This reminds me of a story last summer,
A Psychiatrist kiter friend of mine(don't start!) who is well learned in the fine art of communication, approached a windsurfer who had decided to rig his gear in the launch and retrieve area at Coronation Beach on a very busy Saturday afternoon. (a windsurfing comp was on, so it was going off!)
The Kiter calmly and politely went up to the windsurfer (a local) and asked him if he could rig up somewhere else as this is the only spot kiters have to launch and retrieve.
A fair call you would say?.
Well, the windsurfer got very upset(angry) ignored the kiters requests and gave a mouthful of agro.
Now the Psych. came up to me and told me the gig, pointed out the guy and appealed to me what else he could have done?.
It was interesting to note the following key points:
1. The local windsurfer was rigging up way at the back of the rigging area out of the way and doing it fast. He really wasn't in anyones way, but clearly shouldn't be there.
2. The beach was packed with windsurfing rigs and no obvious area was available for him to rig, so he must have thought in our area would be ok, if he was quick. Being a local, the chances of getting away with it - good.
3. The Psych - a six foot three dark haired, shaven headed, bushy bearded 100kgish brute of a soldier, from the Czech. Republic in an impact vest towered over the just six foot sailor who usually doesn't mix words.
Now, you can be forgiven for assuming I'm going to argue in favour of either the kiter, because of his legitimate right to defend the space of kiters. Or, I might lean the windsurfer way, who is a local and I know him, and working fast, didn't really want to talk to anyone, knew the back section of the launch area is never used, had just arrived and just wanted to get out there with the minimum of fuss.
Neither, as both in my opinion. Being just that, my opinion; neither has veto over anything at Coro's.
It was very interesting to note how approaching someone to "discuss" the finer points of safety or to pull someone up on the technicalities of a particular spot, in the interest of all...can go so poorly.
Unfortunately we all have this thing called an ego, which when embarrassed, can result in poor social etiquette.
So what's the solution - there is none.
Approach, communicate, and remember the Czech.
Remember that someone who is doing something they shouldn't, will usually react poorly if they know it's wrong.
MOST, do give a toss and even though they will react poorly, usually won't do it again. We know this because those that are never confronted, will continue because they perceive that no-one cares therefore, making it acceptable.
Those that are confronted and persist - Rarely exist, as that type of personality behaviour flaw leads to prison and most are already there.
Well...that's what social conditioing tells us anyway.
Happy confronting - happy kiting.
