Dangerous launching at 3rd

[Greg]

I used to think 3rd had a really positive vibe. It seems to have less this season, to wit, one guy yesterday grabbing my kite from the kiter who was launching me. As i'm getting into position and adjusting lines he's giving me helpful comments like "what are you doing?"

Was this upper launch? It might just be one guy. At least I hope it's the same guy I'm thinking of. About a month back the launch was in gusty clusterfuck mode, I'm landing someone who's a little overpowered and trying to get the kite down fast. I grab the falling kite, flip it over, but hold it up slightly given that the lines just landed on some dude setting up his gear and wanted to give him a chance to escape if he needed it. Then douchebag walks over in the middle of this, pulls the kite out of my hand, and throws it on the ground in front of me.

So, about a week later, douchebag is unwrapping lines, so I walk over and puncture his LE bladder when he's not watching. Actually no, I'd never do that, it's just fun to say once and pretend :p.

Positive vibes win out in the end, and most ppl are nice at 3rd.

=D> =D> =D>

My Dad likes to call that "Fantastic Thinking" and says "but it's not like your actually going to do it". Truthfully- I've deflated more then my own kites over the years.... This NOT SOMETHING I'M PROUD OF but at the time I thought it was nessarry :(
SERIOUSLY- If you run into a problem kiter; take the time to straighten them out..., if you don't, like a stone thrown into a pond...., the rings of that energy keep going out-

Anyway I'd like to see a better system... Read my last post on the Kitesurfing Etuiquette thread, I STRONGLY SUGGEST READING the last few concerning INCOMING RIDERS and ROW....
Now a dayz- We could ALL use a little (positive) change-

Right NOW- I have a sick puppy that needs my undivided attention so I hope you guys can pull it together-
Gregory Boyington

[eldon2836]

Was this upper launch? It might just be one guy. At least I hope it's the same guy I'm thinking of.

It was the upper launch. I think the attitude stems from beginner mishaps. As was mentioned earlier it's certainly possible for a beginner to learn by starting at the upper launch. I found it frustrating learning at Alameda because several times the winds never materialized, especially during June-July. 3rd is much better in that respect. Having said that, I didn't visit 3rd until i could go upwind.

And of course the first time i visit Alameda this season: before launching a kiter i forget to ask him if he's a beginner, and the whole thing goes haywire even after Rebecca steps in.

[Greg]

On the subject of Alameda and Jane and Rebecca:
Alameda is THE BEST PLACE TO LEARN basic skills, but let me make it clear, it is NOT JUST BEGINNERS BEACH! MANY of the WORLD'S BEST KITERS have and do kite Alameda-

Franz Olliery one of the first WORLD CHAMPIONS said to me one day, "I've kited all over the place and ALAMEDA is the BEST PLACE I've see so far to LEARN TO KITEBOARD"- (that was around 2000-2001)
Since then Jeff Tobias, Martin Vari, Robby Naish, Pete Cabrina, Chuck Patterson, and MANY-many more of the WORLD'S BEST RIDERS have come to Alameda to kite and pay their respects to the "CROWN JEWEL' OF THE BAY"-

Many of the early riders LEARNED AT ALAMEDA because of it's UNIQUE TOPOGRAPHY as well as it's SANDY SHORELINE and SIMI SHALLOW WATERS-- With the SHAPE of a MINI-BAY Alameda is a CATCH ALL for KITERS who LEARNED you can ride and progress in RELATIVE SAFETY AT ALAMEDA, compared to EVERY OTHER KITING LOCATION within the S.F. Bay.
Also when the big south storms come ALAMEDA IS: THE PLACE TO BE within the bay its' self, this is due once again it's topography and SANDY BEACH-

In RESPECT to Jane and REBECCA; the owners of BoardSports, they dont own the beach they just work there. Their JOB is to RUN THE CONCESSION , NOT TO DEAL WITH EVERY KITER who happens to show up there. They SHOULD NOT have to CLEAN UP everybody's gear, that is UP TO THE KITER WHO OWNS THE GEAR! The original launch happens be right in front of The Shack, but that DOES NOT MEAN they have to POLICE IT!! Let me state that again, WE ARE IN CHARGE our OUR OWN GEAR, lets TAKE CARE OF IT!! As well as HELP OTHERS WHO NEED NEED OUR ASSISTANCE, those OTHERS INCLUDE JANE AND REBECCA, they CAN REALLY USE OUR HELP!!

When the SHIT HITS THE FAN- It's NOT Boardsports PROBLEM to DEAL WITH. Yes!- they will help as they can, but IT'S UP TO US to MONITOR EACH OTHER!!

If you DON'T WANT COPS ON THE BEACH, STEP UP! (and help others)
If you DON'T WANT TICKETS or BEACH CLOSURES, STEP UP; DON'T ALLOW THE SITUATION TO GET WORSE!!!!

Do YOU WANT TO HAVE MORE FUN and LESS HASSLES????
PAY ATTENTION- STEP UP and HELP OTHERS- When you see a problem, ADDRESS IT YOURSELF, right then and there!
Remember: Our Mothers don't work at the beach, so WE HAVE CLEAN UP OUR OWN TOYS and MONITOR OUR OWN SAND BOX- If someone is ACTING LIKE A JERK, GET HELP and PUT AN END TO MAYHAM!

If we EACH MAKE A DIFFERENCE; Everyone ENJOYS KITING!!!! (more)

Much Love-
L.M.G.

[kitenaked]

I like the boardsports gals.

[Greg]

I like the boardsports gals.

And I like you! :partyman:

It's like a circle of LOVE

Limmi' - GOT SOME today- =D>
and it felt GOOD!! :dance:

[kitenaked]

Glad to see you got some!

[tomerp]

I like the boardsports gals.

I agree. Jane and Rebecca are awesome!