Wind-based sports and passions have long inspired coastal enthusiasts with every sort of kite contraption from wind surfing to stunt kites often dancing across our local beaches.
Now, imagine a new wind-driven endeavour — one that enthusiasts believe could become a tourist attraction and potential new recreational draw, taking kite flying to a more grounded purpose.
The state Parks and Recreation Commission currently is considering whether wind-powered vehicles should be allowed on ocean beaches, and a meeting on proposed rule changes to allow their use will be in Ocean Shores next week.
“Based on requests from recreational users, we are considering modifying the rule that prohibits kite buggies, blo-karts, kite boards and other wheeled, wind-powered recreational vehicles to allow their use under certain circumstances,” the commission said in a recent news release.
Citizens may comment from 6-8 p.m. at the meeting Jan. 29 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center.
State Parks is asking for public comment on issues such as:
Where should wind-powered vehicle use be allowed and where should it be restricted?
What types of seasonal restrictions should apply to promote beach safety and protect important wildlife habitat?
How should the agency address issues such as maximum speed, vehicle visibility, and the potential for conflict with other beach recreation uses?
From 2010-2013, State Parks conducted demonstration events with wind-powered vehicle users, the news release said. “Based on these events, we determined that wind-powered recreation could potentially be allowed, provided we can ensure safety and protect important wildlife habitat,” the agency concluded.
The rule update will determine when and where this use is reasonable and appropriate, what limitations should be imposed, and what kind of monitoring may be needed.
“Wind powered vehicles are highly maneuverable and controllable vehicles powered by the wind,” said Evans Fletcher, a proponent who participated in some of the demonstrations already conducted. Flethcer first approached State Parks about 4-5 years ago asking to allow wind powered vehicles on Washington’s beaches.
“After a brief explanation of the vehicles in discussion, the commissioners directed Parks staff to move forward with a pilot program. After a few meetings, we were granted permission to fly in specific locations on Washington’s beaches, North Beach up by Moclips, Pacific Beach, South Beach area near Grayland and Klipsan Beach on the Long Beach Peninsula. Our dates had to be applied for in advance,” Fletcher said.
One form is like a three-wheeled tricycle with a kit attached to it. Another form is a blo-kart or land sailor. It is a similar vehicle but has a fixed sail like a sail boat. Another is a land board, a skateboard with larger wheels powered by a kite.
“During the two or three years of the pilot program we demonstrated our sport, visited with many beach goers, owners of property, businesses. All were very excited and interested. Currently wind-powered vehicle enthusiasts must travel to Oregon if we wish to sail. The beaches there are open. We are asking for the same opportunity that Oregon enthusiasts have,” Fletcher said.
“What we have proposed to Washington State Parks is similar to the rules governing vehicle traffic. We want to have the beaches open to wind powered vehicles, with seasonal (April-Sept.) closures in the highly congested areas, such as the areas within the city limits of Long Beach, and Ocean Shores. We would also like it to be possible for these cities to give special permission to fly during events like kite festivals.”
At Ocean Shores Kites, owner Andy Sias said he is in favor of the rule change and believes it could create a significant tourist boost for the area, especially if users are allowed to organize and sponsor events such as races. As a business, the local kite store already stocks some of the equipment even though Sias has to explain to prospective customers that using wind-powered vehicles is against current law.
“We have all-terrain boards, which are like overgrown skateboards with big balloon tires on them. The issue is that it hasn’t been legal here, so I can’t say we do a big volume in these items,” Sias said.
For the 22 years he’s been in business, Sias has watched the legal issues be debated, and he’ll be attending the State Parks meeting in support of changing the restrictions.
“I see this as bringing tourist dollars to town in the offseason when we need it, not only by those who do it but those who would come to spectate,” Sias said, noting that the most popular times would be in the seasons when the beaches are empty and the winds are strong.
The speed of the kite vehicles can be nearly double the wind speed, according to Sias, depending on the size of the kite. They use four-string kites harnessed to the three-wheeled vehicles steered with feet, and run 90 degrees to the wind for maximum speed.
“The big fear is the safety fear,” he acknowledged. “But the guys who do this have a lot of money invested in the goods. “
A full rig with kite could run as much as $2,000, including a “buggy” a harness.
“This will bring money into hotels, gas stations, grocery stores and everything else in town, and maybe some into the kite shop,” Sias said, figuring most of the users will likely have purchased their gear out of town.
“I really believe it will do a lot for the community I live in and have been a part of for 22 years,” he said.
View the current rule language, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 352-37-190 “Excluded/limited recreation activities.”
This is the current law, which pertains to Washington Beaches. There is a permit system in place for one section of beach, which is marginal at best for buggying some years. This is also only available between mid April and Sept. 1. This was supposed to be reviewed a number of years ago but never did.
Excluded/limited recreation activities.
State Law: WAC 352-37-190
The following forms of public outdoor recreation activities or devices currently are prohibited on the ocean beaches unless specifically designated as a special recreation event.
(1) Vehicles not licensed and certificated pursuant to chapters 46.12 and 46.16 RCW.
(2) Wind/sand sailers.
(3) Parasails.
(4) Hovercraft.
(5) Powered parasail.
(6) Ultra-light aircraft.
(7) Powered hang gliders.
(8) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
For more information, contact Park Planner Randy Kiline, PO Box 42650 Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8632.
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