​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.

SFBA has been protecting and enhancing Boardsailing access for over 30 years, and does not condone or encourage short term actions which may be in violation of existing coastal protection laws.  At the same time, given present concerns about the highly eroded and small launch area immediately adjacent to the levee revetment (rocks) and the risks it creates, SFBA encourages the kiting community to submit sound ‘safety’ design ideas for consideration in the near future.  SFBA will work with local and State authorities to address the safety issues and potential solutions, and facilitate potential solutions as quickly as possible.

We are all responsible to each other, and when launching at Third Ave kiters need to take consideration the slippery footing on wet clay and close proximity of downwind hard obstacles (rock wall) when launching at Third Ave. There have been kite launch mishaps that have resulted in serious injuries at this and other sites. It is requested that kiters use care when launching each other, and speak with other kiters that they see taking risks they may not be aware of, and not using known safe techniques. Being a steward of a site means to be willing to take time to watch what is going on and to speak up when you see things that could be safer, and where improvements could result in a lower risk of a sketchy launch and possible loss of control.

ALBANY BEACH (Known as "RaceTrack" to bay area Kiters) CALL TO ACTION

Two important events for kiters are coming up, and it is critical for the users of Albany Beach ("RaceTrack") to be well represented:

• City Hall Discussion - on May 16, 2017, 6:30-7:30 pm, at the Albany City Hall 100 San Pablo Avenue, is to discuss the East Bay Regional Park District’s plans for beach restoration and the Bay Trail. 
• BCDC Design Review Board Meeting - on June 5, at the Bay Area Metro Center, 375 Beale Street Yerba Buena, San Francisco, First Floor
• These two meetings are crucial for making sure that the Park District’s design enhances, rather than detracts from access for kiteboarding. Kiters - Please be there to represent the kite community, or there is risk of diminished access on the racetrack 

More Information
There are two issues that are critical to the kiteboarding community.  First, there are some groups in Albany that are opposed to the amount of parking proposed.  While 20 new spaces are proposed, in addition to the 40 spaces now available on Buchanan Street, only 13 of those spaces are available for the length of time kiters and kayakers would be out on the Bay.  Second, while the design proposes to enlarge the beach, it also proposes to fence off a section of the dunes with a 4 foot-high fence that might prove to be hazardous to the launching of kites.  

Now for a little more background.  There are folks who have opposed the designation of Albany Beach for access to the Bay.  Norman LaForce of the Sierra Club joined with another group to sue the park district, arguing that kite boarding and windsurfing would destroy eel grass.  Ultimately they lost that lawsuit.  Second, there is a group called Albany Strollers and Rollers that appears to oppose parking.  They have an article on the upcoming meeting http://www.albanystrollroll.org/event/public-meeting-on-albany-bay-trail-and-beach-restoration/?instance_id=8206

Third, we missed the first meeting of the Design Review Board of BCDC, and should follow up with the staff.  The meeting was held April 17, and the staff report can be found here:  http://www.bcdc.ca.gov/drb/2017/0417AlbanyBeach.pdf.  It would be helpful if you reached out to Andrea Gaffney (415-352-3643) and talk with her about how that meeting went and what our concerns are.