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Squamish kiteboarding investigation to wrap up soon: District

The investigation follows Gray Taylor's death at Sp'akw'us Feather Park on Canada Day.
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There has been no kiting allowed from the watersports beach on Squamish's oceanfront since a municipal investigation was launched after a fatal kiting accident on July 1.

It will be a bit more of a wait for folks who have been anticipating the result of the District of Squamish investigation, in partnership with the Squamish Windsports Society, into the safety of kiting from the Squamish oceanfront. 

The investigation came in the wake of the death of North Vancouver's Gray Taylor, who was kiting from Sp'akw'us Feather Park during a gusty afternoon on July 1 when he was killed after hitting the rocks. 

The District then temporarily closed the relatively new park's watersports beach to kiting and launched an investigation into what went wrong and if anything can be done to prevent such tragedy in the future.

District staff had previously said the investigation would likely be done in August but that has been pushed into September.

"The District of Squamish is reaching the end of this investigation into risk at the water sports beach and will be ready to issue a public update soon to provide clarity on the status of the beach," said District spokesperson Rachel Boguski, in an email to The Squamish Chief.

"The District expects to meet with the Squamish Windsports Society within the next two weeks to review the work, and a public update will follow that. We appreciate everyone’s patience while we complete this important work."

The hugely popular Sp'akw'us Feather Park opened to the public in May. 

While the watersports beach is currently closed to kiting, wingfoiling and windsurfing continue to be permitted there.

Kiters have continued to access the original launching spot, Pepahím̓ (Spit Island), as usual, through the seasonal shuttle service operated by the Squamish Windsports Society. 

Shuttles run daily between noon and 7 p.m., with access to the shuttle launch near the Sp’akw’us Feather parking lot. 

Go to squamishwindsports.com for information and current conditions.

The official end of the kiting season for SWS members is Sept. 15.