Floras Lake heads up

WillB · Since 01 Apr 2008 4 Posts New Member

Had a meeting with the BLM yesterday. They wanted to meet with me because they had a few complaints about commercial kite operations teaching and staging on the north end of the lake (BLM land ). Due to the confined area of the lake, only a limited # of kites will fit up there. Any of you who have been here know what I'm talking about - not a good place for beginners. BLM and those who complained are concerned about existing and potential problems, etc. that this overcrowding is creating (something I've personally been worried about for years, which is why we don't advertise) BLM asked that I put the word out - they do NOT want to have to become involved, but if the problem persists with others trying to teach off of their land, they may have to. That means permits, paying a % of profits, showing proof of insurance, etc. They plan on patrolling the top part of the lake more this summer.

Luckily BLM does not have a problem with my school. I do some teaching on the other side of the lake on their land but it's agreed that we essentially run it off of our property. We have a long history here at the lake (18 years), which helps too.

I know how forums work. Inevitably right now someone is ready to post that this is all a bunch of bs - that I'm making it up because I don't want the competition. Not the case. There is a big demand for kite lessons here on the lake but unfortunately only so much room, too. Overcrowding scares me - it's a recipe for disaster and when you put too many beginner kiters at the very top of the lake along with advanced kiters and windsurfers, too, it's just plain dangerous. It's unfortunately gotten to the point where the BLM has been notified.

Anyone who has any questions or whatever can also email me at will@floraslake.com ~ thanks

Will Brady

Sol-flyer · Tue Apr 01, 08 9:53 am

complaints?

Do you think the complaints came from kiters/windsurfers??? I'm sure the lake is going to draw a lot of attention when more an more people (like me) come down there and realise the potential it could have for events and what not.

Thanks for the heads up, I'm glad to hear they didnt make things more complicated for you....couldnt ask for a better set-up. Would it help to have us kiters "self police" any wrong doings out there? anything to help...

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Sounds like an issue that needs resolved with the local "shops selling lessons" on what is essentially public land as likely they will be the ones most impacted.
The public shouldn't have any issues legally launching there as it is BLM land as you say.

Also I dont see how BLM can allow you to operate your business on the public land fee free but restrict everyone else? It really sounds like those shops that want to conduct business there need to put their heads together and work something out that works for all parties involved.

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

will, you know i have always respected you and your fam, but there IS a hint of BS about this and I will explain.

Although its true you motor your KB lessons over to the southwest corner of the lake, and the newbs downwind from there (I got my first ride at Floras in exactly this scenario), the WINDSURF newbies are hauled or ride up to the north end and proceed right through the kiter lineup back toward the W/S launch on the north side of the lake. i posted about this a year or two ago and your reponse was essentially, well, kiters should be skilled and experienced enough not to cause any harm. WTF?

When there are a lot of kites up weaving through the baby pole-surfers, lines over their heads, jumps, crashes etc., well, its a problem, bro. maybe not yet a serious one, but sooner or later a child on his first windsurf ride is going to get snagged, and floras as we have come to know and love it will be another fond (but gone) memory. . .

jimmi

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

So if the lessons are not commercial, then it's OK? What shop is out there? Last I knew Big Air was out of business.

I think the main problem here, is the inter-mixing of beginner kiter and windsurfer. There isn't a problem if both have good manners, but that seems to be hard for some.

Sol-flyer · Wed Apr 02, 08 2:37 pm

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

the lake has been working for years. The more lessons the more crowded it will get. Especially if your teaching more locals.

I don't think it is a very good venue for any kind of event, way to small.

Pole boarders run the lake, just ask one of them next time they are tacking at downed kiters. Twisted Evil

If some illegal lessons screw up Willies good thing then someone needs a beatdown.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Apr 03, 08 9:09 am

I heard Floras Lake causes cancer.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

Well, then the Flores boyz better come and participate in KB4C!

SCL · Since 27 Mar 2007 21 Posts Sixes, OR

Soon we will just have to release parasites into the water to weed out those who are not desperate or love the lake enough to deal with the consequences....

parasites choice #1:
Enterobius vermicularis- The worm reproduces in the intestinal tract, with adult female laying her eggs on the anus. Egg laying occurs while the host sleeps, often during the very early morning hours. The larvae may hatch there and migrate into the colon, increasing the parasite load. However, the presence of the female and her eggs usually makes the anus itch. This may disrupt the sleep, but often results in the transfer of eggs from the anus to the fingertips as scratching occurs.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Apr 03, 08 10:36 am

Dude, that makes me want to wash my hands.

bill_prolithic · Since 21 Aug 2006 12 Posts New Member

pura vida one · Since 22 May 2007 80 Posts

shastadogs, i couldn't quite tell if you were saying there is a hint of bs to will's explaination(seems like that's what you're saying but i'm leaving the benefit of doubt fer sher). or was it bs about the blm interceding/ getting involved i.e. they shouldn't...?
there are def some baby poleboarders dropped in the glass at the north end but plenty of novices or cruisers just barely staying a little south in the main poleboard lane - i didn't see a lot of rippers in the lane ever, just the infrequent one. regardless, kiters and their kites go down in the main poleboard lane, both novices and more experienced riders. poleboarders nearly get tagged and tomahawked and should be concerned. i'm not surprised in the least that there would be complaints. if you've worked w/ agencies like the blm, you know that managing user conflict is part of their mission. some nice folks there but often lean towards more conservative values not to the latest sport. look at the issue this way: how often does a poleboarder endanger a kiteboarder?
as a novice there last year myself, another novice upwind (dumb and overconfident kid) got lofted and flew 75' into my back - i was in control and had the right of way. he had just enough sense to kick his board off but it was a serious injury for me; try 130 lbs being thrown at you from 75'. kitemare. but novice, or not, accidents happen and complaints are natural. the lake is small and sketchy imo, lending itself to mishaps. point being, blm can step in and do what they want depending on the hazards they determine to exist. they can play favorites. luckily, will is topnotch and has the track record and operation to get a good nod from them. the federal government can and will discriminate, and unless some rinky-dink operation wants to take them to court, the blm can have their way. it may be better that way: leave the teaching to those who can do it like willb. talk of beatdowns aside, qualifications to run a business teaching strangers to kite should be in force and the number of ops regulated and limited - probly to will's. blm will step in if they want to, so people better behave and hope it's in a way that minimizes our losses.
so i think will's heads-up is super-courteous, well within his right, and people should be very conscious of how they ride that lake or if they ride it.
big up to willb, sol, blowhard, registered, john in eugene, dan in eugene, and everyone who keeps it positive. like will said, this forum works a certain way; there's a lot of good that comes from it, but it's a magnet for some negativity. look forward to some days w/ the bro's. been surfing hard at agate, mountain biking, and working on my ranch. see you soon. --daniel

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

essentially a B.L.M. (butt licking maggots) employee
shot off his mouth at work and brought this down .

some know nothings trying to teach other no nothings and ensuing chaos

If you make money when on public lands the gov has a right to collect
fees for commercial operations
and that is a big motivator nowadays

I don't think this has anything to do with Willys operation
as his is based on private property and in the publics navigable(state)waters

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

bill_prolithic · Since 21 Aug 2006 12 Posts New Member

Just trying to be constructive by saying this. I don't think Will is immune from regulation simply because of where he resides. An analogy is our local mountain guiding services. They stage in town on private property but are required to have commercial permits as soon as they operate on forest service property for profit. I can think of lots of examples like this. Maybe rules regarding navigable waters are different? Will has a wonderfully unique situation that is worth preserving and the feds are known to screw things up. Jumping through a few hoops to obtain a permit might be energy well spent. Having a permit may also come in handy regarding liability (assuming he's insured). Say the unthinkable happens and Will has an accident teaching and there's a claim filed against him. An easy out for the insurance company is to claim he was operating on public land without a permit and can simply walk away. Insurance companies are almost as a bad as big government and require the necessary permits. We need the State of Jefferson now more than ever, but that's another topic!

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

what I saw was Willys
classes being held in the water ,not on shore
at least they used to be