Wingarsheek Beach and Coffin Beach Access
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 17:16
Like most of you I am extremely passionate about kiting and I am also extremely respectful of private access and I go out of my way to follow whatever local rules exist at beaches or in private access neighborhoods. I have kited with many of you in Boston, on the Cape, in Hatteras and other great kite beaches. I have not been active on this forum mainly due to time constraints. Unfortunately, I learned from a good kiting buddy earlier today that there are members of this forum who are coming to kite in our neighborhood (Wingarsheek Beach and Coffin Beach) and putting our private beach access in jeopardy. We are a group of 6-7 kiters who have enjoyed, with special permission from private residence owners, permission to park and also to access the private beach up at Wingarsheek, also known as Coffin Beach. The rules are posted and they are simple. Other than the public parking lot at Wingarsheek Beach, there is no public access, period! Dropping gear off in front of a private residence and then parking at the public beach lot and walking back to your gear will surely become a problem, especially in the spring when more residents return. Parking in the private residential section will surely risk having kiting banned at Coffins Beach. As a 25+ year resident of the area, I have windsurfed anf kited Coffins for the enitre 25 years. I know many ofthe residents and I cherish the access that we have. AFTER 25 YEARS OF RESPECTING THE LOCAL RULES AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE ACCESSS TO ONE OF THE NICEST BEACHES ON THE EAST COAST. Please have respect for our private access and our local community. If you have issues with my view on this I am happy to arrange a personal meeting or phone call to discuss. I will not hide behind my forum name. Thank you. Respectfully Submitted, John (JEB) Burns
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 18:52
#1
For long walks like this I
For long walks like this I like my medium size board bag with wheels on it. It holds a board and all your accessories, such as pump, bar, harness and all the other random stuff we have with us.
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 20:45
#2
How about dropping gear off on road?
How about dropping gear off on the road and not on anyone's residence? I have never seen anyone leave stuff on someone's property but only at the end of the road near the beach access and then walk back after parking.
Wed, 01/05/2011 - 08:42
#4
Hey!
Hey John, I bought my first board from you up in Essex a couple of years ago when I first started, a Litewave 158, still have it. I think you sold that for a buddy of your's. At the same time you "made" me buy a bar/lines when you saw how bad the ones I bought on ebay were (thanks). I def do not kiting banned anywhere and totally understand about Coffins and will stay away. Maybe see you in Hatteras in the spring first week of May. It will be my first time there and I'm totally stoked!! Happy Kiting! Paul
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 21:31
#5
so i guess we just put a big
so i guess we just put a big "locals only" stamp on this one and find another launch.
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 22:30
#6
The whole area was desolate
The whole area was desolate today. There were just a few kiters there with minimal impact. Its sad really.
I'm sure some residents enjoyed the spectacle of kites out on the open sea.
Mon, 01/03/2011 - 23:58
#7
I have kited for years on
I have kited for years on that beach, and the local residents I've met have always watched us with great delight. We don't leave any garbage, we're just having some good clean fun.
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 07:39
#8
Why poach the private side?
Wingarsheek public beach is one of my favorite places to ride - the waves are much better and if you need to self land there are some nice spots to put a kite down. Plus at mid to low tide there is tons of beach to work with. I don't understand why anyone would spend the time to walk up to the private beach or poach parking and risk getting towed?
What about plum island? Plenty of public access and great waves up there.
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 08:54
#9
Don't want to mess up a good thing!
Since Coffins is a private beach and so nice it would be a shame to have kiting banned. I'm sure locals may get worried about "beach people" hanging around in there neighborhood. I live in Winthrop and know that I have had enough gear stolen that it makes me nervous. I don't want to screw it up for anyone (especially those who have permission). I've been out there before and talked to some locals at wing and they seemed fine with us kiting but if they get overwhelmed by too many of us they may put on the brakes. From now on I will launch from the public side or perhaps I will try going to Crane's beach in Ipswich.
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 11:30
#10
Crane could be good. I know
Crane could be good. I know they don't love us kiting there but usually look the other way if we keep a low profile, as long as it's the off season. I think they also charge for parking, like $4?
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 13:21
#11
Thank you Stoke for helping to avoid "the brakes"
With the explosion of kiting in the last few years, we as kiters are showing up everywhere. For 25 years windsurfing and now kiting has had only a small presence on Wingaersheek and Coffins beaches, particularly Coffins which unlike Wingaersheek has no public access. We've tried to fly under radar. Now the word seems to be out.
I hoped I would never to broach this subject but...
Like Jeb, I am one of the Gloucester "Locals" who for many years has had permission to park and access Coffins thru private properties. I would NEVER park where I didn't have permission. This is something myself and a SMALL handful of others have worked hard to gain and nurture over many years. We are forced to keep it quiet otherwise we will loose that privilege, its not a right.
In some cases we are only allowed to park two cars and have SPECIFIC routes as to where to walk thru the dunes. Last Novemeber while I was there a couple of kiters parked where I was and walked out to the beach EXACTLY where we were told NOT TO WALK. It is all about respecting the land owner's wishes. Even with permission I have been questioned by other land owners who don't want us on "their" beach, especially the new members of the Wingaersheek Beach Owner's Association who spent millions to walk their "private" beach.
Sure there are folks that enjoy watching us but I have also been approached by land owners that didn't. We have lost access because of this. One day I landed my small boat on the beach and was surrounded by Owners who threatened to call the cops if I didn't leave ASAP.
The only way to access Coffins beach is either thru a land owner's property or one of the PRIVATE access points for non beachfront Wingaersheek (Coffins side) land owners. Actually most PRIVATE access points are for a particular section of the Wingaersheek Beach Owner's Association and clearly marked NOT FOR THE PUBLIC. Even if you live out there you are not supposed to drop beachgoers off (let alone kite gear) at certain access points that are not designated for your particular section of the beach. Bizarre.
We have many kiter friends we would love to share the beach with but unfortunatly cannot. Many years ago one of our windsurfing launches got over run on a Thanksgiving Saturday and we lost our permission to use it because of a bunch crashers.
I hope the MASSKITING Community will respect the fact that unless you have permission to kite on Coffins, you seriously jeopordize those kiters who are there legally. I know folks on that Association and they will ban kiting in a heart beat given the chance. Even those of us that have permission to be there only kite in the off season.
It is my understanding that one of MASSKITING's objectives is to promote responsible kiting and protect beach access. Here is a chance to do just that.
Happy Windy New Year and thank you all for your consideration. David Zingg, Gloucester
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 13:26
#12
Cranes has similar conditions to Wing/Coffins and
is even better given all the sand bars off the mouth of the Ipswich River. Also it is not in a NE-E wind shadow from Cape Ann. I understand there are times when you cannot kite though, like the summer. If you walk well east or west of the public beach, you might be all right.
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 13:45
#13
bizarre indeed
bizarre indeed
Wed, 01/05/2011 - 15:35
#14
from Mass Office of Costal
from Mass Office of Costal Zone Management
Public Rights Along the Shoreline
Coastal managers are often asked, "Who owns the sea and shore?" If you have been curious, or perhaps a bit confused about what rights the public has along the shoreline, here's a brief primer on waterfront property law.
Ownership of Tidelands
"Tideland" is the legal term for all land beneath the waters of the ocean, including lands that are always submerged as well as those in the intertidal area (i.e., between the high and low tide marks). In every coastal state, the use of tidelands is governed by a concept in property law known as the Public Trust Doctrine, which dates back centuries to ancient Roman law. The doctrine states that all rights in tidelands and the water itself are held by the state "in trust" for the benefit of the public. In most states, this means that public ownership begins at the high water mark.
The Massachusetts Bay Colony originally followed this rule, until its legislators decided to transfer ownership of certain tidelands to coastal landowners, in order to encourage private wharf construction on these so-called "intertidal flats." This general land grant was accomplished by the Colonial Ordinances of 1641-47, which in effect moved the line between public and private property to the low water mark, but not farther seaward of the high water mark than "100 rods," or 1,650 feet. This intertidal area (now called "private tidelands") is presumed to belong to the upland property owner, unless legal documentation proves otherwise for a given parcel (as is true in certain segments of Provincetown, for example).
Although the Colonial Ordinance changed the ownership of most intertidal flats from public to private, it did not transfer all property rights originally held in trust by the state. For one thing, no rights to the water itself (as distinct from the underlying lands) were relinquished by the Ordinance. Moreover, the law specifically reserved for the public the right to continue to use private tidelands for three purposes-fishing, fowling, and navigation.
Scope of Public and Private Rights
Over the years, Massachusetts courts have ruled that the scope of activities on private tidelands covered by the reserved public rights of fishing, fowling, and navigation is broad, and includes all of their "natural derivatives." For example:
The right to fish includes the right to seek or take any fish, shellfish, or floating marine plants, from a vessel or on foot;
The right to navigate includes the right to conduct any activity involving the movement of a boat, vessel, float, or other watercraft, as well as the transport of people and materials and related loading and unloading activity; and
The right to fowl includes the right to hunt birds for sport as well as sustenance. (The Massachusetts Attorney General takes the position that the right of fowling also includes other ways that birds can be "used," such as birdwatching, but also notes that this issue has not yet been addressed by the courts.)
Clearly, these rights cover a variety of both old and new activities that many people enjoy, such as surfcasting and windsurfing. Still, the courts have imposed some limits. The right of fishing, for example, does not allow the use of structures for aquaculture or the taking of plant debris washed up on the beach. Also, courts have made it clear that the public right to use this area does not include the right to simply stroll, sunbathe, or otherwise engage in recreation unrelated to fishing, fowling, or navigation. Without permission from the landowner, such general recreation is trespassing. There is only one narrow exception to this rule-because there are no private property rights in the water itself, the public is allowed to swim in the intertidal zone provided the swimmer does not touch the private land underneath or use it to enter or leave the water.
The distinction between public and private rights is much simpler on either side of the intertidal zone, i.e. on submerged lands to the seaward side and on the dry shore to the landward side. Except on filled tidelands (which is another story altogether), all rights to use the area above the high water mark generally belong to the upland property owner, and public access on private land can occur only with permission. On the other hand, below the low water (or 100 rod) mark, the public is almost always within its rights to walk, swim, or enjoy other recreational activity. With very few exceptions, these tidelands are still state property.
Respecting the Rights of Others
Respecting the rights of others-private property rights as well as public access and use rights-is an important part of visiting the coast. To prevent infringements on everyone's rights, it may be helpful to follow these guidelines. To help keep the peace, the visiting public should be careful not to trespass or otherwise infringe on the privacy of shorefront property owners, and should minimize their impact on the environment. Likewise, in posting signs and taking other steps to identify their private property, coastal landowners should not attempt to discourage the public from using the water's edge to the full extent allowable by law. In short, mutual respect is the key to meaningful coastal access for everyone.
Sources of Additional Information
This information was adapted from Massachusetts Coast Guide to Boston Harbor and the North Shore, which includes 22 full-color maps and nearly 400 public access sites, ranging from expansive parks with concession stands to small public landings and out-of-the-way spots. In addition, public rights also exist in filled tidelands, which are protected by a state law commonly known as "Chapter 91." Information about Chapter 91 (Waterways regulations) is available through the Department of Environmental Protection's (MassDEP) Website.
Wed, 01/05/2011 - 16:16
#15
awww why'd you have to post
awww why'd you have to post that here... I like pleading ignorance 
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 10:46
#16
All this Legalize may be true BUT...
TD wrote:
from Mass Office of Costal Zone ManagementPublic Rights Along the Shoreline
Coastal managers are often asked, "Who owns the sea and shore?" If you have been curious, or perhaps a bit confused about what rights the public has along the shoreline, here's a brief primer on waterfront property law.Ownership of Tidelands
"Tideland" is the legal term for all land beneath the waters of the ocean, including lands that are always submerged as well as those in the intertidal area (i.e., between the high and low tide marks). In every coastal state, the use of tidelands is governed by a concept in property law known as the Public Trust Doctrine, which dates back centuries to ancient Roman law. The doctrine states that all rights in tidelands and the water itself are held by the state "in trust" for the benefit of the public. In most states, this means that public ownership begins at the high water mark.The Massachusetts Bay Colony originally followed this rule, until its legislators decided to transfer ownership of certain tidelands to coastal landowners, in order to encourage private wharf construction on these so-called "intertidal flats." This general land grant was accomplished by the Colonial Ordinances of 1641-47, which in effect moved the line between public and private property to the low water mark, but not farther seaward of the high water mark than "100 rods," or 1,650 feet. This intertidal area (now called "private tidelands") is presumed to belong to the upland property owner, unless legal documentation proves otherwise for a given parcel (as is true in certain segments of Provincetown, for example).
Although the Colonial Ordinance changed the ownership of most intertidal flats from public to private, it did not transfer all property rights originally held in trust by the state. For one thing, no rights to the water itself (as distinct from the underlying lands) were relinquished by the Ordinance. Moreover, the law specifically reserved for the public the right to continue to use private tidelands for three purposes-fishing, fowling, and navigation.
Scope of Public and Private Rights
Over the years, Massachusetts courts have ruled that the scope of activities on private tidelands covered by the reserved public rights of fishing, fowling, and navigation is broad, and includes all of their "natural derivatives." For example:The right to fish includes the right to seek or take any fish, shellfish, or floating marine plants, from a vessel or on foot;
The right to navigate includes the right to conduct any activity involving the movement of a boat, vessel, float, or other watercraft, as well as the transport of people and materials and related loading and unloading activity; and
The right to fowl includes the right to hunt birds for sport as well as sustenance. (The Massachusetts Attorney General takes the position that the right of fowling also includes other ways that birds can be "used," such as birdwatching, but also notes that this issue has not yet been addressed by the courts.)
Clearly, these rights cover a variety of both old and new activities that many people enjoy, such as surfcasting and windsurfing. Still, the courts have imposed some limits. The right of fishing, for example, does not allow the use of structures for aquaculture or the taking of plant debris washed up on the beach. Also, courts have made it clear that the public right to use this area does not include the right to simply stroll, sunbathe, or otherwise engage in recreation unrelated to fishing, fowling, or navigation. Without permission from the landowner, such general recreation is trespassing. There is only one narrow exception to this rule-because there are no private property rights in the water itself, the public is allowed to swim in the intertidal zone provided the swimmer does not touch the private land underneath or use it to enter or leave the water.The distinction between public and private rights is much simpler on either side of the intertidal zone, i.e. on submerged lands to the seaward side and on the dry shore to the landward side. Except on filled tidelands (which is another story altogether), all rights to use the area above the high water mark generally belong to the upland property owner, and public access on private land can occur only with permission. On the other hand, below the low water (or 100 rod) mark, the public is almost always within its rights to walk, swim, or enjoy other recreational activity. With very few exceptions, these tidelands are still state property.
Respecting the Rights of Others
Respecting the rights of others-private property rights as well as public access and use rights-is an important part of visiting the coast. To prevent infringements on everyone's rights, it may be helpful to follow these guidelines. To help keep the peace, the visiting public should be careful not to trespass or otherwise infringe on the privacy of shorefront property owners, and should minimize their impact on the environment. Likewise, in posting signs and taking other steps to identify their private property, coastal landowners should not attempt to discourage the public from using the water's edge to the full extent allowable by law. In short, mutual respect is the key to meaningful coastal access for everyone.Sources of Additional Information
This information was adapted from Massachusetts Coast Guide to Boston Harbor and the North Shore, which includes 22 full-color maps and nearly 400 public access sites, ranging from expansive parks with concession stands to small public landings and out-of-the-way spots. In addition, public rights also exist in filled tidelands, which are protected by a state law commonly known as "Chapter 91." Information about Chapter 91 (Waterways regulations) is available through the Department of Environmental Protection's (MassDEP) Website.
All this legalize may be true but the bottom line is you cannot cross private land (trepassing) to gain access to the water's edge.
Wed, 01/05/2011 - 21:03
#17
I kite on this killer beach
I kite on this killer beach in the dead of winter. I'd rather not see any other kiters while I'm out there. Even though we are not terribly seaworthy and often rely on each other for support when in sticky situations, if for just recovering a board after a particularly lofty jump, or a tow back to shore when a line snaps, I'd rather go it solo so that the people who own the property who are not there because the weather is so hostile won't be bothered by a group of kiters using their beach. When they're not there, they prefer not seeing just one kiter, even though a group of kiters would be a whole lot safer in 30 degrees and 30 knots.
Wed, 01/05/2011 - 21:11
#18
There are always kooks
There are always kooks lurking on these forums. TD has 2 posts? When I go to Nantucket to kite, I know about it being a sensitive area and I abide by the local rules that sky and others post. When I go to South village to kite I check with phil about local rules. Same with West Dennis. When I go to Chatham, I check with T. Money Stapleton. So, let's all take my lead and respect these sensitive areas that the local liters have and follow the kiter's rules rather then local laws that the residents don't read. Sorry if I haven't mentioned all the problem areas...maybe like checking with robert about wacky bay parking rules. Be sensible and sensitive to all these areas as well as Gloucester.
Wed, 01/05/2011 - 21:23
#19
Sensitive?
I'm not a sensitive kind of guy, I am a KITESURFER!!! LOL
Thu, 01/06/2011 - 09:43
#20
Thanks for your opinion Flyblow
I apoligise for confusing you with the facts.
Great idea following following the kiter's rules rather then local laws. That is sure to result in more restrictions for kiters.
Thu, 01/06/2011 - 13:45
#21
When kiting a new spot it is
When kiting a new spot it is important to meet and greet the kiters who have been plying the waters before you to get the skinny. What's a bit bizarre in this case is that I've been shredding on Wingaersheek and Coffin since 1987. Does this not give me 'local' status?
Thu, 01/06/2011 - 19:13
#22
I hereby nominate...
Jean as a local!
The question is can a non-local nominate a local?
Maybe the Local Coffin 101 Union should be consulted?
Maybe there should be some type of primary, convention or maybe a vetting at least?
Bueller, Bueller...anyone?
-SR
Thu, 01/06/2011 - 21:46
#23
Just play by the rules
Dont people respect the rules at all the other beaches? Why is Wingarsheek/Coffins any different? If you poach access on the private beach you are certainly not a local. I know a lot of people who only ride the public beach because the conditions are better. Just play by the rules.
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 00:49
#24
I don't think anyone on here
I don't think anyone on here would go to Coffin after reading this thread (by foot). But I do think most of us will now launch at Wingy and immediately tack upwind to Coffin and spend most of our time wrecking the local's views with our kiting (staying below the low-water mark). I think it's more of the tone of how this was presented to us that stoked the pot.
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 11:22
#25
Low water mark
There is no need to stay beyond the low water mark. You have the right to navigate. You just do not have the right to cross private property to get there.
"The right to navigate includes the right to conduct any activity involving the movement of a boat, vessel, float, or other watercraft, as well as the transport of people and materials and related loading and unloading activity"
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 01:11
#26
someone please erase this post...
It's starting to smell like NEKA in here or maybe even iwindsurf...LOL
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 11:06
#27
Is it just me or does it
Is it just me or does it sound like these "local kitesurfers" don't even own any property at coffin beach??? Does getting permission from one or two owners in an entire community make you a local? I'm sure I could swing that.....
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 11:31
#28
The North East beaches are
The North East beaches are out of balance when it comes to private vs. public land. This means that the tiny amount of public beach access there is is over taxed. Residents-only restrictions are applied, and owners of coastal property turn their enclaves into something reminiscent of East Berlin. Getting a beach day in during the summer can be quite a chore. No such issues exist on the West Coast because the laws favor public access vs private ownership - just a difference in culture.
My 25 years of wind chasing in New England have shown me however that whenever I show up and windsurf or kite on private beaches during the off-season, I get a welcome nod and smile from the local residents. This is because in the foul weather that brings me there, they are happy to have a little company - a whole different story from fending off the summer time beach going masses which leave trash on the beach and clog what little parking is available.
This post is unnerving because the welcoming spirit I have always felt on private beaches in the off-season is being spoiled by my fellow kiteboarding brothers who are making up 'rules' which smack of greed. I would have expected a welcome high five, instead I get a 'get the f out of here!' Come on dudes...
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 13:28
#29
Rules, Greed, Yea Right
Dunoyer wrote:
The North East beaches are out of balance when it comes to private vs. public land. This means that the tiny amount of public beach access there is is over taxed. Residents-only restrictions are applied, and owners of coastal property turn their enclaves into something reminiscent of East Berlin. Getting a beach day in during the summer can be quite a chore. No such issues exist on the West Coast because the laws favor public access vs private ownership - just a difference in culture.My 25 years of wind chasing in New England have shown me however that whenever I show up and windsurf or kite on private beaches during the off-season, I get a welcome nod and smile from the local residents. This is because in the foul weather that brings me there, they are happy to have a little company - a whole different story from fending off the summer time beach going masses which leave trash on the beach and clog what little parking is available.
This post is unnerving because the welcoming spirit I have always felt on private beaches in the off-season is being spoiled by my fellow kiteboarding brothers who are making up 'rules' which smack of greed. I would have expected a welcome high five, instead I get a 'get the f out of here!' Come on dudes...
I'm sorry if you feel harressed. WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE FELLOW KITERS JOIN US BUT IT IS NOT US WHO ARE MAKING THE "RULES". The bottom line is that we have worked hard for 30+ years to maintain our bonds with a few land owners who give us PERMISSION WITH LIMITATIONS as to when we can be there and how many cars and people we are allowed to have. What part of that don't you understand? We have no right to invite others, thats why you were asked to leave. As I said before, that day some guys showed up uninvited, one actually dropped my name like I had invited them then walked down a neighbor's path who specificaly told not use it as they were planting seed. Just what we don't need to have happen. I'm sorry if we sound elitist or something but we need to protect our access, just like anyone else would.
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 14:35
#30
I've been in the market for a
I've been in the market for a second home for a while. I like Coffin Beach, I think I'll purchase something and ban everyone from kiting there unless they get permission from me.
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 14:54
#31
I think we've had enough
I think we've had enough discussion on the subject... I'm locking this one up.
Stoke, The real issue here becomes where you are accessing and whose property or acccess path you are walking through. This time of year ther are not many residents around and it is most likely that an innocent kiter, especially one kiter, will not be a concern to anyone in the community. Please keep in mind tht our bigger concern is 3,4,5, or more kiters walking through access points where private residents just don't want "the public" accessing their beach because it becomes mayhem during the season (spring-fall). We have already been asked not to access one path that one of the residents had given us permission to use (it is also his right of way to the beach, but the other neighbors complained and we got shut down!) Sorry to be so unaccomodating here but I for one do not want to lose access in my back yard so to speak. Happy to have you join me in Hatteras in the spring...you can be my guest!
__________________
JEB