Port Alberni kiteboarding ban

[ambientrax]

what's the big deal??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ceebejVh24

[Sandy Beach]

Today's front page news in Port Alberni indicates the public and local Harbour Quay merchants' overwhelming support to maintain the attraction of kiteboarding on city's waterfront.

<a href="/http://www.avtimes.net/news/local-news/ ... -1.1757442" target="_blank"> Alberni Valley Times: kiteboarding site can be found: PAPA </a>

This provincial media release helped put a big spotlight on the issue.
<a href="/http://globalnews.ca/news/1799929/port- ... ular-pier/" target="_blank"> GlobalTV : PAPA don't preach </a> . Side note: Gillian Trumper (as shown here as the spokesperson for PAPA is NO longer chair of the board).

Here is the proposed new launch spot before the dock moving has happened. <a href="/http://www.bigwavedave.ca/webcams.php?cam=11" target="_blank"> BWD Harbour Quay webcam </a> It's the water-level floating dock (just left of centre) in view of the BWD Harbour Quay webcam. Currently, since spring 2014, this lower-level dock has been closed to public access for repairs.

Windy season's fast approaching!:)

[ambientrax]

Drift starting can be done safely, but don't mess around in heavy gusty condition, you would be asking for serious trouble.

we should make a video like this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1AKlK2gxXA

similar method could be used off a dock or peir!! some cool music and a cute female kite boarder would be great!!

[kitesurferdale]

We have started a FB page that will keep everyone posted on any new information....apologize but dont know how to post this as a link..

https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Po ... 917?ref=hl

[Sandy Beach]

The new kite launch is up and running! A success on Monday's windy day.

It was great to see the incredible photos of Alicia, Paul and Dale in today's local newspaper - Sports Section, Alberni Valley Times with the inaugural kite launch christened on Monday's windy day in PA.

In addition, in the same paper, today's Editorial was well written and offers some good information about the evolution and reason for the new kite launch spot.

<a href="/http://www.avtimes.net/new-kiteboarding ... -1.1846485"> Alberni Valley Times Editorial, Thurs.April23/15 (pg4A) </a>

Thanks again for all of the people who wrote letters, came to city council and the incredible amounts of volunteer 'sweat equity' with the new kite launch to get it up and running.

The positive momentum is flowing, there's lots in the works, and it's going to be a good season!

Thanks in advance to Dale and Alicia , who will be standing up in front of city council next week to present more information to the public about kiteboarding , windsports and a vibrant waterfront in Port Alberni.

[TheLaw]

This was impressive to watch unfold. You guys went from an all out kite ban to organizing a new spot then getting it approved and finally fully implementing it. All before the season started.

Well done!

[tempy]

I agree - excellent work by all involved! I will have to bring my board when I am next in the Port Alberni office - or just my wetsuit and harness and borrow yours!

[gnarf]

I checked out the new launch last Sunday night. It was windy and no one was out and i was hoping someone could explain the launching and landing procedure? I guess I'm supposed to rig on the big concrete pier and then launch on the new pier? How does it work with self launching/landing if no one else is around?

[kitesurferdale]

Hi gnarf, you are correct about the rigging on the large dock with the lower piers for launching. Self launch is possible but not recommended due to complexity at the moment. We hope to have signs up before the 23rd which will explain procedures and code of conduct. should you be in the area again and wondering about getting out you're welcome to send me a text and if I'm around I'll help out. 250 731 5175