Since the 70’s, windsurfers have enjoyed the unique conditions offered by Currumbin, on the southern end of the Gold Coast. So have kiteboarders since the sport began back in the early 2000’s. But before that, before the windsurfers, were the swimmers, and now with kiteboarding becoming so popular - things are getting a little crazy.

So the Gold Coast Waterways Authority has done something awesome. They’ve sent a nice email to the local kiteboarding store, requesting they spread the word about how kiteboarders need to behave in the Currumbin Alley. If kiters don’t get the message, and then things will get serious.

In contrast to other locations around Australia, where kiteboarding has been slapped on the ‘Banned Sports’ sign in the car park, the Gold Coast Waterways Authority are giving kiteboarding a chance. They’ve asked for some simple guidelines to be adhered to, or they will be forced to ban the sport, and issue fines to those partaking in it (Like in Wellington Point, QLD).

If you’re not familiar with Currumbin, the lay-of-the-land is as follows: Starting from the ocean, there’s a point break which starts off Elephant Rock and Currumbin Rock, forming an incredible right-hander which breaks down to the mouth of Currumbin Creek. It works in any wind with North in it, and is perfectly capable of sharing it’s goods with up to 30 kiters. Outside the creek, is a series of sandbars and flat water, perfect for freestyle, and a rock wall which forms a large sheltered area at the mouth of the creek. A little further down the creek there’s a bridge (the M1), and about a million stand up paddlers.

The problem area is inside the rock wall, where swimmers, kids, stand up paddlers, kayakers, bird watchers and recreational anglers all set up camp on a sunny afternoon. It’s also big enough to kite in, and ideal for launching in the flat water. But kiteboarders, plus the above mentioned parties aren’t exactly the best company in confined spaces, so here comes the request…

Stay out of the river mouth! Enjoy the waves, and the flat sections on offer outside the rock wall, but don’t practice your handlepasses on the inside. If you must launch inside the rock wall, kite straight out to the river mouth and upwind of the wall. Do not pass go, do not collect $200, or the Gold Coast Waterways Authority will be collecting money from YOU!

Read the nicely worded letter to Surf FX right www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/South-East-Queensland/Kiteboarding-in-Currumbin-estuary/ '>here in the kiteboarding forums, and if you have any questions about kiting in the river mouth, give them a call.

 

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