Chris Glazier wrote:Below is the link to a survey from Talk Vancouver/the city/Parks Board regarding Vancouver Waterways. It takes about as 20 min to fill out if you want to express in detail your concerns about the present kiteboarding designated area at Spanish Banks Extension (Dog Beach).
By picking Kiteboarding as your primary water activity, you will be able to drill down and state in your own words how unsatisfied you are with the present launching spot of Dog Beach allocated to us during the summer months, particularly at high tide. We all know that outside the summer months, access is not an issue whatsoever.
Dog Beach being far from ideal (I would still refrain from using the word dangerous in the survey), I would suggest expressing your personal feelings in the "detail box" at the bottom of some pages near the end of the survey to state that:
1. the present situation is a hindrance to the practice and development of kiteboarding through the summer months
2. tourism opportunities are therefore missed
3. the presently designated "Windsurfing launching area", just west of the Jericho Sailing Centre pier, is under-utilized by windsurfers. It could be shared with them to become an alternate Kiteboarding launching/landing area. Also the beach volleyball courts area at the foot of Tolmie Street is a possibility. Either would be safer as kite launching/landing areas (large beaches, no dogs, cleaner westerly wind)
Please pass this survey on to as many kiteboarders as possible. We have to express our frustration about being restricted during the summer months. Keep in mind that nothing will be offered to us unless we express it and fight for it. Most cities in the world have good access, we do not.
http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/on-water-waterway-recreation-strategy.aspx
