beach for newby riders.
Imo east beach is better suited for newbies.
There have been alot of problems with sea lice lateley biting many of the riders in private places. I've also heard some reports of sea lice in nasal cavities and ears. They tend to like the algae that blooms in the summer. If you are not an experienced rider, you will be spending alot of time under water...

[jetpack]

Great session there yesterday. Filled in great around 5pm. More
experienced kiters where able to get out earlier. By the evening about
8 kiters where on the water.

The Father & Son team where there and I saw and heard a great attitude
versus my first impression. The father was directing the kid out into
the water and making sure the kite was at the edge of the water and not
on the top of the beach. Kudos!

Two guys where asking about what we were doing and interested in
lesson. I overheard Sarah, selling two guys on the importance of the 3hr
class at WSW.

Also someone came in and wanted to land too close on top of beach.
A kiter, loudly, firmly but polite yelled out to "take it out further to the water".
The guy got the point. I think self "regulation" is the only way to go. A sign
doesn't have a brain and can't make anyone behave a certain way.

I hear ya about sea lice, and I'm getting better and better each session.
However driving to East Beach is just not an options for some.
I'm only 12 miles from Sunset and 56 from EB. Can't justify going that far.

Attached pic- Can you spot the 2 kites that seem a little "high"?