Kite School Closures

[Edge & Kitopia]

Due to numerous calls expressing concern to the Coast Guard about the safety and legality of giving kiteboard lessons and rides upwind using boat and jetskiís, the Delta Kiteboarding Schools with boat assistance have been shut down. The Coast Guard notified all schools today August 17th using boat assistance that a captainís license a.k.a. ìSix-Packî is required for all boats and or jet skiís used for lessons, assistance or even rides upriver.

Firstly we want to thank everyone for their patronage and support. Secondly everyone should know that we are very sorry we cannot assist anyone with any lessons, upriver rides, assistance or help rescuing until further notice.

Anyone wanting to take lessons anywhere in the bay area be aware that this rule affects all kite schools using boat assistance during lessons. When you look for a school ask them if their instructor has their captainís license, if not the Coast guard can stop the lesson and potentially seize the boat which could be a slight distraction during your kite lesson.

Please remember to kite safely and sorry we canít be there to help anymore. If you have or see an emergency in the delta area call the Rio Vista Coast Guard at 1-707-374-2655.

Best Wishes,
Nat, Jules, Sandy and Donny


Edgekiteboarding@yahoo.com

info@kitopia.biz

[OliverG]

This topic was temporarily removed due to concerns of implications beyond the Bay Area, but it's apparent that other areas are already affected. Your continued input and dialogue on this topic is welcome and encouraged.

Management

[bobbyboom]

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post to this topic as it is on the "top." I just wanted to give my support to Juile, Nat, Sandy and Donny who have personally helped me so much this year.

- Julie saved my life after i had a crazy accident with my kite inverting, bridals getting caught and after releasing my saftey I had a kit leash that did not have a release so I was stuck getting pulled down the river violently. I have NO doubt that I would not be here writing this email if it was not for Julie and her quick action to save my ass. Among several other "close call" saves from her as well. Thanks Julie.

- Sandy was the one who gave me the lesson that allowed me to get up on my board and ride for the first time ever!!! That is giant and I can't say enough good things about the support she has continued to give me.

- Donny, come on this guy is a rock star. He has become more of a friend and a mentor to me. I took lessons with him that taught me how to go upwind and another one that taught me the essentials of jumping and riding toeside! I'm now doing decent jumps and working on backrolls all becuase this guy simply rocks!!!

I wanted to throw my support out to them as they have been the biggest helpers for me in getting going in this sport that I have totally become addicted to. I hope I do not have to fly all the way to South Padre (Texas) to get lessons from them in the future! If I have to I certainly will!

The above Sherman group are sincerely like a second family to me. Damn, I already miss those downwinders!

-Bobby Beck

[KirkTalon]

Nat & Julie have been my mentors and friends. I would not be up and riding confidently if I had not had the opportunity to downwind with the benefit and safety of a boat looking out for me. In the past year I have been on the boat several times when they came to the aid of fellow kiters that found themselves in a jam. Not only has Edge Kiteboarding been awesome to so many of us. I sincerely thank kitopia for finding my new caution board that was lost during a downwinder. I am truly sadden to see these people have their livelihoods being jeopardized and feel less safe in the water now.

You guys have my thank you and my support.

Kirk

[steve]

I agree that Nat, Julie, Donnie and Sandy have provided a valueable service in the "Delta." And, I hope they figure out a way to continue.

IMO, however, their situation is slightly different than schools outside the Delta. First and foremost, they provided transportation downriver for a fee (no lessons were involved). This is clearly a violation of "Coast Guard" regulations. And secondly, from what I have read, the Coast Guard responded to complaints, and therefore had no choice.

Regarding lessons, wave runners and a "pilots" liscences; I think there may be some wiggle room and not be in violation of the regulations as explained in the original post. Let's not do anything to have this situation spread outside the Delta; it would not be a positive outcome for kiting.
steve

[Kitopia]

I agree that Nat, Julie, Donnie and Sandy have provided a valueable service in the "Delta." And, I hope they figure out a way to continue.

IMO, however, their situation is slightly different than schools outside the Delta. First and foremost, they provided transportation downriver for a fee (no lessons were involved). This is clearly a violation of "Coast Guard" regulations. And secondly, from what I have read, the Coast Guard responded to complaints, and therefore had no choice.

Regarding lessons, wave runners and a "pilots" liscences; I think there may be some wiggle room and not be in violation of the regulations as explained in the original post. Let's not do anything to have this situation spread outside the Delta; it would not be a positive outcome for kiting.
steve

Steve,
I hope your right. but I only offer private lessons with a waverunner and I have been affected by this. Kitopia has never offered a shuttle service or rides up wind. The coast gaurd handed me a letter on Thursday of this last week shutting out school down from teaching off of a waverunner.
Sandy

[OliverG]

Reposted from iKite:

"
I just talked with the Officer of the Day at Station Rio Vista and he believed that teaching could occur from a ski or boat if the person was not transported, so at least this offers some possibility to teach away from the shore. The final word would come from his boss who is out til Monday. Maybe if people have a friend who can bring them up wind and is not for hire, they can then have their lesson away from the crowd.

Peter Thorner "

[northgrl]

[font=Arial] [/font] I have to say that this "law" that has just been enforced is completly un-fair. Sandy and Donny have tought me from the start, from boddy dragging to riding unhooked. without them i don't know what i would have done. (Thank you Sandy and Donny)
Both of them are super cool and nice people and have done nothing that is dangerous or anything like that on jetski's. If anything they are the ones saving kiters. Like myself. ;)
Nat and Julie have also been the same, even if i only did downwinders with them, they have been awsome.
So i hope something works out cause many people are going to need lessons.
ELa

[KillaHz]

Reposted from iKite:

"
I just talked with the Officer of the Day at Station Rio Vista and he believed that teaching could occur from a ski or boat if the person was not transported, so at least this offers some possibility to teach away from the shore. The final word would come from his boss who is out til Monday. Maybe if people have a friend who can bring them up wind and is not for hire, they can then have their lesson away from the crowd.

Peter Thorner "

Hint: The students are renting a jet ski that they drive at all times when they are not under the kite. Don't need a captains license to rent skis or teach kiting.

Adapt your paper work and welcome back.

A long-term solution still needs to be figured out for boats and skis that is less demanding than the Captains license.

[cat4]

my understanding of the coast guard issue is payment for transport on a water craft. if you think about it, there is no instruction actually going on while the student is on the boat/jetski.

can't the school set up their prices so that the student pays for the instructor's time on land lessons or while the student has the radio and is on the water.

the boat ride is free.

write up a contract that states that the student is paying for the instruction but not the boat ride.

just my 2 cents worth.