NPS wants to ban Kitesurfing to save the Plover

colorit

http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellfleet/town_info/government/x1658749155/Kitesurfers-urge-Wellfleet-not-to-ban-sport

Wow, so it's not just happening in Cape Hatteras anymore. The enviro-wackos are storming Cape Cod. I guess Florida is next.

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

I've seen the kiter schtick when the kite is launched and the kiter decides (?) to get dragged on his feet thru the sand for many yards. Deep gouges in the sand are left behind. The nesting plovers get chewed up in the process? How would a kiter know? Between the distractions of "hey look at me" and "oh my, this time I might get dragged into something and get hurt," why would a kiter be concerned about much else? Like the safety of others, let alone the impact on the the world and the other beach residents including endangered birds? The "I'm so cool doing this, everyone should love me," vibe doesn't come thru clear to every person on the beach.

I'm just glad that there are enough intelligent police and the like in some places to differentiate between kiters and windsurfers. Seen plenty of places where the kiting folk ruin it for everyone.

scooper · Joined: 28 May 1987 Posts: 537 Location: Massachusettes

I find myself windsurfing with kiters a lot on Cape Cod. I almost never see them fall, much less get dragged thru the dunes.

strasswimmer · Joined: 09 Nov 2008 Posts: 1

tsokat · Joined: 15 May 1997 Posts: 326

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Except that so many legislators and do-gooders can't tell a kite from a WSer (from a surfer from a snowboarder from anyone whose shirt isn't tucked in). We need to watch and learn.

Mike \m/

gsmloop2003 · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Posts: 15

colorit · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:12 pm Post subject:

The issue isn't about kiters getting dragged through the dunes or leaving tracks in the sand, the Birdwatchers think that the shadow that the kite casts from the air makes the shorebirds think that a raptor is near and they stop breeding and feeding and hide until the shadows on the sand disappear. Kids flying toy kites on the beach and kitesurfers are all lumped together in the eyes of the NPS and the enviros. Using the NPS logic I guess kitesurfing would only be allowed at night, as long as the moon is less than 1/4 full. I posted this on this forum because I think we all need to be aware whenever anyones rights to use public resources are infringed upon.

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

Sanibel Island, FL has banned kites, but not kite surfing, go figure.

dsz · Joined: 31 Aug 1993 Posts: 193