Sherman kite parking/launch?? WTF

average_male · Post by **average_male** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 9:59 pm

Solution: Put on a pair of spiked golf shoes and "accidentally" step on a couple of kites while help landing some kites.

wjb · Post by **wjb** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:44 pm

average_male wrote:Solution: Put on a pair of spiked golf shoes and "accidentally" step on a couple of kites while help landing some kites.

You mean like this? :mrgreen:

jono · Post by **jono** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:56 pm

One other thing: Getting tacked on

I was at Sherman both days and got tacked on a couple times by people not looking before tacking -- one was really, really close to a kite kiss. I understand if you are behind and upwind of someone that you should get outta that spot, but people need to look back before they tack. One guy did it twice within an hour, another guy was doing wide carving turns without looking while carving and tacking head-on to me. I bear off right away cause that was the only option, but please remember to look when you tack -- be it skid-turn or carving.

I also think kiters should start yelling "STARBOARD" when they are on tack and need someone to give way. I've taken to yelling something when behind someone so they know I'm there and that seems to help...

dewey · Post by **dewey** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 6:28 am

jono wrote:One other thing: Getting tacked on

I was at Sherman both days and got tacked on a couple times by people not looking before tacking -- one was really, really close to a kite kiss. I understand if you are behind and upwind of someone that you should get outta that spot, but people need to look back before they tack. One guy did it twice within an hour, another guy was doing wide carving turns without looking while carving and tacking head-on to me. I bear off right away cause that was the only option, but please remember to look when you tack -- be it skid-turn or carving.

I also think kiters should start yelling "STARBOARD" when they are on tack and need someone to give way. I've taken to yelling something when behind someone so they know I'm there and that seems to help...

Agreed, but please start this in another thread ;-)

Proparoo · Post by **Proparoo** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:06 am

Here is an idea that might get thrown out but here goes...

What if we make a large sign to put up at the launch and one for the outer area with guidelines and diagrams to help new kiters to Sherman better understand the "Rules of the Road" ?

Then when we see a kiter that appears not to be "Hip" to what's going on we can point them to the signs.

We can also add tide info, hazards, photos, diagrams ect.

I am willing to help with the process and I will put it to SIKO for the funds to produce, build and mount.

So please let me know if you think this is a good idea and if so I will get right on it.

We will need input from locals so we could set up a meeting at the picknic tables this weekend to discuss....

if you think this whole idea sucks,,, never mind...

PM me if you like or post for others to read...

lacasaverde · Post by **lacasaverde** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:24 am

YEAH DEWEY!! This particular issue has been a bee in my proverbial bonnet. Both the back launch and the beach launch are ridiculously crazy on the weekends. I personally have made repeated requestes that people NOT stack kites at the front launch. It only takes about 6 kites stacked and we lose 1/3 of our launch. My suggestion (and what I do) if you're going to leave your kite on the front launch, deflate the leading edge, roll it up and tuck it away until your next session. It takes little time to set everything up and get on the water. If everyone tried to be considerate of space, life could be much friendlier at an already friendly spot. Keep your gear in the middle of launch sites, and you'll find yourself most unwelcome.

PS: Rich, once upon a time there was a sign (actually there's one there now hiding amongst the blackberries) that was large enough to read. Unfortunately someone took it out in a kitemare through the blackberries.

Proparoo · Post by **Proparoo** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:28 am

Well we can always dust that one off and put up another sign (or two)
If it's important & helps to solve the problem it needs to be maintained.

Wildting · Post by **Wildting** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:52 am

Face it guys, kites take up space. Off the water and on the water.

I don't even launch up there on weekends anymore. Takes too long and your chances on the kitemare roulette wheel are high with kite coming in and out. You also got the bozone to deal with.

Good on you, Dewey that you're trying to tidy things up there, but I think you're pissin into the wind. We're just going to need more space as the number of visitors go up.

One day we'll have to whack out the ho chi min launch and dial that in, and when that gets too crowded, we'll have to whack out everything in between. Of course, now you've got a bozone 3 times as big!

Seems like just yesterday when it was just Millie and Doodie doing river runs through us windsurfers. And we thought those guys hogged up a lot of space!

Ronin · Post by **Ronin** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:05 am

Hell Ya

Bulldog · Post by **Bulldog** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:09 am

Here's the sign from Silverton Mountain Ski Resort, it's the first thing you see when you walk out of the parking lot.

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Sherman kite parking/launch?? WTF

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