Pluto
A Force-of-Nature *  
Member #: 598 Posts 281
Registered: 20-3-2004 Location: Shrewsbury Member Is Offline Mood:
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| posted on 21-5-2005 at 21:19 |
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Club Wanted
Never used this, let's see if it works...
Those in favour of some kind of club representation for the Borth / Ynyslas / Aberdovey / Mid Wales area for the type of activities on
this site, windsurfing / kitesurfing / land kiting / surfing / body boarding etc....
It's only a press of a button to see if I'm pissing into the wind here...?
[Edited on 21-5-2005 by Pluto]
www.kitesurfteacher.co.uk
IKO/BKSA Instructor
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kelvin
A Force-of-Nature ** 
Member #: 148 Posts 356
Registered: 22-2-2003 Location: s.wales Member Is Offline Mood: waiting 4 next blow
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| posted on 21-5-2005 at 21:27 |
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good thought pluto ,
but you assume that borth is
THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE
where in truth the spead of registered users to this forum is far greater .
Kel www.winsurfing.co.uk
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justal
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| posted on 22-5-2005 at 06:15 |
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Does that mean you are going to take on the challenge and be the helmsman Pluto??
People have tried to set up clubs before and there is already a Borth Surf Club (Which was originally meant to cover windsurfing,
kite-surfing, kayak surfing etc. as well, but in reality caters only for surfers as it was only surfers that joined).
The main problem you will get is that people need to see a benefit of actually joining a club.... Lot sof the locals here never joined
the surf club as they couldn't really see the point.
Obviously with kite-surfing it could help give us a voice if there was ever any threats of a ban, but if that happened most people
would club together and there would be quite a big voice from the kitesurfers anyway. Most non-kitesurfing locals also REALLY like the
fact that the beach is used for kitesurfing and would vote to keep kitesurfing at Borth any day... Good news seeing as they are always
trying to ban jet-skiing and even have a pop at the horse-riders now and then.
I guess in a way everyone here is already part of the 'Forces-of-Nature' club and use this to arrange get togethers, events etc. so all
we really need is to formailse that in some way.. All the benefits of being part of a club such as communication, organisation and
discounts at local (and not so local) stores are already here for free... Maybe we should just build on that?
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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Pluto
A Force-of-Nature *
Member #: 598 Posts 281
Registered: 20-3-2004 Location: Shrewsbury Member Is Offline Mood:
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| posted on 22-5-2005 at 20:49 |
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Al, I agree in all that you say. To Kelvin, this post is mainly aimed at those that use Borth/Aberdovey area and I appreciate that it
is far from the centre of the universe! People from other areas use this site, but feel free to join in. The more the merrier!
The site Al provides here is ace. But it is very informal and although provides an excellant communication platform can not provide
the benifits of a club or similar organisation. Yes, I mostly use Borth for kitesurfing and issues around this sport raised the idea
in the first place, but am interested to learn if there are any other interested parties.
The point of a club as I see it is to primarily maintain access to beaches and provide a point of contact to thoses looking to enter
the sport and thus go about it in a safe way. This can only be achieved and be respected by the formation of a formal club or
association that can be demonstrated to represent the wants and needs of it's members. That said there is also the social aspect as
well as perhaps the odd competition? This really is a finger in the air to see if any one else has a similar view or other ideas. My
feeling from informal discussions is that lots of people like th idea but no one is willing to drive something forward.
As far as benefits of joning are concerned, that's up to the members. Insurance is one that can be offered by affiliation to the BKSA
for example. Surely being part of a force acting for the greater good is another. Someone else must have some thoughts. If not then
I am pissing in the wind and I'll wind my neck in.....
www.kitesurfteacher.co.uk
IKO/BKSA Instructor
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mNeil
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| posted on 22-5-2005 at 21:43 |
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hi paul just thought i'd reply as you mintioned insurance and affiliation to the bksa.
insurance can be got cheaper throught the british buggy club, it is organised by the same person Ian Merridethand offers exactly the
same cover with the same company.
i declined to renew my membership of the bksa a year after doing my IkO instructors course ( as you know you are obliged to join the
bksa for your course)as i felt that its benefits are mainly bestowed on the top few riders , in the form of prizes at competitions. i
decided that as i work to earn my spare dosh it was up to me who and where i should make donations and they tend to go to deserving
charrities; the BKSA is not one!
the forming of a club is a tricky one; as Al rightly says not many peeps want to take on the responsibilty for a thankless job. it is a
good idea that we self police our beach as regards insurance and where to launch etc to avoid conflict with locals and holiday
peeps.
as of now i cant think of anywhere else that has such a good bunch of responsible and friendly kitersurfers/ windsurfers, using such a
great beach and i dont think that we are doing such a bad job of keeping it that way at present.
if it aint broken, dont fix it, could spring to mind ,but there again ,it dont get broken as long as we look after it.
A KITE IS FOR LIFE!! THAT IS IF ITS A YARGA.
founder of storm'n Normans van club!
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Pluto
A Force-of-Nature *
Member #: 598 Posts 281
Registered: 20-3-2004 Location: Shrewsbury Member Is Offline Mood:
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| posted on 23-5-2005 at 21:11 |
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Wise Words Neil. But then, I'd expect no less from you!!
Like I said. I'm just sticking my finger in the air and it seems that you're bang on.
I can't help thinking though that although it ain't broke, does it need some loving maintenance to keep it that way?
www.kitesurfteacher.co.uk
IKO/BKSA Instructor
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mNeil
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| posted on 23-5-2005 at 22:37 |
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i agree ,good point; preventative maintenance is always the way to go.
but who would volunteer to take on the thankless job? now there might be the rib!
still doesnt mean you should not keep plugging away at it!
this year might be the time for us all to be more vigilant on thebeach and practice what we preach; me included.
[Edited on 23/5/05 by mNeil]
A KITE IS FOR LIFE!! THAT IS IF ITS A YARGA.
founder of storm'n Normans van club!
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justal
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| posted on 24-5-2005 at 07:02 |
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Yep... I did notice that everyone (including me) launched from within the groynes on Sunday.... We should ALL be wlaking the few yards
north and launch from beyond the little brick building... I know there was no one on the beach but if we all do it then any newcomers
will follow suit and the self-policing will have started! Which should make things safer for all once the holiday-makers show up.
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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shem
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| posted on 24-5-2005 at 07:10 |
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I think Als idea of basing the club around "forces of nature" is a great Idea, especially as it gives the club a potential of over 500
members instantly. The other advantage is for people who dont sail around mid wales. If there local beach gets any banning problems,
then we can all stick up for them, using the club as well. Virtually a huge cyber kite club!! ?? Any thoughts?
Kite & SUP wales
Caravan decking wales
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col123
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| posted on 24-5-2005 at 07:46 |
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well i dont mind chipping in and i'm sure the shop wont mind getting involved,
...i'll speak to ian mereidith who runs the british buggy club and see what he says,
self policing is the way to go at the mo and we could start by posting on forums the simple launch rule of by the hut etc, more
informal the better maybe use this site for info etc as its all here already....
Al if you need help with hosting costs etc give me a shout and i'll go blagging...or how about a donation fee from the massive??
To Infirmary and beyond..
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willf
A Force-of-Nature * 
Member #: 915 Posts 238
Registered: 17-8-2004 Location: HEREFORD Member Is Offline Mood: landlocked and sick of it.
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| posted on 24-5-2005 at 12:36 |
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i think it would be silly to cover everyone under one club i don't want to upset people but i don't want to be affiliated to
landboarders or buggyers!!
may not be pc but in my mind it is these sports that are most dangerous to the public and probably more likely to be complained about
by them as it uses the land that beach users want to let there dogs crap on and push balls around on. once kitersurfers are out on the
sea they are basically away from the public and therfor safer.
the public need educating as do councils that there are different types of kiting. many beach bans in the south and one near liverpool
were due to land kiters but the difference was not seen and all kites were banned. thankfully in Ainsdale they only banned the land
users as they were educated by the kitesurfers.
if there is to be a club it should be seperate for all the sports to save confusion for the public and the grey people at the
council.
to be honest on the most part we don't need one we are all pretty safe bar a few people who don't seem to be on the beach very often
anyway and therefor wouldn't join the club but would bring it a bad name by practising the same sport.
All we need are a few non sheep, responsible people who have the nouse and balls to go tell people what is right and wrong and maybe a
sign to explain to the public what is going on at the point of the last groyne or something. i don't think we need a club to right a
sign!!!
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willf
A Force-of-Nature *
Member #: 915 Posts 238
Registered: 17-8-2004 Location: HEREFORD Member Is Offline Mood: landlocked and sick of it.
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| posted on 24-5-2005 at 12:43 |
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if the club sends new people for lessons to safe guard safety etc etc then who do you point them to??
Shem?
Or YOU!!!!!!!!???????!!!!!!!!
SCANDAL!!!!
if there is one it will have to be independant of stuff like that or we may end up with arguements!
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mNeil
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| posted on 24-5-2005 at 20:00 |
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calm dowm Will ,its only an idea;
surely paul is'nt touting for trade ,only trying to safeguard the beach which up till now we have been privilaged to use.with luck ,or
should i say vigilance on our part, it will stays that way.
lets keep focused on the potentail real problems and not invent some. if my dog were ill i would have no hesitation about sending it
to you to be fixed as you are a known to me and so have increased credidiibilty in my eyes.
cant see a problem; but then i do need glasses to see my phone!
A KITE IS FOR LIFE!! THAT IS IF ITS A YARGA.
founder of storm'n Normans van club!
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justal
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| posted on 25-5-2005 at 06:11 |
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quote:
Originally posted by col123
Al if you need help with hosting costs etc give me a shout and i'll go blagging...or how about a donation fee from the massive??
Thanks for the thought Col, and I'll never turn down help with the financial costs of keeping FON running. However, I'm not going to
let FON become tied to any particualr brand, shop, school etc. as I want to keep it unbiased and as balanced as possible. Any help is
always gratefully received, and the contributors obvously get a mention, but thats all, FON remains FREE of any commercial
associations.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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willf
A Force-of-Nature *
Member #: 915 Posts 238
Registered: 17-8-2004 Location: HEREFORD Member Is Offline Mood: landlocked and sick of it.
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| posted on 25-5-2005 at 16:04 |
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just high lighting possible pit falls! and being naughty!! don't know how to do these smiley faces or i'd have put winks all over my
last posts!! very calm about it all. think borth has the friendliest and SAFEST group of kiters i know. if i could i'd move there
everyone makes me feel so at home and welcome. and yes it must be safeguarded but i just love playing devil's advocate!
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mNeil
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| posted on 25-5-2005 at 17:04 |
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Al i'm sure Col was not trying to compromise your situation or bias your opinions, which ever way, buy offering you support with
finance or other things like your kites etc oooooooooooops you already have those.
have to watch what you say these days, holes appearing all over the place.
but seriously i think its a good idea that peeps who use this site as regularly as us lot to keep in touch etc could make a small
annual donation, without being mentioned. hows about totting up your average yearly bill for offering the fon service and seeing if we
can't take it from there to help out.
BEST be on our guard; Willfs in sheeps clothing!!
[Edited on 25/5/05 by mNeil]
A KITE IS FOR LIFE!! THAT IS IF ITS A YARGA.
founder of storm'n Normans van club!
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willf
A Force-of-Nature *
Member #: 915 Posts 238
Registered: 17-8-2004 Location: HEREFORD Member Is Offline Mood: landlocked and sick of it.
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| posted on 25-5-2005 at 18:25 |
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Nice one!
yeah Al. sure we'd all be up for that. it's so handy for us all. especially with Al's meteorological forecasts for the weekends. Will
there be any of that cattybatty wind this weekend?
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justal
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| posted on 25-5-2005 at 18:39 |
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Almost no chance at all of a 'cattybatty' wind this weekend (judging by the current charts), that doesn't mean there won't be any wind
on the seafront though...Looking like Westerlies at the moment, but that could all change.
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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col123
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| posted on 25-5-2005 at 18:51 |
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i retract my comments neil keeps ringing me up makeing me buy stuff, i was rich for two hours this morning but back in the land of
skint 
p.s. does any one want to buy a vw van..
[Edited on 25-5-2005 by col123]
[Edited on 25-5-2005 by col123]
To Infirmary and beyond..
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Kitefish
A Force-of-Nature * 
Member #: 945 Posts 299
Registered: 31-8-2004 Location: Shrewsbury Member Is Offline Mood:
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| posted on 25-5-2005 at 23:21 |
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VW for sale
Col
If you will be selling your little van, I would like to purchase your awning.
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Pixelwave Web Design.
justal@forces-of-nature.co.uk