I just read this quote written by EH of Cabarete. I know what I'm about to write to some will be eliteist or racist, or whatever.
ANYBODY, who has ridden on kitebeach has seen the chaos on the beach. Mostly, it's the local "kite assistants" riding borrowed kites from the schools on their time off, these kids ride the shorebreak, do jumps on the beach and break all the IKO rules of safety. I saw within one afternoon 2 kites in trees, from one school, and 4 tangles in the water or along the beach break.
Next day, 3 more kites in trees, same school. Then they sell these as used, good condition kites. I wonder how long it takes for a kite assistant to save up for a new Xbow or SB? I bet Cabrinha loves seeing there kites in trees and the newbies are for sure getting a positive experience of dodging locals on the beach. But, the visiting/paying tourist doesn't matter, we only pay for the kites we bring or rent, and hotel rooms, and food.
NOW, I read a congrats by EH for this behavior and a "sorry ass" comment to Aaron Hadlow?
See below:
"Thanks and appreciated.
Very happy that Ariels many hours on the water paid of for him.
In a way we all paid for this one, we endured Arielito shredding the shore break and flying over our heads for years.
Those glorious days during the competition and the recent recognition for the Ripper design by the master him self made it all worth while for me.
Alex Soto is as much a winner as Ariel, he rode hard and has cleaned some "sorry ass" Aaron 2 years in a row.
I can still hear the "event FAVORITES" sing Queen's "we are the winners" at karaoke night before the event..
hahahaaaaaa"
Eric
Kitebeaches.com clearly posts some new rules of the road for kitebeach and the last sentence threaten's "problems" with local kiteschools!!
See end of rant:
Kiteschools clean your own act up, if the kite assistants EVER had to pay for shit, then they may not risk gear or limb by showing off on the beach, to only later be rewarded by a quote from Eric.
Please, Please, Please, somebody from a kiteschool come up to me with a safety "problem" on kitebeach, PLEASE!!
Rules & Restrictions:
DR North Coast has lots of good place to kite. Because the beach is small and we have to share it with other people (kiteboarders or not), the following rules apply : MAIN RULE : ONE MUST NOT USE A KITE WITHOUT HAVING RECEIVED CERTIFIED TRAINING. For safety and authorization reasons, Kiteboard teaching is forbidden outside an official school. Equipment: 1- Your bar must have two safety systems: · one permitting the release of the kite at any time · one permitting retaining the kite without endangering anybody (leash) once the first system has been released. 2- ask somebody competent to check your equipment before launching (pre-flight check). 3- if you're not sure, ask the staff which kite is suitable according to the conditions. On the beach: 1- It's forbidden to land a kite or walk in private property. 2- In close proximity of other beach users, bring the kite neutral. 3- Always launch and land: · in front of kiteboarding schools: It's forbidden to land in other aeras unless in an emergency. · kite seaside in the edge of the window, rider landside. · with assistance: assistants are here to help you. If it's another person, be sure he's competent. When launching others, always wait for riders signal to release the kite. 4- Fly your kite inside the window or jumping on the beach is forbidden. Once the kite is launched, you must go in the water. 5- When having a break, leave your equipment so that it can't be a danger or hindrance to others. On the water: 1- When crossing or over-passing: · Upwind rider flies the kite high; downwind rider flies the kite low. · Starboard rider has the right-of-way. · On the reef, outgoing rider has the right-of-way. 2- During training times, don't come within 50 meters of the shore. 3- Check around oneself before jumping or tacking. 4- THERE IS NO OFFICIAL RESCUE SERVICES. The school boat is efficient in small rescues in small conditions. It cannot cross the reef in case of strong conditions. It's therefore important not to go too far out and not to go on the reef in case of strong conditions (strong wind, big waves and current). 5- When dark clouds are in formation, check flags on the shore. Wind may cease or pick up strongly. It's better to stop riding. Within 50m of the shore: 1- When incoming, reduce one's speed and bring the kite neutral. 2- No uncontrolled manoeuvers (incoming jump…). 3- Rider entering the water has the right-of-way. FAILURE TO RESPECT THESE RULES CAN RESULT IN PROBLEMS WITH KITEBOARDING SCHOOLS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES.