Firstly, I am very excited to have the SCKA recognized and invited to this meeting. This type of communication will assure that if problems arise in the future there will be a pre-existing channel for the City to go thru to voice their concerns before it gets out of hand (like in Bolsa).   This is  what we are striving for in all our other beach communities and are continuing to have dialect with the proper authorities.  It seems that some Cities are more progressive than others, and the City of Long beach should be commended to have the foresight to have this relationship with us.  

As previously noted we were asked to attend a meeting on September 16^th with the City of Long Beach to discuss how the summer went with the new kite concession and in general how everything was going. We had asked for input from our members and the main issue that came up again and again was the lack of clarity on the rules for the area, specifically everyone wanted signs posted showing which areas were what, where could they sail where were the lessons etc.  We discussed the signage issue in length with the City officials and they are going to be posting the rules on the back of the lifeguard stands for now. They are going to go thru the coastal commission for the signs near the parking lot (where they really need to be).  Apparently it’s a lot easier for them to put signs on the towers for now (it’s a good start).  

The short and sweet of the meeting is that these four items will now become municipal code;

1. A 500 yard restricted area centered on the entrance to the Alamitos Bay , which is consistent with USCG non-anchorage restriction;

This is a no kiting or zone, if you are kiting here  you will be cited.  This goes along with the rules of the road and right of way. Basically if a boat whether it be sail or motor powered, is attempting to enter a harbor and is restricted in movement, it has right of way over another vessel.  Some people think that since they are sail (kite) powered, they have right of way over motor powered vessels. That is a false assumption.  In addition we are planning on getting further into the navigation rules of the road and are going to have a guest speaker come to one of our meetings for those who are interested in learning more.  

We have a map below showing exactly where this area is for clarity. 

2. The requirement that kite control lines must be rolled up when not in use;

This means wind up your lines so the lifeguards can attend to emergencies with out worrying about running over lines on the beach and getting tangled up  

3. A prohibition against flying kites within 100 feet of bike path;

This has always been in our rule book, you cant walk your kite over the bike path from the beach and land it near the parking lot.  

4. The specific statement that kite boarders must leave the swim areas soon as possible, at no more than five miles per hour, and at a course as close to a right angle as possible.   

This is aimed at people “blazing” thru the swim zone dodging people.  It doesn’t matter what skill level you are, they want you to basically point out to sea as much as possible (will change with wind direction and velocity). 

Please work with the city and follow these simple rules so we can continue to enjoy full access to this great beach!

Victor Murphy
President

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