1st Annual Downwinder/Crossing-Discussion for Kiters

[lesvierra]

I'm really the wrong guy to lead this discussion (I've never been to the launch site, I may never go to the launch site, I'm not anywhere near the launch site), however, it needs to happen before kiters take to the crossing. Is there a relatively safe launch site at Pelican Bay? Can any of the kiters answer this? Next question is it safe for less than expert kiters to launch?

I think Ricks goal here is to start something that we can build upon and repeat year after year. Having an accident happen is out of the question at this point because state park guys or who ever manages the area might be present to evaluate the scene for future events.

I'm all for self risk calculation and self reliancy, however, a kiting accident would hurt the chances for building this event in the future. Please comment on the safety. I'd recommend that begginer kiters stay on shore. Intermediate riders either wait till next year to see how it goes, or be sure you have your stuff together. Advance riders, have fun, be safe, and contribute info for next years crossing.

One boat may not be adequate for a large number of kiters. If a couple of groups of three kiters and a group of three wind surfers have problems, it will be almost impossible to keep an eye on everybody from the boat. Plan on self rescue.

For the sake of clarification, future crossings, and safety, comment on "yes the launch is fine", "the launch is questionable", "the launch is out of the question", and "should anyone who shows up be allowed to go for it?"

Also, who is planning on going (kiters)? Thanks, Les

[rizzle]

Les,

Im in fosho...I stoped at AF boat harbor yesterday to check the launch, the water is high so theres no beach, theres big slabs of concreat and rebarb lining the harbor(kinda knarly) . If we launched there it would have to be in the toolies on the east or west of the harbor. Advanced riders could launch from the boat doc and ride down wind (theres huge trees lining the north end of the habor so the wind is funky so you'll need to keep your kite high). Last time I rode there I walked threw the trees to the west of the harbor and launched.. Where is pelican bay?

Ry..
(Rizzle)

[lesvierra]

thats how much I know about the launch site, I thought I heard someone say Pelican Bay. Just trying to get a discussion going before everyone goes out there to launch for the crossing without fully knowing what they are getting into.

Thanks for the reply, anyone else?

[Craig Goudie]

Hi Les,

I think the plan is the Saratoga Springs Park launch (also known as
Pelican Point/Bay to the old timers) It's on the West side of the lake,
about 2 miles South of where the windsurfers used to launch (Rocky Point)

So you board across the lake and slightly downwind about 8 miles to get
to the provo boat harbor (East side), where the pickup vechicle will then return you to Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Springs park, has a boat dock and Jetty (made of junk concrete and rocks), plus a narrow 40ft sandy/muddy launch just upwind of the
Jetty/Breakwater.

-Craig

p.s. I don't see much potential for a steady North in the next few days.
Maybe a slim chance Friday.

thats how much I know about the launch site, I thought I heard someone say Pelican Bay. Just trying to get a discussion going before everyone goes out there to launch for the crossing without fully knowing what they are getting into.

Thanks for the reply, anyone else?

[mike rossberg]

There may be room the launch kites from the south end of the harbor. There is NOT a sandy beach to the south but I think we could walk through the weeds and have assisted kite launches.

We still need to verify this option.

[Jacob Buzianis]

What's Happening at Lindodn Beach? Is there a launch area there?

[RickHeninger]

Hey guys... Sounds like progress... Yeah, more than "appearing" to be safe for the Rangers, we just want it to be safe...

Three guys together will at least keep a kite up in the air for easier spotting from binoculars in the boat...

Anyway, here are the google earth coordinates for Pelican Bay Marina
Lat 40.290469, Long -111.870318

The reason that Pelican Bay is such a good option for start is, Grass, Nice Parking lot, Easy Access, Tables, Bathrooms etc... So that if on GO DAY we cancel, then we'll still have a good session... I plan on sailing a good session on GO DAY even before the Running of the Carp.

Pray for NORTH!!!