Dear Community
As you may know SFBA members are always vigilant to identify any potential issues that may be a concern for Kiteboarders or Windsurfers and are quick to take action. Here is a quick update on some of the related issues we are working on:
As you may know SFBA members are always vigilant to identify any potential issues that may be a concern for Kiteboarders or Windsurfers and are quick to take action. Here is a quick update on some of the related issues we are working on:
Issue: Corte Madera Marsh kite boarding access
Problem Description
Golden gate Bridge District which owns the land and then deed it to the State department of fish and
wildlife. The Audubon Society at the March 2017 Corte Madera town council meeting stated that they
are fine with no pedestrian access. The kite-boarders and most dog walkers are using unauthorized
public access not included in the existing City of Corte Madera pedestrian access easement. The Area
north of the northern drainage channel is already state fish and wildlife land that is off limits. The Corte
Madera town easement allocation as it is, does not work for kite boarders. But after the levee is
breached, it will naturally keep more people out. I hope we can continue to use the northern levee/dike
to get to the water from Industrial drive.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working with Ben Botkin- water trail planner, Association of Bay area governments/
Metropolitan transportation commission to maintain and enhance kite- boarder access at this location.
The SFBA mapped and described how the kite boarders are using this area, parking, trail path to water,
for a future EIR scoping period.
Golden gate Bridge District which owns the land and then deed it to the State department of fish and
wildlife. The Audubon Society at the March 2017 Corte Madera town council meeting stated that they
are fine with no pedestrian access. The kite-boarders and most dog walkers are using unauthorized
public access not included in the existing City of Corte Madera pedestrian access easement. The Area
north of the northern drainage channel is already state fish and wildlife land that is off limits. The Corte
Madera town easement allocation as it is, does not work for kite boarders. But after the levee is
breached, it will naturally keep more people out. I hope we can continue to use the northern levee/dike
to get to the water from Industrial drive.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working with Ben Botkin- water trail planner, Association of Bay area governments/
Metropolitan transportation commission to maintain and enhance kite- boarder access at this location.
The SFBA mapped and described how the kite boarders are using this area, parking, trail path to water,
for a future EIR scoping period.
Issue: Rod and Gun Public Bathrooms
Problem Description
The City made an application to remove the public bathroom
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA contacted Public Works Engineer to inform and remind him that his application was denied by
BCDC and ensure intentions are followed. Got response back that Board Sailors will be considered in
the relocation of the bathroom
The City made an application to remove the public bathroom
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA contacted Public Works Engineer to inform and remind him that his application was denied by
BCDC and ensure intentions are followed. Got response back that Board Sailors will be considered in
the relocation of the bathroom
Issue: Brick Yard in San Rafael – Land ownership concern
Problem Description
Not clear who the land belongs to and if people are allowed to kite-board
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA located land owner and understanding is as long as kiters are behaving ok. No problem. Message
is to stay respectfulIssue: Upper Third Ave Launch Erosion
Not clear who the land belongs to and if people are allowed to kite-board
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA located land owner and understanding is as long as kiters are behaving ok. No problem. Message
is to stay respectfulIssue: Upper Third Ave Launch Erosion
Issue: Upper Third Ave Launch Erosion
Problem Description
Third Ave in Foster City, upper launch beach is quickly eroding and soon will not be able to host kites.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working closely with one of the best coastal engineering firms in California on a conceptual design to rehabilitate the Third Ave beach area for both natural resource protection and existing recreational uses. The conceptual project, which is in very early stages of discussion with authorities, would create a living shoreline along the City of Foster City and County of San Mateo coastline, which should provide resiliency from sea level rise; restore, enhance and protect wetland/wildlife habitat; and rehabilitate the water contact recreational uses (e.g., Kite staging and launch) lost to erosion over the last 15 years.
Third Ave in Foster City, upper launch beach is quickly eroding and soon will not be able to host kites.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working closely with one of the best coastal engineering firms in California on a conceptual design to rehabilitate the Third Ave beach area for both natural resource protection and existing recreational uses. The conceptual project, which is in very early stages of discussion with authorities, would create a living shoreline along the City of Foster City and County of San Mateo coastline, which should provide resiliency from sea level rise; restore, enhance and protect wetland/wildlife habitat; and rehabilitate the water contact recreational uses (e.g., Kite staging and launch) lost to erosion over the last 15 years.
Issue: Construction in Berkeley threatens sailing season
Problem Description
After many years, Berkeley started construction of improvements in the South Basin in Berkeley
Marina. Those improvements would relocate and improve the rigging area, pave the parking lot, and
provide a bathroom. But construction has lagged, with completion of all improvements not likely until
April or May. The City did not include a rigging area and pathway to the dock that it had promised in
meetings with windsurfers, and allowed the contractor to use a portion of the western parking lot, so
only about 40 parking spaces are available for all users.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working with local windsurfers to meet with the City and secure a temporary rigging area and
pathway to the docks.
What you can do to help
Attend the upcoming meeting of the Parks and Waterfront Commission on February 14, 2018, at the
Frances Albrier Center at 7:00 p.m. and express your concerns for access.
https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/frances-albrier-community-center-372190745
After many years, Berkeley started construction of improvements in the South Basin in Berkeley
Marina. Those improvements would relocate and improve the rigging area, pave the parking lot, and
provide a bathroom. But construction has lagged, with completion of all improvements not likely until
April or May. The City did not include a rigging area and pathway to the dock that it had promised in
meetings with windsurfers, and allowed the contractor to use a portion of the western parking lot, so
only about 40 parking spaces are available for all users.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working with local windsurfers to meet with the City and secure a temporary rigging area and
pathway to the docks.
What you can do to help
Attend the upcoming meeting of the Parks and Waterfront Commission on February 14, 2018, at the
Frances Albrier Center at 7:00 p.m. and express your concerns for access.
https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/frances-albrier-community-center-372190745
Issue: Park plan for Gateway Park
Problem Description
After completion of construction of the Bay Bridge, Caltrans and the East Bay Regional Park District
have issued a draft EIR for development of a park at the base of the Bay Bridge. However, it is not
clear whether the Park Plan, developed in 2012, provides protection for the kite boarding that goes on
at Radio Beach, known to kiteboarders as Royce Beach. Provision of a kayak launch from the sandy
beach was specifically rejected for habitat reasons.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working with the Bay Water Trail staff and Bay Access, the group that sponsored the Water
Trail legislation to clarify conflicting information in the document and make sure that e area and
pathway to the docks.
What you can do to help
Review copies of the EIR, available at this site: https://mtc.ca.gov/gateway-park If you have
kited from the site, or learned, comment by March 15 about the need to preserve this important
kiteboarding site.
After completion of construction of the Bay Bridge, Caltrans and the East Bay Regional Park District
have issued a draft EIR for development of a park at the base of the Bay Bridge. However, it is not
clear whether the Park Plan, developed in 2012, provides protection for the kite boarding that goes on
at Radio Beach, known to kiteboarders as Royce Beach. Provision of a kayak launch from the sandy
beach was specifically rejected for habitat reasons.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working with the Bay Water Trail staff and Bay Access, the group that sponsored the Water
Trail legislation to clarify conflicting information in the document and make sure that e area and
pathway to the docks.
What you can do to help
Review copies of the EIR, available at this site: https://mtc.ca.gov/gateway-park If you have
kited from the site, or learned, comment by March 15 about the need to preserve this important
kiteboarding site.
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