The District of Squamish is implementing a permanent restriction on kiteboarding from the Watersports Beach at Sp’akw’us Feather Park due to concerns with the interface between long lines of kites and other park users within the area.
While wingfoiling and windsurfing continue to be permitted from the beach due to their contained nature, the restriction on kiteboarding aims to ensure the park is a place for every park user to enjoy safely, the District said in a press release. Following the fatal kiteboarder accident on July 1, 2024, District Staff reviewed beach usage and the surrounding area to determine if any changes were required.
“While the risks of the downwind hazards and difficult onshore winds were known, the review further identified a significant risk to bystanders who may get in the way of long lines from kiteboards. This dynamic interface between kiteboarders and the wide range of park users, and the challenges of implementing effective separation measures, has led to the decision to close the beach permanently to kiteboarders.”
A coroner’s report on the specifics of the accident is still outstanding. The District said it would continue to engage with the Squamish Windsports Society as they work to facilitate ongoing access to wind sports in Squamish.
The District acknowledges that much work by marine, parks and wind sports experts went into designing and providing feedback on Sp’akw’us Feather Park, and that the Watersports Beach was anticipated to be accessible to advanced/expert kiters as an alternate launch to Pepahím̓ (Spit Island).
“We ask the windsports community to understand and appreciate the District’s decision to consider the broader safety concerns,” said Mayor Armand Hurford. “We are devastated over the tragic loss of life on July 1, and our condolences continue to be offered to the family and friends of the kiteboarder who passed away. This loss has been felt deeply by all of us in Squamish and our hearts go out to those impacted.”
Xavier Bernard says
Any recommendations regarding how/where Kitesurfer could access water?
Squamish was once labeled as a top kitesurfing destination in Canada.
People come here to practice the sport.
Reducing access is not a measure to increase safety.
For Your Safety says
The Nanny State strikes again. If we can only ban everything, we’ll all be safe.
Canada is led by children.
N_Dj says
Your liberal leadership will seek and use every oprtunity to deprive you of any freewill activity, of course, always in the name of some (imaginary) higher reasons…
Drew says
What an asinine and arbitrary decision by the District, but it doesn’t surprise me. Since the Squamish Watershed Society decided to close the spit because of salmon, it was clear the District couldn’t bother about kitesurfing or what it does for the community. While DOS happily gives wads of cash to SORCA and other sports organizations, sports that can bring big tourism dollars, such as windsurfing, are given the cold shoulder.
As for this ban, I hope some heads roll at the District because kiteboarders were told that although they lost access to the spit, they would always have access to the Oceanfront Park. Did the DOS not ask them to survey or vet this place for suitability for windsports?
And all this in a town that bills itself the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada. If kiteboarders want this ban reversed, they should call Tracy Saxby and ask her to pull the strings of her puppets.