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Fyi - pasted from windsurfer section of this thread.
I tried to stay out but this is directed at me and wrong.
My 2020 kite did not have worn or neglected bridal lines. They are tough lines permanently on the kite, rolled up and safe between sessions. They were cut by someone at GB.
Gentle souls don't threaten to 'Fuxxxxx run right through you', nor gesture or comment every time they pass you, even when I'm sitting in my car. I've acknowledged my angry defensive response. I can apologise to anyone, even old mate, if it's constructive. I've already done so here. I know why, but fully accept I could have done better and I've now become part of the problem for others. My post was an alternative route even if it may have been risky. However, I won't be demonized by the cheer leaders of a so called 'gentle soul'. Even normally 'gentle souls' can get it wrong. My Grandma had her moments.
When the bicycle was invented, pedestrians were alarmed by the speed and said they were unsafe.
When the car arrived, those on horses etc expressed alarm and discomfort at the invasion of their space by those 'new fangled demon machines'.
Users in kayaks and hire boats at GB most likely express alarm at windsurfers hurtling along at high speeds, HIDDEN behind sails on a straight line speed track. 'Can they even see me?'. (Could the poor vision of a windsurfer contribute to a sense of vulnerability for some?)
When a swimmer, kayak, jet ski or boat passes by, we all accommodate them. If it's a bigger boat needing more space, no one says they shouldn't be there. Difference is acknowledged and accommodated.
Kiters go out in large numbers together in restricted spaces, share the space, jump, slash etc on strapless surfboards and twin tips. Do they hit each other or complain? No. They have 360 degree vision. But put a couple of kites in at the lighthouse and a few 'grumpy oul fellas' are out of sorts. Makes me think of the tv series 'One foot in the grave'.
The odd windsurfer comes up to the cadet area with many kites out and I haven't experienced them being made overtly unwelcome.
It's a few old grumps at GB who sometimes create an unwelcome vibe and a couple have now taken it too far. They need to get over themselves and get on with it, like most of the other windsurfers and wingers who accommodate each other's chosen vice and can even enjoy and laugh at each other's developing skill and tenacity.
I'm going to be more aware for sure after this thread. I intend to maintain my normally agreeable demeanour with everyone. I enjoy the interaction with all users as most people at GB will already know. I love the sports and place. I've enthusiastically surfed, windsurfed, canoed, dived, kited, foiling now and winging will be next year. But I won't be bullied or hassled nor have my gear damaged. I'd be happy to shake and put this behind me with anyone involved if someone wants to facilitate that but I won't risk a direct approach. I tried that earlier.
I'm a decent kiter who had lessons to begin with, not an out of control beginner as some have suggested. I'm going to ensure I go out when it's quieter as I have already been trying to do. BUT
Will the few 'grumpy' windsurfers do the same or just pile in until they make it so busy that they feel threatened. It's not your spot, even if you've 'been going there for '30 years'. The area has changed and the lighthouse now serves as the deep water 'learn foiling area' for many many people on windsurfers, wings and kites. Maybe it will require regulation or formal management in time but that's not there yet. If you're so experienced and feel at risk or intolerant why not use your skills in open water. I'll certainly expand as I improve.
If you read this post then you were interested for some reason - you could have ignored it if it had no relevance to you. Please don't contribute meaningless rubbish about it wasting your time or similar. The thread may be useful to some.
Reach
> 9 months ago, 8 Dec 2022
