Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy

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channeysurfer
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Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy

As Old Fed continues to be about the only launch on Lanier on west for windsports for the next few months a few thoughts

1) It's going to be crowded. Be mindful of where you leave your gear on the beach. Try as quickly as you can to move it out of high traffic areas if you are taking a break. Especially for windsurfers, we only have one little skinny place to get in and out of the water - over to the right where the yellow swim barrier comes ashore. Leave space for others.

1a) Also, on windy days, mind your gear so it doesn't blow on someone else's. Be mindful of other gear. If you see a board or sail oriented incorrectly, take a moment to spin it around.

2) Once you are on the water, if you skills allow, don't just mow the grass in front of the launch. If possible, move upwind or elsewhere so that others can claw their way off the beach or can get back in. There are going to be some who are still learning who may not be able to so let them have this space.

3) Be mindful of the right of way rules. Starboard (right hand in front) has right of way over port. Give others room. Look around you when you transition so you aren't turning in front of people. Foils, especially, can be very quiet. You might think you have space only to find a ninja foiler close by.

4) By the same token, when you are around others, think about what they may need or want to do. If you are downwind of someone and heading towards the reef markers on the left, they are going to want to jibe at some point. Avoid carrying on ad infinitum or give them room to jibe.

5) As the water levels drop, the little reef on the right will become more and more exposed. If you foil, avoid it.

6) Consider alternative venues. West Point, Hartwell, Allatoona, etc. This may be a good reason to try something a little different. During the week, most of us won't have time but it's not as crowded. On weekends, however, an extra half hour might get you to a place much less crowded, warmer and a change in scenery.

7) If someone does boff it up, especially a newbie, use it as a learning moment. Tell them what they were doing well, tell them what they may have done better, and finish with a compliment or good wish and end it with a smile. They'll forever appreciate it and spread the good vibe on elsewhere. If you boff it up or think you did, be an adult and apologize. It'll go a long way in keeping Atlanta a great place. A lot of times, you'll find that the other person was already aware of you and giving you some space anyway but they'll appreciate knowing you are trying to be considerate.

If we do this right, we'll end the season with a big group of friends and really great memories. Good

Edit: SpanishAlex makes a great point below but so it won't get buried, worth putting it here: "-- My only request is that when there is only one kiter and very windy (above 15 knots - not often), the only spot to self land a kite is on the micro hill where the grass meets the sand (or the highest point on the beach). If you can leave your gear anywhere else it would be stellar. "

Edit edit: Pic below of everyone having fun

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Langdon
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Re: Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy

At Old Fed

On a NW you can also launch from the other beach to the South of the main beach. ( around the corner)
I have launch from there many times when my regular parking space was taken. When the lake is high the wind still crosses over the peninsula sufficiently to allow you to get out

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Re: Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy
webguy wrote:

6) Consider alternative venues. West Point, Hartwell, Allatoona, etc. This may be a good reason to try something a little different. During the week, most of us won't have time but it's not as crowded. On weekends, however, an extra half hour might get you to a place much less crowded, warmer and a change in scenery.

I don't know for a fact, but I strongly suspect that the beach is now closed at Galts (it has been starting Dec. 1 for several years now), but you can launch from the boat ramp easily enough on a W or NW. You won't have to worry about social distancing at Galts most likely. (For Old Fed the six or six rule* probably applies.)

*Six feet apart of six feet under.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Re: Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy

Let me just go ahead and apologize right now for the transgressions I am about to commit. Good

If somebody (William Shok ) would just learn me how to get upwind, I will quit mowing the lawn and get outta y’all’s way Good

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rgenet
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Re: Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy
FoilDodo wrote:

Let me just go ahead and apologize right now for the transgressions I am about to commit. Good

Me, every night:

--- The Arrogant Jerk: Crabby and irritable since 1998.

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rgenet
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Spanishalex
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Re: Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy

William's message is as politically correct as it gets. Quite opposite of the Senate race Smile

-- My only request is that when there is only one kiter and very windy (above 15 knots - not often), the only spot to self land a kite is on the micro hill where the grass meets the sand (or the highest point on the beach). If you can leave your gear anywhere else it would be stellar.

-- The other day someone mentioned that some kiteboarders in South Padre lost their spot privileges for jumping over windsurfers. Its cool to know (by omission in the courtesy rules) that that is still allowed :).

Joking aside - no complaints on my side with the windsurfing crew. Always courteous and helpful.

Praying for more wind! This fall has been pretty weak compared to the last one. I wonder if la niña kills local wind patterns.

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webguy
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Re: Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy
Spanishalex wrote:

William's message is as politically correct as it gets. Quite opposite of the Senate race Smile

-- My only request is that when there is only one kiter and very windy (above 15 knots - not often), the only spot to self land a kite is on the micro hill where the grass meets the sand (or the highest point on the beach). If you can leave your gear anywhere else it would be stellar.

-- The other day someone mentioned that some kiteboarders in South Padre lost their spot privileges for jumping over windsurfers. Its cool to know (by omission in the courtesy rules) that that is still allowed :).

...

Super post. I've probably been guilty of leaving gear there because the thought never occurred to me. As long as you keep in mind the distinction between jumping on and jumping over, you are good to go, friend. Lol

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Re: Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy
Spanishalex wrote:

-- The other day someone mentioned that some kiteboarders in South Padre lost their spot privileges for jumping over windsurfers. Its cool to know (by omission in the courtesy rules) that that is still allowed :).

Maybe a new Loretta's lunch award....

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Re: Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy
dave_delozier wrote:
Spanishalex wrote:

-- The other day someone mentioned that some kiteboarders in South Padre lost their spot privileges for jumping over windsurfers. Its cool to know (by omission in the courtesy rules) that that is still allowed :).

Maybe a new Loretta's lunch award....

As hard as it has been for me to give this one away (Langdon has qualified but insists on holding off on a technicality), I'm scared we'd run out of windsurfers before anyone has a bite of fried chicken. Lol

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Re: Old Fed - Thoughts on courtesy

Another point not based on anything anyone is doing but from a career in parenting where you learn to anticipate crap that can go wrong:
People new to sailing or windsport should be aware that on most westerly days, the sail boats coming out of Sunrise Marina will be heading upwind - having to tack - through the narrow neck between Old Fed and the marina. As such, they're ability to change course, etc, will be much more limited than usual (just like ours is coming off the beach).

Even if they are motoring, a lot of them will be preoccupied with preparing to their sails so don't assume they are keeping a sharp eye for you.

Give them room. We're the more maneuverable vessel and obligated to do so. Out in the main channel, the normal starboard/port rules apply but, still, be a good sport and make an early decision to leave some space.

Almost every sailor out there appreciates the skill and fitness it takes to do what we do. It's really cool to zip past someone and exchange friendly waves.

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