The bash is a little over a week away and it is time to bring up safety for the event. This is now the third bash since forming the safety committee and we have come up with some suggested "best kiting" practices. They help make the bash safer event and hope that you look them over and strongly encourage you do your best to follow them. Little has changed on the list since last bash with the exception of use of a helmet is now mandatory. This is a requirement of the NAPKA event insurance. Also please note that riders at the bash must join NAPKA and also need identification; see thread http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=25015

Here is the list of best kiting practices:

Have base camp a good distance away from the hard pack to avoid a dangerous bottleneck.

Have a novice area just south of the base camp in the softer sand that can allow generous room between flyers and not have them feel like they are in the way.

Have pilots travel at a slower and reasonable speed near base camp.

Minimize the amount of cars/trucks on the beach and encourage them to make trips to drop and pickup gear and not park on the beach. Fewer hard objects on the beach is just safer.

Encourage flyers to please wear safety equipment when moving. Use of a helmet is required, further safety gear is encouraged. This is a good idea and shows the general public that we take safety seriously.

Provide a handout that explains etiquette and the right of way for flyers. Have flyers announce their tacks, passes, and position. Most flyers don't have experience with the high kite densities of the bash. Communication and a common understanding of the “rules of the road” will greatly increase safety.

Lastly and most importantly flyers must respect the general public and operate at a safe distance from them. Remember that most don't know what wind sports are and have no clue about the potential dangers. Use common sense and remember that we are guests of the Wildwoods and have to share the beach with the general public. Also any unfavorable actions or incidents could have us loose our good will and get us kicked of the beach ending the bash and ruin it for the locals.


We would like some input on what everyone felt worked and did not work well, and if possible how to improve the suggestions. Also and fresh ideas on how to make the event safer would be appreciated.

Fly safe, be smart, and have fun.

I will throw a bunch of extra helmets that we have in my car....just in case someone needs one....

Can't wait to see you and the rest of the crew.

Let me know if you need anything or if I can help you out in any way...

10 days baby....

Any safe words for the 2890 mile drive to get to WW? Not that I plan on wearing my helmet in the truck, or doing the posted speed limit all the time. I will pull over and nap from time to time, and carry a big mouth plastic jug for the periods between fuel stops, and a plug in cooler for the munchies and cold drinks to stay in. The GPS is programmed and the radar detector is up to date. I guess I should wear my seat belt all the time.
Anything left out?
I leave in 2-5 days, 2 would be better than 5, but need to get things done first, cant wait till late June.:dunno:

Keep it between the lines Jeff ! :wee:

Rubber side down.

This isn't exactly safety related but another change at WBB will be the need to show your NAPKA number if out riding.

People with buggies can display their numbers on their buggy plates. All others are asked to wear an armband.
A limited number of arm bands will be available for purchase at the event .

Both NAPKA and WBB will be trying to learn everything we can about how to carry off these events and keep our excellent reputation for being safe and thoughtful. Members suggestions on how to improve things are always welcome.

1 week today and I get my 1st taste of Atlantic sand ! :bouncing::bouncy::bouncing:

Helmet is packed !

You should bring some goeduks..and we can baptize your kites in the Atlantic!

Quote:

Originally posted by abkayak You should bring some goeduks..

2 of those suckers will takeup a 2nd bag and may well be over the 50lb limit, just bring 1. Wear it around your neck as a neck warmer and tuck the shell into your coat.
this could start a complete new thread. "did you hear the one about the beachcomber and the geoduck...........?:o

move your legs often to avoid blood clots. At least 6 times an hour for at least 30 seconds is a good guess.

Quote:

Originally posted by abkayak You should bring some goeduks..and we can baptize your kites in the Atlantic!

My kite and I got a full Baptism in the Pacific ocean at SOBB !

I have been noticing offshore wind looks common there ? Hoping I don't become " born again " in the Atlantic!

My ancestors didn't grow arms and legs and crawl out of the ocean because we liked seafood so much ! ;-)

Watch out for dancing Canadiens..They'll keep you up all night!
Don't step on Glen's RC toys on balcony.
Do not fall in the Shalimar pool. Uuhhhhlll!Yuck!
Make sure your # plate is Firmly attached...upside down!
Duck! Rockfighter's flying low again.....sutures!
If you fly at night... please wear pants.
Anyone you meet on the beach cannot hog the bathroom in the morning if rooming with me.
Do not play your buggy stereo too loud...unless it's' Smack My B**tch up'.
Stay far away from the guy kiting with skis on sand, he can't turn without poles.
Warning..Smoke pig has been licked.
Make sure all bling is safely attached at all times.
Watch out for falling kite lights if you walk beach at night.

On a serious note here folks let's keep in mind that safety is paramount. Play hard however play safe to protect our future with Wildwood... we have worked very hard to preserve this spot. Thank you Danny for posting this and all of those who have spent countless hours making this event the one to be at.


Wish I could be there.

We all wish you were there too Todd. it's always good spending some time talking to you about things. Gonna miss seeing you.

Key things to remember.

Set up as close to the top (where the dunes are) of the beach as possible.
Wear your helmet and other protection you may desire
If you are finished flying one kite and are chosing to fly another, pack one up so as to not clutter the beach
We can have both a buggy parking area as well as a kite parking area if needed.
Be courteous to the non kite flying public. Its not "our" beach. Although we will have permits that say we can be there, we must share the beach with others. (please do not take an unecessary risk around those not flying kites, give them plenty of head room as well as walking room)

Have a blast, this is what we are here to do. Let's do it safe! The winds have been SE all week and are "forcast" to be much of the same next week! Looking good my friends!

I think for the most part Brian every one is safe from me. I'm mostly going as a spectator this time. Though I may give a go if we have a smooth onshore wind. I would like a easy tandem ride I think. We'll see. But I am willing to help out with safety patrols and help direct traffic!

I'm sure you can get some tandem rides. Zeb maybe will drag you in the red plastic saucer behind his skis...:wee:

I'm a bit bigger than there little girl!! And a lot bigger than him too:D I think I'd be SAFER in a tandem buggy!!:wee:

Can I reserve an armband

How many # plates on buggy..

what location(s)... suggested letter size?

Brian you need more than most. Most will have one on each side with numbers about 3" so they can be seen from a distance. But you need two on each side and one front and back. JUST BECAUSE!!!:wow::ticking:

You need one plate on each side of your buggy.

NAPKA rules says 5", but I am not giong to be getting out any tape measures. If I can see the numbers and make them out clearly, all will be good! I'm not going to stop any one from being there, this event is our learning curve. If we need to make changes, then we will for the next event.

No worries