Good Valley Session @ Airport 2

[DevinClarke]

The soccer fields near Airport 2 provided a great session on Saturday. Wind fluctuated around 15mph. Snow was minimal but sufficient (about 5" covering the grass). I rode for about 2 hours with my wife's 9M Slingshot. When the wind tapered off I launched my 16M Boxer.

The kites drew a crowd of spectators. A number of people stopped to inquire more about the sport (including an on-duty police officer). It was very sunny, warm, windy and close. We even got my wife flying and riding a little.

Although the thrill of riding in the valley was great and convenient, my instinct tells me that I shouldn't make a habit out of doing many sessions in such public areas. I wouldn't have launched had there been people on the parks, and the 4 adjacent fields provided ample riding room for my capabilities. I stayed grounded (no boosting), and just tacked back and forth, but I wouldn't want to draw any negative attention to the sport.

Can anyone inform me if I commited a snowkite faux paus by launching at Airport 2? Any better (less public) valley locations?

Thank you

[mike loeser]

I've landboarded and snowkited there many times for a quick session. I don't think there is much of a problem doing so. The winds are super gusty on a south due to the houses. I've had a few planes fly pretty low taking off from the airport, even some helicopters. I don't know if they are checking things out or doing a flyby to warn me. Hey, you know it is a park and you should be able to fly kites there, right? I wouldn't worry about it. The church farm is a better valley local with snow, because it has better winds and more space. The dirt isn't too rocky if you stay in the south western corner. Also no light posts, goal post and the other kite killer obstacles they have at the soccer fields.
Mike L.

[bigwavedave]

I drove by that church farm last week and was surprised how large that area is. Has anyone spoken to the church about where they stand on us using it in the winter? Just wondering.