COURTESY OF THE CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE
A photograph of the Cape Cod National Seashore by Gerald Cohen.
EASTHAM – Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent George Price lifted the seasonal ban on kitesurfing a day earlier than usual this year following widespread discussion on potentially altering the rules regarding kitesurfing in the area.
Current laws ban kitesurfing along Seashore beaches between March 15th and October 15th for reasons related to the health and safety of nesting shorebirds and the general public.
But after Price opened the topic up for public discussion early last month, he decided to temporarily lift that ban on the final day of restrictions.
He said that a meeting later in the month drew in kitesurfers from across the region who objected to the restrictions.
“We take these concerns seriously because we do want to have recreationists have these opportunities, but on the other hand, resource management and visitor safety weigh heavily into every decision we make,” Price said.
Price said he had seen birds flush after being spooked by the large sails kitesurfers use in their hobby.
But Price said he has received comments over the last few years which bemoan the season-long ban, since unlike surfing, kitesurfing does not typically involve donning wetsuits in cooler weather. The hobbyists’ main season, Price said, is the summer.
A public comment session is open until November 14th to retrieve further opinion on the matter. Price said these comments will inform the kitesurfing policymaking going forward.
Comments can be sent via the Seashore’s webpage, http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ccnskitesurfing.
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