Yesterday was a good day for us kiters in the midwest. We had a small meet up of powerkiters in Springfield MO. Those who were here included: lynx69, joeblinky, invertedforce, myself, and one other kiter. This is the most powerkiters this city has seen gathered at one time.

The wind was was 15 gusting into the 20s, which was a good day for us. We were all excited about flying together, after a few minutes the kites in the air included: venom 16, V2 13, scorpion 13, HQ apex 7.5, and pansh blase 5. It was a beautiful sight!

After a few minutes a park ranger showed up and she pointed her finger at me like a teacher and signaled me to her so we could speak. Here were her words

Ranger: Do you have a permit for that thing(insert angry voice)?
Me: What, a permit to fly a kite?
Ranger: Yes, a permit to fly those things
Me: Let me get my wallet to show you a card from an old park ranger who thought it was cool to fly kites (didn't nessesarily get permission to fly)
Ranger: Do i need to hold you to the ground so you don't fly away?
Me: No, let me get my wallet because the other park ranger asked us to do a demonstration for them last spring.

As i was getting my wallet my 13m Scorpion was wanting to blast me to the moon. As I was digging through my stuff trying to smooth things out with the ranger I looked over my shoulder to see invertedforce flying over head screaming with excitement. I was doing everything possible to keep a strait face and be polite to the park ranger so we wouldn't lose our new perfect spot (i posted photos of them a few weeks ago). So naturally she quoted the most generic thing that usually comes out of peoples mouth when they don't want you there: "well i don't think insurance will cover this" Luckily lynx69 got permission from the surrounding buisnesses a while back. The lady went back to headquarters to see if we were allowed to stay there.

It ended up being an awesome session with all of us together, and today Lynx69 was able to email the assistant park directer back and forth a few times and we are ok to fly!!! He is really talented at negotiating with people As long as we don't get any complaints that field is ours to fly in. I was so worried, I could tell that the ranger was gonna try and get us removed from the perfect field in the area.

We have some video that is being edited of us together. So keep your eyes open so you can see our new spot!

That was a fun jump too, glad you got to see me floating around...

Phew! Good for you!

Might be a good idea to kiss a bit of ass and go around making a big show of like cleaning up rubbish and stuff - after your kiting session to make sure they notice who's doing the good deeds.

Party poopers - nobody is as good at is as the Japanese are :rant:

Good point kamikuza. All spectators have been great but we will definatly be a little more helpful when possible

A word of caution....government moves really really really sllllooooooowwwwwwww. But when they do finally make a decision, it can happen quick. I would do my best to be extremely kind to any officers or rangers that come along and always take a good amount of time showing them just how well your control is of the kites you are flying and pay special attention to all the safety systems, just to show them that they are relatively safe kites to fly. Even go so far as to activate a safety for them just so they can see how quickly they work. Make sure they know that you aren't a rag doll tied to the end of the lines - and that you aren't a stupid retard like that moron in Florida who tried to surf before a hurricane - and you and your group only fly when you know the conditions and know it will be safe for you and everyone else who happens to be there.

When the discussions get going back at headquarters, nobody will be there to defend you. At least by showing a couple rangers on just how much you do have control and that there are active safety systems, if the questions come up during the HQ meetings, somebody will be able to speak for you - even if it is indirectly.

Just some advice if you can use it anyways.......

Thats great news that you are ok to go thus far. I hope it continues. We have far to many places being shut down to this sport. Its great to hear of a few that are opening up.

From what happened at Ocean Beach in San Francisco it all really comes down to organizing a sharing of the beach with fellow kiters - and to not all show up at once. I used to go down to Ocean Beach 2 to 3 times a month during the spring and early summer for about 2 years - everything was totally cool with the rangers, they would smile and wave - nice mutual respect going on. Right before the ban went into effect there were about 2 meetups with about 10 to 12 kiters instead of the usual 2 or 3. I really don't know if this was a deciding factor but I do know things were getting a bit harry for not only the kiters but also the public that was intermingling with us. Try and avoid critical mass - it doesn't help your cause.

thanks awindofchange, we were worried there for awhile. That was the first time we ran into any problems in the area. I just think the particular park ranger had never seen powerkiting and was worried. I was approached by another park ranger during the spring and he asked us to come out and do a demo for them and run a kite day for the local kids in the area. We were polite to the lady who was worried about liability. All of the other people who visit the park stop to talk to us about it, and we are always friendly and helpful. I did forget to wear my helmit on that particular day, so from now on i'll double check to see if it is in my truck. I think if they see us being safe in the future, there won't be any problems.

Yea, I think she may have freaked too. Joeblinky and I were in town, visiting from Des Moines and there was also a new person from Springfield flying the Pansh Blaze. To go from maybe one or two kites at once to five all at once would be pretty shocking.

Many locals walking by have expressed interest in knowing a bit more about kiting, and they don't seem scared even when we are jumping. I wish this kind of attitude would carry through to the people of power, as they seem to have lost touch. I viewed it as a discriminatory act, that all these people could have use of the park, but now that the kiters are here, they can't let us in. There is always some inherent risk in public land, and if they are not prepared to deal with people using the land, they should get out of the Parks and Recreation business

+1 for winning! Let's not abuse the pass we've been given.

Liability ...

Yea... dang liability...

I think liability and insurance is one of the biggest scams on earth

When I brought up to the assistant director that people were launching rockets using a propellant and there was RC planes being flown he saw where I was coming from. I also informed him the kites have brake lines and have more safety featues. He actually apologized for being questioned by the city park ranger since there was no complaints by anyone.

Good advise Kent and Kami. I have been flying there several times a week for a year and know the park attendent well. Yes we have to go the extra mile and not take anything for granted. All it takes is one f up. Keep the stoke alive!!

responsibility, control, courtesy. they are essential

lol That lady was on a trip. She saw something new and responded with ignorance rather then checking on it.

I don't really blame her completely looking into a park she is supposed to enforce and seeing 5 people flying around at greater heights then some of the surrounding buildings!!!!!!

I am really glad we met up with lynx69, he is an all around awesome guy and really was the best voice of reason to the park ranger.

I really like how most other sports I am familiar with have a general mentality of being rude in these situations especially skateboarding. But we just want to get out there and fly in the air, it is definitely frustrating to see a 5 foot tall lady run around trying to intimidate us and get rid of us but most kiters seem to realize this is a new sport and people only know about it what we show them. If we run around like a bunch of jack asses that is all they are going to know of kiting.

It's always a good general rule to be polite and talk to anyone around to clear up chances of tension and maybe get some new kiters for a decent kiting community in places where there is almost nothing like here in the mid-west!!!!

I love that video of the push kiting where the cops come and they think their gonna get kicked out and the cops end up buying a kite.

Perfect Example!!!!!

http://www.kiteforum.tv/video/Grey_Skies__amp__Dirty_Highs__...

When you coming back down Joeblinky? Last Sunday was stellar awesome with five kites in the air, two guys riding ATB's and two guys jumping as high as the trees and one guy static flying doing kool stunts. Did you notice all the cars that were stopping for the kie show? Still stoked and gotta go, the wind is blowing at least 13mph.:bouncing:

Probably around Christmas time, was an amazing sight for sure, never thought I would see that many kites up at one field in Springfield, Mo of all places. I had a blast and can't wait to fly again!

I have 17mph pretty consistently all day tomorrow, I am going before and after work.... hope the weather doesn't change on my cause I am stoaked~!

Hats off to great attitudes, here. Good laughs, but applauding your diplomacy.

My peeve today was a family who let their dog loose while I was flying. Though the guy looked playful, my kite took a hit because he was headed at me, plus I didn't want him peeing on my stuff. The crash scared him off. There was a leash law, but they didn't seem to believe in it.


When practicing climbing, I've had several dog owners come by to give their dogs relief on my gear, and a couple of times, words got hot, so I'm glad to see you all practicing good vibes. I love animals, and have a dog, but I practice courtesy as you gents do.

Good reads. Any insurance for us against onlookers???

Best,

Stan-TheMan

If the land owner comes up to you and asked about insurance to cover him or them what do you do? Why tell him you don't have any and they will invite you to leave the area. If you were a member of NAPKRA then show him you card with all the insurance coverages and your id on it, and that you have a club that will stand behind you.
That is one of the reasons why NAPKRA was formed "we have insurance now", another reason was "together we have some clout". It seems $20 was too much money for buggiers to spend, so Canada drop out, Mexico declined, along with Las Vegas. It just seems that the only buggy club in North America that tries to make a difference for buggiers ends up without people that spend more each day at Mcdees than on help themselves to grow as a sport. You want to make a difference for your sport then JOIN and make it your club, everyone has a say, and everyone has the ability to make changes.
I challenge each of you to make a difference for your sport.

I got my membership card, do you have yours.

Susan (npw goddess)

well some canadians have paid

i've paid but have no card, as well as 3 to 4 other Canadians.

how is this insurance valid, if we're entering a field/location and not calling it an event?
i was told its Event Insurance, the park we fly on is public, and in order to reserve it just for us, we would have to rent it every weekend.
the simple solution is to share / divide / enjoy

IKO insurance is personal and covers YOU worldwide.

we should make the NAPKRA Forum Viewable for the next 5 months and let people see whats going on. some faces might come back once they have an understanding whats what.

I was considering getting IKO insurance, but I read somewhere that you have to pass these "levels" in order to be approved... do they even have the instructors here in the US, or is it just in other countries?

I wouldn't mind being checked out for competency, if it means I can fly free without hassle... but half the hassle is finding a time to meet up. It seems like they are only doing localized training and at certain times. It would be rather hard to get out to one of their training sessions.

UMMM..... Last time I was checked ( 4 days ago ) I was a Canadian ?

I am also a card carrying member of NAPKRA ? I guess I don't count ?

Kind of like the insurance. ( for public places )

I signed a liabilaty form so am sure I'm not covered personaly. I didn't bring my NAPKRA card because I'm not at an event . Of WHAT VALUE is my NAPKRA card when I am being thrown out of a playing field ?????? When I injure a bystander ????

I am planning on poaching a school field today. In Canada our sports fields are designed to keep our kids healthy and out of trouble. Fenced off playing fields are STUPID ! I will be an ignorrant and POLITE tourist when they throw me out. :flaming:

Am I the only one who thinks that locking kids out of playing fields due to money is a crime when you have a nation of obese people ? I have never seen so many fat kids NOT playing !

I would be a member but for some reason you don't respond to requests for a paypal account to send it to. And the way I read the ins. stuff, you are only covered at sanctioned events. Since I don't ever see me at a sanctioned event, the only thing I would get out of it, would be a card w/ my name on it. I already have more cards w/ my name on it than I can count.

Hello All

I thought I would clarify and reiterate what NAPKRA Insurance covers as well as were you can find it and how long it has been made public. If you do not read the emails we send out to you or do not go to the NAPKRA site to get additional information the only one you can have an issue with is yourself. If you have not received your membership card yet it is because I have not received either your Liability Waiver Form or Picture yet, this includes you Rip.

If you go to the NAPKRA site at http://www.napkra.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=215 and http://www.napkra.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=224 you will find what this insurance is about, what you need to do to, to be covered and how it covers you. These threads have been posted since Aug 8, 2009

Also for everyone that has completed the following requirements,
To clarify the requirements of being a Pilot in Good Standing with NAPKRA, you must have
1) Paid your dues to Jon Ellis
2) Mailed or emailed me a signed Liability Waiver Form (http://www.napkra.org/pdfs/NAPKRA%20Liability%20Waiver.pdf)
3) Mailed or emailed me a passport style picture of yourself
Once all of the three above are completed then I will issue you a NAPKRA Membership card and not until then.

When I sent out membership cards the following letter was included, which outlines in detail, how you can utilize our Insurance coverage to help you possibly keep your favorite buggy spots open.

{We would like to thank you for your support of (NAPKRA) North American Parakart Racing Association. We hope with your support we can help unite kite buggiers in North America, in an effort to increase the skill of our member pilots as well as, be a united voice to the public, to help support continued use of our buggy venues. With the Insurance we now have, we are able to reopen some areas that have been put off limits to us do to lack of insurance for the land owner. We hope now that many of the areas that have not yet elected Coordinators for their Club and Region do so. It will then allow these areas to work with NAPKRA to open more areas for pilots to use as; Event or Practice areas. This insurance also allows us to go forward with our plans to Certify Pilots, as to their skill so they can obtain Personal Liability Insurance for themselves at an additional cost above the annual NAPKRA membership dues from our provider. We will be working with this framework with our insurance provider in the near future. We can only do this if you become self interested in getting this done, if enough of you get involved we will get this done.

If you have a land owner who requires an Additional Insured to NAPKRA’s insurance, here is the process to get it done:

*First you need to have a Chartered Club of NAPKRA; you need to then elect a Coordinator.
*The Coordinator contacts the land owner that you have spoken with that requires the document. Get the land owners
Legal Name, Address and Description of land that will be utilized, their phone number.
*The Coordinator then contacts NAPKRA Insurance Officer, Brad Rex 337-989-7283 bbrex@bellsouth.net with the
information obtained from the land owner.
*I will contact NAPKRA’s insurance agent and give him the information. He will produce the document and email a
copy of it to me. I will keep a copy on file and send the Coordinator an attached copy. The Coordinator will keep a
copy for their files and Print a copy to be given to the land owner. (There is no additional cost for this document)
*Once the land owner is content, for us to be covered under our insurance; the NAPKRA pilots who use this area must
setup a communication channel with their Coordinator, this is to allow the Coordinator to either; Organize, Supervise,
Sanction or Schedule either Race Events or Practice/Demo Sessions. As long as the Coordinator knows that activities
are being conducted by NAPKRA Pilots under NAPKRA guidelines.
http://www.napkra.org/pdfs/NAPKRA%20Guide.pdf AND http://www.napkra.org/pdfs/SafetyForBuggyPilots.pdf
we would be covered.

Every pilot that is in good standing has already signed a Liability Waiver Form and sent it to me. Also any other person that may ride as a tandem passenger or fly a traction power kite at a NAPKRA Sanctioned activity, must sign a Liability Waiver http://www.napkra.org/pdfs/SafetyForBuggyPilots.pdf before they participate in any activity. Only NAPKRA registered pilots can PILOT a buggy at an event/activity Sanctioned by NAPKRA. This Waiver form must be forwarded to your Club Coordinator to keep on file indefinitely. I suggest all pilots download a copy of this waiver and print several copies to have in their vehicles.

If any type of accident were to take place at an Event or Practice session, contact your Coordinator immediately so they can start a report as to what occurred so we can get the facts for our Insurance people.

Thanks again for your participation in NAPKRA, if you have any questions or need to get something organized in your area please contact us.}

Regards
Brad Rex
NAPKRA Secretary/Insurance Officer
Club #13 Coordinator
US44


To reply to your posts Rip and Ken, Jon overstated that Canada had dropped out, there are 3 pilots in Canada that have met the above minimal requirements, thank you Ken for being one of few.

(Of WHAT VALUE is my NAPKRA card when I am being thrown out of a playing field) One; what were you thrown out for? Two; did you ask to see if having insurance that would cover the land owner, would make a difference? If so, you need to go through the steps to get that land owner covered and on your side. If you had your card with you, you could of kept the door open for an easier remediation of your status at the area you kite at, if that were the case.

(When you injure a bystander) the landowner can rest assured that he will not be held liable for your actions and will have our insurance that works for him, you personally would have bare the brunt of what the bystander is coming at you with legally, if you are engaged in your buggying and are following the NAPKRA Guide http://www.napkra.org/pdfs/NAPKRA%20Guide.pdf I can’t think of how you could injure a bystander. But the buggy spot would not have to suffer from the accident you were involved in, by the land owner prohibiting the use of it’s land.

(If the field is locked to everyone, then I guess it means everyone), you need to speak to those in control of those decisions and again, having insurance may help. It definitely helped our situation here at out local kite field; because we have insurance if gave the University an out when others in the community may vocalize their opinion of why they can’t use the facility when we can. It gave the University the justification to show they were not playing favorites with us.

One of the main uses of our insurance is indeed event insurance, for those who coordinate and help put on an event. The other is Practice/Demo sessions, so Rip as the above letter describes as long as your Regional Coordinator knows that a group of NAPKRA Pilots in Good Standing are going to Park XYZ, this coming weekend for example (who’s land owner has required to be listed as an Additional Insured) to practice and are conducting themselves to the NAPKRA Guide http://www.napkra.org/pdfs/NAPKRA%20Guide.pdf . That land owner would be covered. That person or entity most likely doesn’t care if you personally are insured, it only cares that they are covered if something happens.

This works, that is how I was able to reopen our 35+ acre parking lot at a local State University.

The only way this sport is going to thrive, is if buggy pilots come together and become active or more importantly proactive.

Regards
Brad Rex
NAPKRA Secretary/Insurance Officer
US44

Thanks Brad !
My reasons for being an NAPKRA member are not the norm. . Normal for me !

My true stoke comes from the Blades and the Skis . I own and ride a buggy but have little interest in racing or the politics that seem to follow but am happy to add a number. My interest is in growing the sport . Opening spots and holding / attending events. While it looks like NAPKRA Chapter 11 is going " chapter 11 " . I'm sorry for that but you can count on my support ! Even if I end up a Chapter of 1 .

I would NEVER bring NAPKRA up when I am poaching a kite spot ! I have a good understanding of how it should work.

Sorry for getting all pissy yesterday. Driving around and seeing all the decent feilds ( and fat kids ) locked up was just a shock !

I'm liable to go crazy about all this Liabilaty stuff. I'll stick with Canada's version of a " Free World " !

Thanks for the clarification Brad. Sorry Weldngod I thought I sent the email to you saying we do not take paypal or credit cards. Flyjump thanks for letting us high jack your thread. Bladerunner I was also frustrated and let my mouth over run my arss. No Worries

:shocked2:

:o did I bump this thread....why yes I did.