3rd Ave Upper Launch Etiquette - Revisited

[yeaboyyy]

There was a separate post on this a few weeks back, but wanted to revisit as there didn't seem to be a solid resolution.

This is my 2nd season kiting, and I've had maybe 30-40 sessions at 3rd since I started. Recently, I've noticed folks have been pretty anxious both coming in and out of the small cove at the upper launch.

Quick example - yesterday, I was heading into the cove at the end of a session, and felt I was a bit close to the guy in front of me. All good, I'll just take another tack to give him some room to land (another few minutes of kiting, no complaints by me). I turned my head before tacking back out, and two guys were right behind me, forcing me to continue my tack into the cove. Now there are four kites in the cove, all with their lines only a few feet apart. Did not seem safe at all (and easily avoidable had the two guys behind me taken another quick tack).

Seems to me that if everyone took an extra minute to yield, we'd be able to better spread ourselves out and accommodate the influx of kiters at 3rd.

Anyone else have this same feeling? Or am I just being overly cautious?

[Aloha]

I usually come in at the upwind cove as the kook factor is a tad lower and it's just as easy to walk downwind toward the rigging area from up there (maybe even easier if you like to land in the back where it's not as crowded)

[SFPete]

What's the underwater rock situation in the upwind cove? Looks like a line of rocks just offshore.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=3rd+ave, ... 3&t=h&z=19[/googlemap]

[Rob]

I usually go past the upwind cove and keep going till I'm deep in the marsh.
Not much water up there just weeds and mud but you won't have anyone tailgating you.

[etxxz]

high tide - no problem.
mid-low tide - pray those rocks don't cut you up like a mad puerto rican.
i've scraped my board there a few times... you do not want to fall or get dragged there. Those rocks are as sharp as knives!




OP, i think the guys behind you assumed you were coming in, as were your intentions/indications, and stuck with you. Typically kiters know when one is reading "the end" and commence a chain of tacks, but when that doesnt happen, the guy in the "end" should tack to tell everyone else "hey, turn around!"

[Aloha]

Pete that channel you see on the left half of the entrance is marked by 2 sticks ... or at least it has been the last few times I've used it

[jrg]

Pete that channel you see on the left half of the entrance is marked by 2 sticks

Yep - many years ago we moved all of the big rocks and car suspensions out of that area and marked it with pvc poles. Hope the poles are still there - out side of that area is really nasty.

[Thor29]

Yep - many years ago we moved all of the big rocks and car suspensions out of that area and marked it with pvc poles. Hope the poles are still there - out side of that area is really nasty.

I saw those poles today and was wondering what they were. So apparently, they are still there.

[le noun]

Man, 3rd was my favorite spot last year. But I haven't been riding there for MONTHS.
Been hanging at the coast and sherman.
All those discussions about newbs and kooks hanging at the cove are kind of scaring me now.
I guess I'll just keep launching from the lower launch!

Ramsey! I need to work on my wakestyle skills! When are your days off?! :twisted:

[ramsey]

le noun, I need to work on my wakestyle skills too. I'm way out of shape....too much work, kid,house,etc.....I'll be there today though and I'm ready to throw down!