*THIS IS AN ADVANCED KITING AREA WITH MANY HAZARDS*
If you are not a confident, competent kiter who can consistently launch and land safely or are unfamiliar with this area and launch, PLEASE ASK FOR HELP or consider launching someplace easier.
*LAUNCHING AND LANDING*
DO NOT LAUNCH OR LAND YOUR KITE WHEN PEOPLE ARE IN THE WAY
This means no one should be between you and where your kite will be launching from or landing to.
INJURING SOMEONE ELSE WILL SERIOUSLY AFFECT OUR ACCESS PRIVILEGES.
Take the time to double-check your equipment and do it right.
Wait until all incoming kites and windsurfers are clear.
Please take turns.
Always use the kite landing signal (Hand tapping on top of head) before landing.
Get a definite response from someone first before bringing your kite down.
*LAUNCHING AREAS*
County Park UPPER KITE -Launch: This is the Main Launch area. Ask for help if you are unfamiliar with the area. Bring your board down to the beach first and check the tides. Rig and launch your kite in the meadow near the road using the dedicated paths to enter and exit the beach.. Walk out into the water far enough to ensure you have enough room to immediately head upwind. Winds are directly onshore, tides are strong and watch for swimmers. Sherman is considered an advanced Launch Area – Lessons are strongly advised.
Lower Kite Launch: This is a small and often crowded area along the beach and should be avoided on busy days. Stack you kites, roll up your lines and clear the area quickly.
Foilers will often use a third two-way path that is at the extreme left of the launch area as you face towards the beach.
PLAYPEN: Crowded area with many beginner windsurfers, swimmers and, children: Only use this area for an emergency exit. Don’t expect anyone in this area to be able to catch your kite so a self-rescue into the area with lines rolled up is best.
THE ACCESS/PIT: This is an advanced launch area. Launch your kite in the Access pit below the road before the County Park (potential wind shadow area), carefully walk up the levee bank and cross the road to the sandbags between the rocks on the riverside. Sandbags can be slippery.
LITTLE BAJA AREA: Unfortunately, this area is currently closed due to Levee reconstruction and Fish Release construction. Do not launch in this area to avoid jeopardizing its potential re-opening. If you are unfamiliar with these areas, ask someone to show you.
*KNOW THE RIGHT OF WAY RULES*
Starboard Tack (right hand forward toward the beaches) has right of way over Port Tack (left hand forward going away from the beach)
When on the same tack downwind sailor has right of way over an upwind sailor
RIGHT OF WAY DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN VEER UP AND DOWNWIND - HOLD YOUR COURSE -
*KITER SPECIFIC* RIGHT OF WAY: When a kiter is launching give them the right of way to get away from the shore and danger.
THIS IS A MULTISPORT AREA SO BE AWARE OF OTHER PEOPLE ON THE WATER
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO STEER CLEAR OF OTHER PEOPLE
IF PUSHED DON'T FIGHT! GIVE THE RIGHT OF WAY - SAFETY FIRST! -
*BEACH AREA ETIQUETTE*
DO NOT COVER THE LAUNCH AREAS WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT
Do not leave kite lines unwound across the beach, roll them up with your kite
Put your kites off to the side, stack them up, or better still take them off the beach.
Everyone, including windsurfers, needs to keep the water's edge and the middle area clear for people to pass through easily with their equipment. If someone's equipment is in the way, ask them NICELY to move it, or you may move it.
Don't string your lines and gear over other people's gear.
STAY A MINIMUM OF 200FT. AWAY FROM THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS
No jumping and doing tricks close to shore - there is no room for recovery if anything goes wrong.
Everyone can see just fine and will appreciate it that you are acting safely.
If you are working your way upwind make your turn and head back out.
Please be considerate and watchful of others
and always check your tide charts before heading out onto the river.
Help make this a great area and a great sport.
The County Park launches is the only approved kite launches on Sherman Island. Our lease arrangements with the California Department of Water Resources prohibit kiting at The Access.
Kiters please remember to be courteous on the water and on the beach. What you choose to do out there, affects all of us. The kite launch privileges at The Access were lost due to the irresponsible actions of a few.† Here are some Doís and Doníts to help us co-exist and enjoy our passions together:
Do help each other out if someone needs assistance.
Do respect the rights of other water users and remember that many people are extremely intimidated (freaked-out) when you come around them on the water or on land.
Do ask an experienced Delta kiter if you need local knowledge regarding launching, landing or kite handling.
Don't launch upwind of popular windsurfing zones if you know you can't stay upwind.
Do Be patient as others learn to understand and accept our sport. Your actions reflect how others perceive kiting.
Sherman Island Kiteboarding Organization’s website
RVWA-SIKO Wind meter
smartweather.weatherflow.com/map/3974/38.0696/‐121.7668/12
Kite lessons in the Delta are available:
Kitopia www.kitopia.biz/ 209-408-2067
Edge www.edgekiteboarding.com 775-721-1132
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