ok, i'll bite. signs in utah at key beaches would only be a mitigation activity IMHO. imagine if a kiteboarder or bystander got hurt or killed because of kite boarding activity. now imagine if that happened at a state park, beach, or other fee for use area. imagine the rules, laws, and probably banning of kiteboarding at those locations. all it takes is for channel 13 (who listens to the police broadband) to show up at an ambulance call for an injury to kill things. i think we need to look at each specific area and work to mitigate the risk at those launches. DCBWB seems to be a risky spot. there is high visibility from the road and ease of access to the beach. i think a sign there would be a great idea. it would not be rules, but suggested info to bystanders and suggested information to newbies, and visiting riders. it might actually take the self policing burden off the riders. however, the moment we post a sign the land owner will be sure to inquire about what's going on, liability risk, etc. so, a sign would come with the risk of getting that area shut down. Same thing with Lincoln, Lindon, and Willard. these are all state parks and fee for use areas. the moment we post a sign there will be someone asking about it and we would be brining attention to ourselves.
however, with the risk of the eye of scrutiny if we have our shit together, we could come out ahead. If we approach land owners and state park officials with a clear plan, rules for safety, and suggested launch and land techniques that have been researched we would be looked at as authorities and hopefully they would take us seriously and give us the respect deserved to work towards a mutually beneficial use agreement.
so, to all the hippy kiteboarders, i agree- freedom is why i kiteboard. however you must recognize that at all of our launches with the exception of perhaps burmiester, rush, and some backcountry spots there are bystanders. with bystanders comes a relationship between kiteboarder and bystander. much like outlaw skateboarding at a downtown ledge or something. you are on someone else's property and possibly damaging it. its fine if you want to do it anyway, but given enough use and visibility by the owners, they install pegs.... we don't want pegs at our kite launches. i agree we need to keep it free as long as possible, but its not the old days where on a good day there were 12 kites up at lincoln. there are now upwards of 25 i would say and this is only going to grow. there WILL be a time we outgrow our launches until we find new ones.
just my $.02. perhaps it would be a good move to have someone draft up a sign just in case and seeing as how we are an "organization" vote on placement if we see it necessary. that way we don't force the issue too soon, but still have a plan of attack ready to implement when the situation warrants it.
also, it seems that the boys up in Hood River have a great working relationship with the local government up there. i think they even have a council set up as a liaison between kiteboarders and the Gov. i think the guys name is Forrest that works on it. check out the forum, as i know you guys do because I've seen don and marty post there. they might be able to offer some perspective and advice.....