The kite surfing season is upon us again and a huge increase in kiter numbers is expected this year. Representatives of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council have expressed some concerns about safety at some kiting locations at Caloundra. We would like to take this opportunity to relay these concerns and remind anyone kitesurfing at Happy Valley, Golden Beach or any ocean beach in the Caloundra area of the following:
1. FLAGGED BATHING RESERVES ARE NO KITING AREAS. Kiting is prohibited between the black and white flags (formerly blue). That means your kite is not allowed to pass the flags (as well as the rider). Even if there is nobody bathing between the flags, lifeguards have requested that we give adequate distance from the bathing reserves so as not to cause a hazard if we drop our kites upwind of the flags and drift into the reserved areas. All of Dicky Beach is a bathing reserve.
2. If you have your equipment on the sand and are not in the process of launching or landing, please ROLL YOUR LINES UP and place them near your kite. There have been numerous complaints to council concerning beach goers being unable to traverse the beach because of bars, lines, boards and kites being strewn all over the place. (Particularly Golden Beach where the beach is only 4 metres wide. Please show consideration to other members of the public and stow your gear safely.
3. Happy Valley is an attractive place to kitesurf. However it can be treacherous when there is a large swell and fast moving outgoing tide. HAPPY VALLEY IS NOT SUITABLE FOR NOVICES, THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO BODY-DRAG UPWIND, OR KNOW HOW TO PERFORM A SELF RESCUE UNASSISTED. If you lose your board and crash your kite you are at risk of drowning in the Caloundra Bar (not a pub!). If you are not proficient with your water relaunch, body drag or self rescue, please consider another location. Please note> if you are rescued by the Lifeguards on jetskis or the clubbies, you are required to donate one case of Tooheys Extra Dry at the Bulcock Beach SLSC rooms. Kitesurfers must GIVE WAY TO ALL OTHER WATER CRAFT at Happy Valley as it is a coastal bar and boats departing and arriving through this area need to be able to manoeuvre under power. (sadly this includes jetskis)
4. PLEASE STAY AT LEAST 30M FROM ANY OTHER BEACH USER OR WATER CRAFT. Spraying bikini clad girls does not impress them and does not indicate a large penis.
5. PLEASE BE AWARE OF OTHER BEACH USERS IN YOUR DANGER ZONE especially when launching and landing. This is particularly applicable when attempting a self launch or self land. Stupidity and ignorance are no excuse. If you signal to land, please wait for someone to assist.
6. Accidents and mishaps do happen. PLEASE PRACTISE YOUR SELF-RESCUE TECHNIQUE, BE FAMILIAR WITH THE SAFETY RELEASE ON YOUR KITE AND ENSURE THAT ALL SAFETY MECHANISMS ARE OPERATIONAL. Learn to apologise!!
7. Finally. KITESURFING IS FUN. Please consider the FUN factor of your fellow kiters. Don't TAILGATE, INTIMIDATE, HARRASS or BULLY fellow kiters and rob them of the fun that we share. Know your right-of-way rules. If you are unsure- ask someone.
Any queries about this notice please join Caloundra Kitesurfing Club on facebook and send a message.
nice set of simple rules you guy's have drawn up. Do you think you could remove the names of particular beaches and distribute to all airports around Australia.
I must admit though I very rarely roll my lines up until I have packed everything away (and sometimes not until I return to the beach the next day).
