December 2nd...Franz Ferstl sent photos of the new memorial bench that family and friends had installed on Waterdog Mountainbike Trail in memory of Allen Zimmerman. It's a celebration of Allen's love of biking and of the Bay. Next time you're up there please check it out.
November 16th Eastern Standard Time...east coast contributor Olivier Corvez is smiling ear to ear after his latest Kalmus session:
"Quick pics from Kalmus Beach (Hyannis, Cape Cod) yesterday. 'Balmy' low 50's; gusty 18-30... the guy on the beach was the only one wearing a wet suit while the 5 other windsurfers had dry suits... Yet, his hands stayed purple: A good sign that blood still circulated there :)
... Still he says he had an AWE-SOME time playing in the swell near the Kennedy's 'simple' mansion... The 2 masts sailboat in the background is Ted Kennedy's... also simple and discreet, I assume. Keep sailing, O.
PS: brought some seaweed back at home so that Junior can get his first smell of the ocean :) "
Ken Ebbs Update and Benefit Info
Many of you may remember Ken from years past at Coyote Point, 3rd Ave, various wave sailing spots, the Gorge etc. After taking a few years break from sailing, Ken was recently back at it and you might have seen him out at 3rd or in the waves. However, about 9 weeks ago Ken suffered a life threatening accident while mountain biking with the boys.
Ken, at the head of the pack, had a mishap (details unknown) that caused him to fall over a cliff and land in a river. Later, doctors confirmed that the fall caused severe damage to his C-6 and C-7 vertebrae.
At this point, Ken is very busy and active in a comprehensive rehab program while his home is being remodeled for wheelchair accessibility. Those of you who know Ken won't be surprised to hear he is tackling this life changing event with his usual vigor. He is surrounded by the love of his family and unending support from friends and the community-- this is really helping him through the adjustments. His wife Deborah and his two boys expect him home in another couple of weeks. Meanwhile, his friend, colleague and fellow windsurfer, Harry Burks will be performing with his hot band, the MEGATONES in a benefit concert, and an auction will also be held. The event "A Good Time for a Good Cause" is NOV. 30 in Palo Alto.
58,000 Gallon Oil Spill Fouls the Bay...
Nov 9th Update...
The following updated information has become available:
• 73 live, oiled birds are being rehabilitated
• There have been 19 confirmed deceased birds reported
• 11 skimmers are currently deployed on the water
• 10 wildlife recovery teams are on the beaches with additional teams joining Friday afternoon
• Over 9,500 gallons of fuel oil have been recovered as of Thursday night
• Over 18,000 feet of boom has been placed around the area to soak up and corral the oil
• More than 200 people from over 19 federal, state, and local agencies are involved with the response efforts. Beginning tomorrow there will be an additional 200 trained responders to supplement the initial response team.
• The public is reminded that they should avoid areas and wildlife that are oiled, as untrained persons may cause further damage, while attempting to assist.
The following beaches have been closed for public access until further notice:
• Aquatic Park
• San Francisco Municipal Pier
• Fort Point
• Baker Beach
• China Beach
• Fort Baker
• Mile Rock Beach
• Kirby Cove
• Rodeo Beach
• Tennessee Valley
• Muir Beach
• Angel Island
Ocean Beach is currently open, and Crissy Field has reopened.
A Note from Peter Thorner, Nov 7th.
As a result of oil spill clean up operations, the beaches at the GGNRA, including Crissy Field, are closed for water access. Right now they have a lot of clean up boats operating around Anita Rock, so beyond the fear of sailors getting slicked, they probably want room to maneuver. It looks like they have used oil booms to some of the oil up against the beach between the old outfall pipe and the main launch area. Luckily, the spill was limited to a few hundred gallons after a large container ship side swiped the concrete barrier protecting one of the Bay Bridge towers. It is likely that they may continue the closure tomorrow to remove contaminated sand. If the closure continues past tomorrow, I will update again.
Peter Thorner
San Francisco Boardsailing Association
THE 2007 U.S. SURFSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
WILL BE HELD THIS WEEKEND, SEPTEMBER 29 & 30 AT CRISSY FIELD
Coyote Launch Repair Update...Sept 28
San Mateo County Parks is still working on plans to install temporary access ramps along the eroded shoreline at Coyote Point. There is a seasonal work shut down from 10/15 (by the Regional Water Quality Control Board) through 4/15. They should be able to get any and all permits during the shut down and according to Peter Thorner (SFBA), the Parks Foundation already has the money needed. They also are working on the planning for a permanent fix. A workshop was held on Sept 27th to examine various alternatives for the permanent replacement/repair of the Coyote Point Promenade.
In attendance were Sam Herzberg, Julia Bott, Bob Battalio, David Brew, Scott Nix, Jim Magrath and I.
David and Bob presented historical data with images about Coyote Point's past as a regional recreational beach. They explained the erosion problems we are currently experiencing and offered a number of alternatives with pros and cons, that might be implemented to address the issue.
One of the alternatives stood clearly as the best solution, that being construction of a pocket beach to the east of the concession building extending to the base of the headland thereby creating a large and attractive sandy beach for swimmers, waders and sunbathers in approximately the same location as the current swimming beach.
After much discussion to address the windsurf launch without any pocket beaches, Bob suggested that it might be possible to re-grade the windsurf beachfront to a gentle slope reinforced with riprap and overlaid with armorflex to approximate the fix from years ago.
This solution would impact parking in both the swimmers beach lot and the windsurf beach lot. Sam suggested that further study was necessary to deal with the parking issues but hinted that other unused space in the park might be available to make up for the loss.
The meeting was very positive with everyone looking to a restoration that will benefit multiple user groups while keeping the windsurf and swim areas safely separated.
Bob and David will consolidate the information and ideas from last evening for a future public presentation at a Park and Rec Comission meeting.
Scott Nix's presence at the meeting was extremely beneficial in proving that kiters and windsurfers are working in harmony toward a good solution for the restoration of Coyote Point. Unfortunately the new concessionaires from Boardsportschools didn't attend and offer support.
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I laughed... I cried. I nearly died. The pain. The pleasure. In equal measure. Wave upon wave. My body was wracked. My mind disengaged and time went untracked...
For more than 20 years... windsurfers at Coyote Pt. have abided by the posted rules forbidding sailing, and of recent years kiting, through the designated downwind swimming area which is clearly delineated by pier pilings downwind of the windsurf launch.
After years of negotiations and general good will between the windsurf/kitesurf community and San Mateo County Parks Service, navigating the inside area of Coyote was made easier for us a few seasons ago when the Park reduced the upwind portion of the swim zone, giving us more space and a better angle to the prevailing NW wind.
In the few short weeks that Boardsportsschool has run the new concession the posted rules and common sense guidlines have been repeatedly violated with the knowledge and consent of the new proprietors, Jane and Rebecca.
Weeks ago, Coyote's long time resident kiter (longer-time resident windsurfer), SNix, outlined to the new proprietors the best kite launching and landing scenerios with specific regard to wind direction, tide condition and local rules, and was immediately rebuffed by them suggesting that their (Boardsportsschool) instructors knew better and were experts. Posts on iWindsurf about established local rules are currently being ignored. Kiters and windsurfers associated with the concession have blatantly refused to follow SOP for Coyote! Photos here...
If they (Boardsportsschool) intend to teach at Coyote then they have a responsibility to abide by and promote respect for park rules!
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August 19th...just another beautiful Sunday afternoon at Coyote. A camera crew took over the entire middle section of the windsurf parking lot, but that didn't stop the regulars from hitting the water on a warm and light wind day.
Just days after Franz shared his old photos, a guy shows up at Coyote with an original teak boom rig. It felt like being in a time warp.
A new vendor at Coyote??? That's right... Jane and Rebecca of Boardsports School have taken over the former ASD digs at Coyote.
Good luck and best wishes to the new kids on the block!
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August 4th...another day, another blow at Coyote. The wind was north and solid. Early or late, everyone got a piece of the action. The real trick was getting back up the ramp at high tide. What's up with those vans?
July 27...It's with a heavy heart that I tell you Allen Zimmerman, local windsurfer and kiteboarder, has passed away. I received this sad news last night and my thoughts and love go out to BZ and all of Allen's family and large circle of friends. I hope his spirit, humor and dry wit will be be remembered and that his voice will echo 'til the wind is done.
Well here it is, already the end of July...and it's been a while since I've posted anything new. This season's been really good and it's hard to spend time taking pictures when I'd rather be sailing. Here are a few shots from the past couple of weekends. Yes, there's even a shark in there!
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So how's that new Coyote ramp coming along??? As you may recall, back in March a few local sailors met with park officials, county folks, planners and engineers to figure out a temporary fix to the windsurf launch access. At the time it seemed to be a no-brainer. A sandbag ramp was the logical choice and we left the discussion believing the fix would be implemented in time for the peak windsurf season. Well, now it's the end of July and the only thing that's changed is that the ramp has been further undermined by recent high tides and heavy winds and the outlook for the sandbag ramp is a possible install date of late September. That just sucks!
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June 23rd at Coyote...2007's been a remarkably good year for wind. Most days for the past 6 weeks have seen wind in the 20's and often well over 30 kts. On Wednesday the wind turned west and gusterly...hell blasts and dust devils off the point then football fields of calm punctuated by knock-down sized blows. On days like this there's usually a glassy quarter mile to the start line. Fun stuff but not terribly interesting for snapshots.
That won't stop me from picking on Mark 'cuz he made such a pretty splash.
May 20th at Coyote...we've had 2 solid weeks of 25 knot wind. Todays forecast was for lighter wind and warmer air. W R O N Gon both counts! It was chilly (low 60's) and the wind meter pegged at 44 knots. Typical westerly, gusterly Coyote made equipment selection critical.
April 28th, Coyote Point...it was a warm start to a beautiful Spring Saturday. The forecast was for late afternoon NW breezes, maybe 12-15. A Cal Cup race was scheduled and the parking lot was swarming with Formula types and their largest gear.
The only thing to hit the water however, was a Nissan Altima. The story is that the driver, under the influence, lost control while trying to make the curve on S Airport Blvd., and ended up nose first into the Bay mud. The incident happened at about 8pm Friday evening and there were no injuries. Because of darkness and tide the vehicle recovery was posponed until Saturday afternoon.
Olivier Corvez has loaded up the moving van and headed to his new home, Boston. He's taken a circuitous route through Maui and sent us an update or two...
April 27...
Aloha!
6 days on wave stuff juggling between 4.5 to 5.0 sails in very gusty conditions. Today (4/26) on slalom stuff as got inspired by the light wind/ having Micah Buzianis testing his 2008 slalom board.... That guy was fast... the Simmer/ F2 sailor was Junko (Pro rider also)... I think she got annoyed when I zipped by her full speed ;).... (and a few minutes before getting the catapult of my life... a hard one!)... Memories that will last a life time! O.
April 20...
Just a quick hello from Maui where I finally have the chance to windsurf at Kahana and hopefully other places. On the way here, Nick Baker (Mistral rider K66) was on our flight (you should see the hands of this guy...); today, at Neil Pryde Maui, got a chance to briefly talk with (THE) Jason Polakow himself (JP Australia)! .. Jason said that the current trade winds should continue to blow 'hard' in the coming days... No S...! I was on a 4.5 at Kahana and totally overpowered :) Going to swap the 93L for an 80L wave board tomorrow so I won't get tossed around in the violent gusts... That said: the water is warm, blue and 80 degrees... Almost as nice as Coyote ;)... Maybe Maui should have been our destination instead of Boston?... Mahalo, O.
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Sergey M has his own website now.... It's the home of his "Jibe Apparent Wind Calculator" and helmet cam videos.
April 11th at Coyote...last night we had heavy rain and today the westerlies kicked in. Nothing beats you up like a gusty, westerly flood day at Coyote!
Why would someone leave tropical, warm waters for this???
March 31, 2007 Cotote Point...shots from the beach (in a somewhat random order) here...
Good day, plenty of wind and lots of
folks tired of the mud at 3rd showed up.
March 25th...A note and pic from Oli C. sailing Sherman Island...
Hi, Blew 5-5.5 all day. Alan did the dawn Patrol (left the Bay at 7:30...). I sailed the late morning ebb... Fan-tas-tic! See pic attached. O.
I am tempted in doing the same next week end!
Coyote Point Ramp Update March 28, 2007...On Monday the 26th, Peter T., BZ and I met with representatives from the Parks and Rec Dept, the head ranger and consultants hired by the county, to explore options which would make the ramp access more user friendly in the short term while plans and permits are being addressed for full restoration of the beach area and promenade.
All parties involved agree that windsurf access at Coyote should be maintained and enhanced. The long term solution is years away. Interim solutions were batted about but the reality is that repair and restoring function requires BCDC approval, time and money. It was stressed that the County has no funds for this at this time.
A very short term remedy--something to help this season--has been proposed. The possibility of an engineered sandbag ramp(s) is being explored. We may have to come up with some of the $$ and it must be done with the approval of the BCDC, so at best it may still be weeks away.
WTF is going on here? 2 years ago the park service fenced off the walkway between ASD and the beach due to erosion and now the problem extends to the main windsurf area. Spots less affected are still a hazard and no remedy is in sight. The County park system spent more than a million dollars on one specific childrens play zone but can't rehab access to the Bay?
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Don't light up at Coyote...
San Mateo County OKs smoking ban Diana Walsh, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
(02-06) 12:02 PST REDWOOD CITY -- Smoking will be outlawed in all parks, beaches and recreation areas owned by San Mateo County, under a new ordinance approved unanimously by the county Board of Supervisors this morning.
The county is one of several in the state, including San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, to adopt bans in public recreation areas. The city council in Pacifica banned smoking on city beaches and the city fishing pier in September in an effort to reduce cigarette litter.
Last year, San Mateo supervisors banned smokers from lighting up anywhere within 30 feet of county buildings. Supervisor Rich Gordon, who sponsored the legislation approved today, said he was concerned about litter from cigarette butts, second hand smoke and fire hazards.
The new law will go into effect in mid-March.
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On Sunday, Feb. 12th... Queen Mary 2, the largest ship ever to enter the San Francisco Bay, was escorted to pier 27 by a large flotilla of well wishers and cheered by a crowd of tens of thousands lining the beachfront.
January 4, 2007...3rd Ave. clearing winds gusting well over 40 and a serious wind chill factor meant lots of real estate available for any kiter or windsurfer willing to freeze his/her butt off...
