by RonBert » Fri Jun 27, 2014 10:41 am
Well as some (bordy) think my previous posts contentious and belittling, they were meant to be in kind. Though I did not intend to disrupt the forum, and for bordy's apparent concern for Jason’s reputation, which I was not calling into question, I removed my initial remarks. Yet by removing them I seem to have abandoned others who informed me of their similar view point, and I apologize. I and others interpreted what he said from a different perspective. And I appreciate your most recent post Jason. And though you may not feel the need to explain yourself to me, I understand now your concerns, and most importantly your rationale. I joined UWA to be involved in the local kite community, as I am elsewhere, lackluster in my kiting as I am.
And bordy, as I PMed you, I'm not questioning Jason's credentials, and he appears more than qualified to voice his opinion, which should carry significant weight. I am the first to admit my own kiting skills suck compared to most (so stand clear). However, opinions without facts or rationale do not form the basis for sound decisions, and arrogant condescending banter is not an expression of wisdom (except in my case:). So I would urge you bordy to do the search you suggest of past forum discussions on the topic, and assemble what you believe to be the relevant dangers and hazards at DC, edit out the opinion and fluff, submit it to others with the knowledge and experience to peer review (like the UWA moderators, and those they see fit to include), and then post it on the UWA website for the benefit of the rest of us.
With the apparent concern with safe kiting at DC, perhaps the UWA, as a community service, would consider erecting a sign at DC to the effect: “Kiteboarding can be dangerous. This kiting location has particular hazards. If you are learning to kite, please seek professional instruction before attempting to kite here. Please see the UWA {web address} for safe kiting information and profession instruction at this location.”
To restrict all teaching at DC seems extreme. Certainly it is teachable grounds with caution and consideration. Concern for people making money off the sport and instruction, just not at DC, or the exposure, well that ship I suspect has sailed. Teaching and wanting to learn to kite at DC instead of UL, or as an alternative, is for the same reason people do not travel to UL (or Strawberry, which is safer) to kite, they are not as convenient as DC; likely too UL instruction competition is horrendous. Rob’s venture seems a very controlled and thought out option, and perhaps will curb more erroneous learning episodes from cropping up at DC. I am sure he would have addressed your concerns Jason, but you did not initially express them, and really made it difficult for him to even respond. Hopefully, with your current post that can be resolved.