Waterfront Recreation Committee: April 2, 2007 3:30 P.M. ?

Portland Pete · Since 08 Mar 2005 145 Posts HR Stoked

Any news to report from the meeting ?
Anyone attend ?

Regular Commission Meeting tonight looks to be cancelled

http://www.portofhoodriver.com/Commission%20Info/Meeting%20Info.htm

Water is up today
Pete

sherrybohn · Since 16 Jun 2006 71 Posts

I was hoping that someone from CGKA would answer this but......

Minutes from the meeting are posted on the Port's Website. Please read the whole document at
http://www.portofhoodriver.com/Delta-Sandbar.htm

Here's the short version

4. Safety Launch/Demarcation Zones—CGWA, CGKA: Bruce Peterson, CGWA (Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association) member, told the committee that CGWA and CGKA (Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding Association) members met together to discuss the creation of a new “safety zone” for the sports. Peterson explained that in years past, multiple lanes provided separation of the two sports. The Delta encroached into the Event Site launch area so that the congestion of the two sports is magnified in that area. The two organizations agree that safety should be a priority with the change in the Delta and worked together on the area that should be a 600’ square space for low speed, no jibing, no kiting area directly in front of the Event Site. This zone would be effective for both high and low water conditions and year around. Sherry Bohn reminded everyone that the current Port policy is signed at all sites: there is no kite launching allowed at the Event Site or Marina. The groups agreed that no kite pumping or gear should be allowed on the Event Site beach; if parking at the Event Site kiteboarders will need to carry gear to the sandbar before inflating and arranging kite lines. Peterson stated the rules are agreed upon and understood and now the work will be to communicate it to all users, both local and visitors.

Deputy Anderson added that two weeks ago with approximately 50 people in the water mixing the two sports, there were many near misses; he had extreme difficulty in rescuing a windsurfer near the Event Site. He asked that his boat be given a 500’ clearance when he is in the area and that specific message should be indicated somewhere on the materials for communication.

A question about swim areas was asked. Anderson stated there are no safe swimming areas; it is ‘swim at your own risk’ on the waterfront with ever-changing water levels, swift currents, and steep drop-offs. He would not support any buoy line marking off a swim area.

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

If there is a 600' x 600' area we can not kite in, and the sandbar extends into this area, does that mean that we can not rig and launch from the sandbar? That is (2) football fields from shore - seems excessive. Is this part of the sandbar only for windsurfers? If this is the case, that could mean we give up the IDEAL location for set up and launch. I think we need some better arbitration - anyone a LAWER?

forrest · Wed Apr 04, 07 6:23 pm

I think a 500x100 foot rectangle is more appropriate. The Event site is about 500 feet wide I believe, and the two jetties extend about 50 feet on either side?

My friend Shanna is a lawyer, and a kiter. She's briefly looked over all this stuff. Basically, the situation isn't as bad as it sounds... Until the water level goes down, right about peak season.

As it stands right now, there is plenty of room in front of the Event Site and west of the Sandbar, but once the water drops, I'm pretty sure we're going to have problems, and so are the wind surfers.

The delta extends pretty far into the 600x600 foot area that we aren't allowed set foot in. Once the water level drops, it's going to make kiting and windsurfing difficult. Kiting will probably only happen in the shipping channel now. The schools are going to probably need to get Jet Skis. Windsurfers are going to probably end up launching for the west most end of the Event Site.

I was told the 600x600 foot area was a compromise on behalf of the CGWA. They wanted more.

I keep hearing people tell me that we need to organize, but I never see anyone try to organize us. I keep hearing the CGKA is representing me, but I never hear anything from them. What is going on? When can I expect to see a Portland meeting? When can I expect to receive ANY word about what is happening? Are there any elections coming up?

Does anyone care? The kiters on this forum are angry about the situation, but is anyone stepping up to help formulate a plan so I can actually do something toward bettering the Sandbar?

We shouldn't allow the windsurfers to take from us what isn't theirs.

TravisBickleRex · Since 30 Jun 2005 340 Posts Taxi Driver

For once, I am not here to offend anyone. But if it's so important that you get a say in what is going-on....it's really actually simple; show up at the meetings.

If this was an issue on the coast, and I felt as strongly as you appear-to, I'd drive to the coast and participate.

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

TBR - While I fully agree with your point, some of us simply can not do this. I make my daily scheduels sometimes months in advance, and my day is usually ending @ 6:00PM PDX time. I guess the real question is who owns the river and who makes the rules regulating recreation on the river? Does the CGWA and the CGKA? Does the port of Hood River? Do all kiteboarders want the CGKA representing them? Do we really need rules? Anyway - I think this is worthy of discussion whether or not people can make the meetings. - C

P.S. I would like to thank the people who are working on these issues. I know there is no perfect answer, and it is a difficult situation.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

As far as I know there have not been any public CGKA meetings since last spring. I think that's the main problem. I give credit to the people who stood up to lead the group, but I think we have to come back together to discuss the issues at hand.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

I wasn't really picking on sherry, but she's the one that said the CGKA and CGWA came to an agreement. I don't ever recall getting that memo... maybe I overlooked the coversheet on my TPS report. Rolling Eyes

sherrybohn · Since 16 Jun 2006 71 Posts

Let's take a step back here....
If you recall at the April meeting of the Waterfront Recreation Committee, which I happen to chair, it was asked of the CGKA & CGWA to get with their members and to come up with a proposal for the the congestion cause by the "delta" for the 07 season. Two "spokespersons" from CGKA were at that meeting and they agreed to meet and work through the many issues. They did meet with port staff and hammered out a "solution."

That proposal was presented at the April 2nd meeting along with the many comments from the marine sheriff which will be cause more "tweeks" so that EVERYONE can enjoy access to the river this season.

Please take a few minutes to read all of the meeting minutes. This was/is not easy solution but one that needs to work inorder for EVERYONE to enjoy SAFE access from this particular area or the river

Please....I'm asking everyone to help make this a SAFE and fun filled season by cooperating while we come to terms with what mother nature has left at our waterfront

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

Safety, my a.s, there is nothing safe with a begginer from the midwest coming at you and running you over, been around here since 85, and the water is dangerous. Been hit by equipment, it hurts, and breaks bones, hae the scars to prove it.

People are dangerous, not equipment, guns don't kill people, people kill people. Shocked

Been to Iraq, saw that Twisted Evil

So when did the sherrif start rescueing people? Thats BS. take care of yourself, or don't go Twisted Evil

that's what Bozo beach is for. Where are they when I'm swimming with a sea anchor after the wind dies, at least with boardsailors, (forgot windsurfer is a brand and trademarked), you got a huge board to paddle in. what a pu..y.

500 ft, clearence for a boat, there is no precident or law about that, bring on the tickets and I'll see you in court.

There will not be one windsurfer slogging through the 600 ft, yet alone not jibing there, be real what penalties will there be. Bruce Peterson and the rest need to get off the Pipe and be realistic. You plane as soon as possible, period.

Just boycott all of HR, buy your gas in PTown, bring your food, camp on city streets, your just parking and had a few beers so it's now too dangerous to drive, say screw you, you want my money, what do I get. Hell I'll create a database and entry site for all the money you didn't spend in HR, because they don't care.

Rant over, forgive me for my sins, they are many Very Happy

forrest · Wed Apr 04, 07 10:35 pm

You have my cooperation for sure, and I believe that you have everyone else's cooperation. What you don't have is happy recreational users. I believe we've identified the problem and I'd like to do what I can to fix it.

Lets get a meeting going! Lets figure out how to:

A) Get more of our 600x600 foot square back.
B) Get Joby's slider built. <- this one is for me. Smile

C) Get some decent facilities at the Sandbar.

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 491 Posts Obsessed

i'll be happy with just a ton of wind every weekend. everything else is workable.

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

What happened to THE rule #1

1. Use good common sense and have respect for other water sport users.

We have complained about regulation for years. We have self regulated the sport fairly well thus far. Why can't we just have mutual repect for the w-surfers and give them the space when they need it?

Pepi · Thu Apr 05, 07 6:29 am

I'm going to try to avoid repeating any comments that reiterate all that is being done for the kiting community locally on this matter.

But, I would like to say to those of you who feel the need to battle every statement from the Port on this issue.
The CGKA has actively been working on this issue with the best interest of kiter access to the Columbia River.
There is no 'battle' between the windsurfers and kiteboarders.
There are no windsurfers attacking the kiteboarders access.

The safety zone was set up to help keep a safe barrier zone between the windsurfers and kiteboarders so that we may prevent collisions and allow as much room as possible for beginners to recover from downwind drift (or beaching). This is for the benefit of both windsurfers and kiteboarders.

This safety zone is not the most perfect solution, but it does allow for both windsurfing and kiteboarding to adequately work together and also allow for other waterfront users to recreate as safely as possible.

As for the Sheriff's rescue operations, he has been picking up windsurfers (and now kiters) for over 20 years. His comments this past winter were that he sees windsurfers actually saving both windsurfers and kiteboarders, so he ends up picking up more kiteboarders than windsurfers.
I sat at the beach eating dinner with my daughter one evening last summer and witnessed him haul in 5 kiters from above Well's Island, one at a time.
Most of the time he is picking up downed windsurfers and kiters Fri-Sun late in the evenings while most of you are already up in town eating dinner on the deck of 6th Street Bistro looking out on the water and wondering who that sucker is trying to swim his/her gear back to the sandbar.

Pepi

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

BR is right... The reality is the 600x600 area is self regulated already... If the joint is packed with windsurfers do you really want to be dodging in and out of them with your kite? On those days I would usually ride just downwind of the windsurfers, maybe dodging a few that ended up too far downwind. They always seemed just fine with that.

Most other places I have been to Windsurfers and kiters don't get along nearly as well as they do here. In SPI I had a windsurfer throw down his sail and start yelling at me even though I was riding 100' downwind of him.

BB has good points too... The Gorge IS GNARLY and dodging each other is just one of the issues with riding out there. I think once the season really starts cranking people will forget about these rules and just use common sense.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

I think that lots of the frustration is coming from the fact that no one seems to have any input with the cgka. Their was one meeting last year before any of this happened and now the the people who were elected seem to be involved in the process but the rest of the kiters seem to have no way to comunicate with these people who are represnting us.

Pepi · Thu Apr 05, 07 7:25 am

Tstansbury -

You've got a very good point.
Likely many of these repeated discussions would be avoidable if a greater number of the CGKA board of directors were locals (not seasonal kiters here in town only for the summer). It is unfortunate that there are only 2 board of directors available at this moment to manage these issues.
That is also what makes it difficult for them to also make continuous progress reports back to the forum and membership.

I think that both Forrest and Philip have brought up some really good points about getting some board of directors to be representatives from the Portland community who could help communicate and represent a kiter voice from the Portland contingency (as well as possibly assist in any needs out at SI).

When the next opportunity arises for a new board of directors, I think that these points should be brought up as relevant points for how the CGKA will be able to approach future issues and opportunities.

Thanks for making your point, it helps to remind us how most of these conversations get restarted.

Pepi