I tried to post earlier but it failed SORRY.
Hello everyone, my name is Jake and as of last night I am a fellow TKAA member and competitor in the upcoming tourney. I purchased a Prowler 13 from Bass Pro Shops and was recommend to the TKAA by the manager there. I have recently discovered kayak fishing and look forward to meeting you guys at the next meeting (I live in Hampton and if anyone wants to carpool to the next meeting or the captains meeting let me know). I appologize ahead of time for being long winded.
To my concern, I opened the Daily Press today to see that the Hampton City Council is examining restrictions on kayakers (and other boaters) at Buckroe Beach during the next Hampton City Council meeting this Wed. Aug. 20th. They are trying to restrict launching and use of boats (kayaks, canoes, jetskis, and all watercraft) in the designated swimming areas except for the kayaks and paddle boats that are rented from Hampton Parks and Rec. From my dealings with the staff at the beach, jetskis, power boats, canoes, and privately owned kayaks are already prohibited in the swimming area. I am worried that at the next Council Meeting, the City of Hampton will enact policies that are restrictive to paddlers and make it difficult for kayakers enjoy Buckroe Beach. I assume the safety of beach patrons is the city's main concern. I was an American Red Cross certified Lifegaurd and Water Safety Insructor for five years. I also served as the Aquatics Director, and Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation at LAFB. I have assited in the enjoyment of the outdoors for countless people and hope to continue to do so by ensuring easy access at the Beach.
I have been to Buckroe many times to fish this summer (BTW I've never had a bad day there, big croaker and spot are very plentiful there, but I haven't been able to land any cobia yet) and been instructed by lifeguards to launch my kayak from the designated fishing area located near the fishing pier that is being rebuilt to the right (south) of the beach. I have had with no problem with lifeguards or park rangers until last week. I went fishing last Tuesday afternoon and after I unloaded my kayak I was stopped by a lifeguard and told to launch from the opposite end of the beach to at "Beach #6". At this end of the beach there is no off loading area and I would have to drag my kayak a across a gated parking lot (which closes at 7pm) and down the beach a 1/4 mile. I asked why other lifeguards had allowed me to launch there previously and why he wasn't granting me the same courtesy. I was directed by the lifeguard to a "park ranger". The park ranger had to call someone to find out where I was allowed to launch, which turned out to be Beach #6, and did not provide any reasoning for change in policy/rules or the inconsistant enforcement. There are no rules posted or written regarding this policy at Buckroe Beach. I waited till 6pm when the lifeguards are off duty and launced from the fishing area anyways with no incident.
After seeing the article in todays paper, I called Hampton Parks & Rec to see what policies are actually in place. I spoke with Tina Roszczyo, who was more than happy to answer my questions. I told her of my prior experiences and the inconsistency of enforcement. She told me that many of the lifeguards this year allow people to launch in the fishing area near the pier outside of the designated swimming area and that I just dealt with "a real stickler for the rules" for the rules that day. I also asked her what brought about the need for this issue to be brought up before city council and the need to have city ordinances enacted to restrict access. She told me that she was unaware of any action being taken by the Hampton City Council. When I asked why such actions would need to be taken, Roszczyo said that "some people in motor boats and jet skis were taking advantage of the situation". She confirmed my assumption that it is all ready policy to restrict access to motorized vessels. I told her that I understand that jet skis and motor boats would be dangerous but why include people in canoes and kayaks. She said that it was to restrict the amount of boaters in the water. I then asked her why kayakers were allowed access in the city owned kayaks and paddle boats that are rented at the beach. She says that lessons and instructions on safety are given to the renters.
I don't want to miss the opportunity to have say on this issue before any restrictions are put in place. I just want easy access to the water. If anyone has dealt with this issue or has any suggestions please feel free to post.
Jake Martin