Kiting Meeting with The Park Service
A meeting was held with the kiteboarding community at the Fessenden Center last week.
Most of the shop owners attended as did two of the Park Service’s rangers.
The rangers were asking for help and seeking input concerning kite boarding on Hatteras Island.
They want to make everyone’s experience as positive as possible and wished to review some complaints that they had received and were asking for guidance to be able to tell visitors.
Number one issue was what to do when someone is driving on the beach and comes upon kite lines strung out on the sand (or parking lot.)
Generally, if the vehicle pauses the owner of the lines is near by and will move them. If not the driver should cross the lines VERY SLOWLY so as to not tangle them. It was also remarked that a courteous kiter would not set up their lines in a parking lot or on the driveable part of the beach. In the case of the beach setup they may be do that when getting ready to launch and should be near the lines.
A discussion ensued about safe procedures. The main point was that people need to be understanding and courteous be they kiters, fishermen, or families out for an outing. The Parks do not limit activities in most areas; therefore people can do them where ever they like but a call for common sense is in order. As on person noted, “Flying a kite doesn’t make you an idiot.” Neither, does holding a fishing rod or spreading out a beach blanket; but many at the meeting had examples of people being discourteous, or just not thinking, in this regard.
Examples included:
- Setting up kites in the parking lot of Canadian Hole or the narrow neck of land between Canadian Hole and Kite Point.
o All in attendance agreed that they would encourage kite boarders to go all the way to Kite Point to fly.
- Fishing from Kite Point
o While it is true one could fish from their it is one of the few really good places to launch and land kites, while one could fish there and kiters would do all they could to avoid such a person it was suggested that the Park Service do what they can to discourage fishing in such a place and to encourage, via signs, for kiters to come to Kite Point.
Other flying spots and parking lots were discussed. It was generally agreed that popularity of spots was increasing and control and moderation, along with courtesy and good manners, would carry the day. It was also mentioned by the Park Service that nesting spots changed from year to year and month to month and that the park service sent out a group e-mail to inform people where these spots were. Anyone can get on the e-mail list by calling the Superintendent’s office.
Also mentioned was the fact that no one is to fly within 150 feet of the power lines at Canadian Hole. Posts are placed in the ground marked white with red tops to show where that demarcation is.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Kiting Meeting with The Park Service
Kiting Meeting with The Park Service
A meeting was held with the kiteboarding community at the Fessenden Center last week.
Most of the shop owners attended as did two of the Park Service’s rangers.
The rangers were asking for help and seeking input concerning kite boarding on Hatteras Island.
They want to make everyone’s experience as positive as possible and wished to review some complaints that they had received and were asking for guidance to be able to tell visitors.
Number one issue was what to do when someone is driving on the beach and comes upon kite lines strung out on the sand (or parking lot.)
Generally, if the vehicle pauses the owner of the lines is near by and will move them. If not the driver should cross the lines VERY SLOWLY so as to not tangle them. It was also remarked that a courteous kiter would not set up their lines in a parking lot or on the driveable part of the beach. In the case of the beach setup they may be do that when getting ready to launch and should be near the lines.
A discussion ensued about safe procedures. The main point was that people need to be understanding and courteous be they kiters, fishermen, or families out for an outing. The Parks do not limit activities in most areas; therefore people can do them where ever they like but a call for common sense is in order. As on person noted, “Flying a kite doesn’t make you an idiot.” Neither, does holding a fishing rod or spreading out a beach blanket; but many at the meeting had examples of people being discourteous, or just not thinking, in this regard.
Examples included:
- Setting up kites in the parking lot of Canadian Hole or the narrow neck of land between Canadian Hole and Kite Point.
o All in attendance agreed that they would encourage kite boarders to go all the way to Kite Point to fly.
- Fishing from Kite Point
o While it is true one could fish from their it is one of the few really good places to launch and land kites, while one could fish there and kiters would do all they could to avoid such a person it was suggested that the Park Service do what they can to discourage fishing in such a place and to encourage, via signs, for kiters to come to Kite Point.
Other flying spots and parking lots were discussed. It was generally agreed that popularity of spots was increasing and control and moderation, along with courtesy and good manners, would carry the day. It was also mentioned by the Park Service that nesting spots changed from year to year and month to month and that the park service sent out a group e-mail to inform people where these spots were. Anyone can get on the e-mail list by calling the Superintendent’s office.
Also mentioned was the fact that no one is to fly within 150 feet of the power lines at Canadian Hole. Posts are placed in the ground marked white with red tops to show where that demarcation is.
A meeting was held with the kiteboarding community at the Fessenden Center last week.
Most of the shop owners attended as did two of the Park Service’s rangers.
The rangers were asking for help and seeking input concerning kite boarding on Hatteras Island.
They want to make everyone’s experience as positive as possible and wished to review some complaints that they had received and were asking for guidance to be able to tell visitors.
Number one issue was what to do when someone is driving on the beach and comes upon kite lines strung out on the sand (or parking lot.)
Generally, if the vehicle pauses the owner of the lines is near by and will move them. If not the driver should cross the lines VERY SLOWLY so as to not tangle them. It was also remarked that a courteous kiter would not set up their lines in a parking lot or on the driveable part of the beach. In the case of the beach setup they may be do that when getting ready to launch and should be near the lines.
A discussion ensued about safe procedures. The main point was that people need to be understanding and courteous be they kiters, fishermen, or families out for an outing. The Parks do not limit activities in most areas; therefore people can do them where ever they like but a call for common sense is in order. As on person noted, “Flying a kite doesn’t make you an idiot.” Neither, does holding a fishing rod or spreading out a beach blanket; but many at the meeting had examples of people being discourteous, or just not thinking, in this regard.
Examples included:
- Setting up kites in the parking lot of Canadian Hole or the narrow neck of land between Canadian Hole and Kite Point.
o All in attendance agreed that they would encourage kite boarders to go all the way to Kite Point to fly.
- Fishing from Kite Point
o While it is true one could fish from their it is one of the few really good places to launch and land kites, while one could fish there and kiters would do all they could to avoid such a person it was suggested that the Park Service do what they can to discourage fishing in such a place and to encourage, via signs, for kiters to come to Kite Point.
Other flying spots and parking lots were discussed. It was generally agreed that popularity of spots was increasing and control and moderation, along with courtesy and good manners, would carry the day. It was also mentioned by the Park Service that nesting spots changed from year to year and month to month and that the park service sent out a group e-mail to inform people where these spots were. Anyone can get on the e-mail list by calling the Superintendent’s office.
Also mentioned was the fact that no one is to fly within 150 feet of the power lines at Canadian Hole. Posts are placed in the ground marked white with red tops to show where that demarcation is.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Hatteras Awakens
Pi Day (3.14 – get it?) has passed as has the Ides of March (3-15) things are starting to wake up around here. People that haven’t been answering their phone because they were in Florida are back. The grass is starting to turn from straw to shades of green.
Five kite boarders were out at Canadian Hole the other day and they were cranking, probably locals and instructors getting in some good flying before they have to start instructing. Signs on restaurants are changing from looking for help to announcing when they are opening. The local giant boogie board T-shirt shop turned on their neon “open” signs, which will no doubt stay on - even when they are closed - until they shutdown in the fall.
The temperatures have been in the high 60’s low 70’s most of the time until today when a big front with heavy duty winds came through and dropped us into the 40’s.
People back in Maryland asked us what we were going to do down here in the winter and now we are wondering where the winter went.
Other folks have asked me do I fish and the answer is that I have been fishing three, no make that four, times in my life. But I’ve got a host of folks who have offered to teach me. I think fishing must be a Zen like activity; being one with the elements and all that. I do need to get out there and do it; just like I need to get out there and start kite boarding, wind surfing and regular old plain surfing.
There’s a lot going on and I frankly don’t know when I’ll get around to doing all of it.
- Rick
Five kite boarders were out at Canadian Hole the other day and they were cranking, probably locals and instructors getting in some good flying before they have to start instructing. Signs on restaurants are changing from looking for help to announcing when they are opening. The local giant boogie board T-shirt shop turned on their neon “open” signs, which will no doubt stay on - even when they are closed - until they shutdown in the fall.
The temperatures have been in the high 60’s low 70’s most of the time until today when a big front with heavy duty winds came through and dropped us into the 40’s.
People back in Maryland asked us what we were going to do down here in the winter and now we are wondering where the winter went.
Other folks have asked me do I fish and the answer is that I have been fishing three, no make that four, times in my life. But I’ve got a host of folks who have offered to teach me. I think fishing must be a Zen like activity; being one with the elements and all that. I do need to get out there and do it; just like I need to get out there and start kite boarding, wind surfing and regular old plain surfing.
There’s a lot going on and I frankly don’t know when I’ll get around to doing all of it.
- Rick
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Oyster Shell Recycling
North Carolina has started an oyster shell recycling program. Apparently, baby oysters thrive when they attach themselves to hard surfaces and their favorite hard surface is other shells. NC is trying to revive the declining oyster population.
A pile of oyster shells placed in the right spot will produce more oysters and attract other beneficial organisms such as algae, worms, crabs, minnows and fish to the area. One person may not have enough shells to create one of these oyster reefs. However, if many people contribute shells, scientists will be able to build large reefs in areas known to be prime oyster territory. Some of the species attracted to oyster reefs include mussels, shrimp, speckled trout, striped bass, turtles and flounder.
On Hatteras Island, there are three recycling drop-off locations. In Avon, head to Village Grocery. If you're facing the entrance to the store, the recycling bin is to the right. In Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo, the drop-off location is the Recycling Center, Rodanthe Harbor (Myrna Peters Rd.) In Hatteras Village, go to Burrus Red & White (intersection of Hwy 12 and Kanlar Rd.)
There are additional recycling locations in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Wanchese and other counties in NC. For more information, visit http://www.ncdmf.net/shellfish/recycle1.htm. - Shelby Kinnaird
A pile of oyster shells placed in the right spot will produce more oysters and attract other beneficial organisms such as algae, worms, crabs, minnows and fish to the area. One person may not have enough shells to create one of these oyster reefs. However, if many people contribute shells, scientists will be able to build large reefs in areas known to be prime oyster territory. Some of the species attracted to oyster reefs include mussels, shrimp, speckled trout, striped bass, turtles and flounder.
On Hatteras Island, there are three recycling drop-off locations. In Avon, head to Village Grocery. If you're facing the entrance to the store, the recycling bin is to the right. In Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo, the drop-off location is the Recycling Center, Rodanthe Harbor (Myrna Peters Rd.) In Hatteras Village, go to Burrus Red & White (intersection of Hwy 12 and Kanlar Rd.)
There are additional recycling locations in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Wanchese and other counties in NC. For more information, visit http://www.ncdmf.net/shellfish/recycle1.htm. - Shelby Kinnaird
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