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Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

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Localizer
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Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby Localizer » Wed May 11, 2022 1:01 am

Ok. Not a very sportsmanlike subject title, I know, but hear me out.

I kite regularly (any day there is wind, basically) in a location where kiteboarding is technically not allowed. I am tolerated by the locals to ride in this spot because 1) I have known the locals in this area since childhood, 2) I live a 5 minute walk from this beach, 3) have advanced board/kite skills, and 4) am generally quite pleasant and non-invasive when the beach becomes crowded with other (non-kiter) beach users.

Lately, other kiters are coming into this area regularly. They have not made any introductions, shown no courtesy. We have no idea who these people are. Skills level is about average but still a few high-risk maneuvering close to shore, which is not a good impression. Hardcore localism - we all know the tactics - isn't the route I want to take, but adding any quantity kiters at this spot risks triggering official enforcement of the no kiting rules.

Thoughts/advice? By the way, there is a designated kiting area about 1mi/1.6km from this area.

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Re: Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby Toby » Wed May 11, 2022 1:27 am

tricky one.
Maybe set up a local club with membership, who can use the beach...and you are the only member.
This club could have the rights to use the beach.

Is there free access to the beach? Or private?

Or put up a sign, "house owners access only".

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Re: Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby knotwindy » Wed May 11, 2022 2:01 am

Even trickier since you are technically not supposed to be there as well. I guess start with talking to them nicely about losing access completely unless they do better with the safety aspects?

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Re: Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby Boston kiter » Wed May 11, 2022 2:25 am

Put super glue in their car door locks, works like magic, LOL. I would have a pleasant discussion and hope they appreciate your dilemma. Hopefully it will at least get them to keep it on the low down so the place will not explode and end access for all.

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Re: Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby RedSky » Wed May 11, 2022 2:28 am

You could place a polite note under each of their wiper blades.
A gentle reminder to all kitesurfers that this site is not designated for the use of kite sports. We are at present tollerated by local beachgoers, but this could change. To continue to keep this site open, let us be respectful and courteous at all times.
Local kitesurfing community.

If that fails, then obviously go with the superglue.
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Re: Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby madworld » Wed May 11, 2022 3:24 am

Public beach or private? Post the actual law/code/regulations with source link.

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Re: Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby ham-er » Wed May 11, 2022 8:44 am

Boston kiter wrote:
Wed May 11, 2022 2:25 am
Put super glue in their car door locks, works like magic, LOL
Now, thats a life hack must remember :lol:


On a serious note, you kind of adding to the problem. It can get confusing for new/random kitesurfer where to kite. I've seen places with signs no watersports, but swarming with kites or windsurfers. When I asked a local about it, he said don't worry about the signs...

If someone sees you using the beach, why can't they?
I'm new to the sport myself and whenever I go to a new place I always wonder if I'm not causing any problems.

I try to find out as much info as I can about the place, but it's not always possible or info isn't very clear.
General rule of thumb for me is, if there are kites there it's ok


Who says kitesurfing is not allowed there by the way?
Is it official local authority or just some locals who don't want kites on their beach?

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Re: Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby Aberdovy kiter » Wed May 11, 2022 10:32 am

I'm in the uk, I've seen the impact of this first hand, back in the 2009, i used to landboard at a beauty spot, basically on my own i used to keep to a particular spot away from the locals and tourists, and as kiting got more popular more kiters appeared both on the sand and on the water, but they didn't have the sense to stay away from the non kiters, had a few heated arguments, anyway eventually the local council put restrictions on the beach, we managed to come to an understanding where we were allowed an area to set up and an area to kite, but only on the water, all landbased kite sports were banned during summer and only allowed during off season times. My advice approach the local government officials for that area before any problems, the reason for no kiting in that area could be as simple as no one raised an objection when they made it.

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Re: Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby Havre » Wed May 11, 2022 10:53 am

Toby's suggestion sounds like a good idea to me.

Even if I guess it will vary greatly who would have the authority to dictate what others are free do to or not.

If someone sees you kiting and there are no signs or anything saying this is restricted in some ways - then I don't see how anyone could stop anyone from kiting.

Where I live there is one spot where it is encouraged for beginners to stay away as you will quickly end up among people swimming if you can't stay up wind. That seems to be generally respected - even if there is no way to "formally" stop anyone from kiting there.

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Re: Localism - How to keep people out of your kite spot

Postby Localizer » Wed May 11, 2022 1:46 pm

All good guidance. Thanks.

There technically is a local ordinance banning kiting in this area, by the way. Again, since I’m dialed in with the locals I’m able to skirt the enforcement.

As suggested, sounds like a polite but stern talking to could be the best route. :nono:


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