Volunteer shifts on Busy Weekends at Spit to Inform Kooks?

4Stringer/KipWinger · Since 27 Apr 2005 541 Posts Hood River Addicted

Given the good idea proposed by Garret here http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-4803.html
I posted this topic separately since I think we oughta give the idea some thought.

I actually think sharing 2 hour kook patrol/information dispensing shifts at the sandspit on busy weekends makes a lot of sense. There's definitely a need for it. On the other hand, there's likely some good reasons against an information dispensing patrol (like, for starters, I'd rather be kiting!) There are a couple of big issues lurking-out -there that we'd want to discuss before kicking such a plan into action, but we can waite to discuss those until we figure out whether it's a good idea or not.

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

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Aside from the fact that you can now help "kooks" it would be great for newbies who want help to be able to ask a designated person rather than have to bother someone and take away from their kite time. Maybe wear a bright shirt that says KITE GUARD or something. Then everybody knows who to go to if they have a question.

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted

Mark · Wed Jun 06, 07 7:30 am

Becareful with a "guard" person. We don't want to assume liability. Better to just be a helpful person.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Respect MY Authorita!

Thats correct madam, you must lets me apply the tanning butter before it is safe to kite this beach.

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jun 06, 07 1:43 pm

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2624 Posts The 503 METAL

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jun 06, 07 2:50 pm

I would gladly volunteer to police the kooks but I have a severe limp and therefore I would be ignored or openly mocked. Sad

If I close my eyes I can see it now .. "yeah, that fucking handicapped guy says I don't know what I'm doing" "NICE LIMP mr. beach cop!!

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Just a random thought regarding a kook patrol -

Why do we have kooks - well they are learning. But how many kooks have had lessons. The very dangerous kooks are the ones who have obtained a kite and think they can learn by themselves - dangerous shit. Would this be another excuse not to take lessons. One Kook says to the other kook - "Hey don't waste your cash on lessons - just have the beach patrol help you out"

Just a thought.

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

Just what we need...a Kite Monitor!

As long as I get to wear a Kite Monitor Sash! Confused

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Dude - if you looked like that I think you would scare all the kooks off the spit Very Happy

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

Just a thought for consideration by the community.

Perhaps those whom frequent the spit could tie a red "Safety First Ribbon" to their gear where it is clearly visible or even wear one. Perhaps have a sign that indicate what the ribbons are and that people sporting them support safe kiting and would answer questions (and refer them to an instructor.) If many of those whom frequent the spot had these, when someone new arrived at the area would be easier to spot as they walk out without a ribbon on thier gear, and they may be more willing to ask questions of those sporting ribbons (plus they might get talked to because they don't have their ribbons out). Those whom are pro, instuctors, or just very experienced could even get red ribbons with GOLD stripes.

As a newbie kiter whom has had several paid lessons I am have much more respect for the power than I initially did. The fact is that their will be kooks, some out of ignorance and some out of arogance (I was both.). I know I came into this expecting it to be easy like snowboaring and water skiing and such. Helping people to feel welcome and inviting questions could really help someone and everyone. Most everyone I've met has been very helpful and safety minded, it is a real cool comunity. I've learned that kiting is safe if you are aware of your limitations and that it is easy to be niave or misled by a small amount of macho BS.

I would be concerned about any designated monitor for the reasons mentioned. I am also concerned about sensational comments made which spread FUD.

I thought this might be worth consideration, the sign involved would be non-threatening. This could be transfered to other places easily as indicated in the thread this is not just an concern here but other places as well. I'm sure eventually statistics and costs will guide legislation/certification requirements or lack of. The more concerns that are addressed by the community I believe the better for all involved.

Just some thought, perhaps just a kooky idea.

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jun 06, 07 3:37 pm

In regards to the kooks, I put my faith in Darwin and natural selection.

but really, isn't everyone sick of this issue yet? Shit happens. So be it.

But just to go along... what are these mysterious two big issues?