KBV met with Parks Victoria for an update on the Boating Zone Review and related kiting matters. The results of the meeting are documented on the KBV web site.
Kiters are responsible for informing themselves of the zones and applicable rules. All the zones are clearly shown on the Parks Vic charts available here:http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mresources/haveyoursay/zones/FinalRecommendationMaps_LowRes.pdf
Any related queries can be directed to Parks Victoria between 9am and 6pm (5pm on weekends) on 13 19 63
Parks Victoria is also finalising a Guide to Kiteboarding brochure for Port Phillip and Westernport Bay - KBV will try to get these sent out to members once available.
So can you give us a quick summary? (I cannot download that file, my internet connection is @*^$#&)
Has hampton been cut down to the 150m between the two rock groynes?
Has altona been severely limited?
Is Port Melbourne now completely of limits?
Has most of the rest of the bay been excluded for no apparent reason, or have you actually managed to negotiate better terms than i have seen previously
Cheers
Here are Altona and Hampton. Small area at Hampton moved away from the LSC. Has Altona been shifted further from the pier? Maybe not surprising.
St Kilda looks as expected and there is nothing down to Brighton, and then slim pickings from there. Zones may be crowded next Summer.
According to KBV the published results are "first round" - as mentioned in the announcement on the kbv site there are other bay beaches suggested by KBV for the next round (Edithvale, Rosebud, Safety Beach etc).
Also something important to note is that just because there is no kiting zone declared doesnt mean the area is off limits to kiters (unless it is a no-boating zone) - it merely means that we have to transition the 5-knot zone "according to regulation" (ie body drag) to get to open water.
My understanding is that kiting zones mean no 5-knot issue within the zone but that the zone is not exclusive to kiters - so it can still be used by swimmers, boats etc and the standard "stay clear" rule applies.
It is important to note that the nominated kiting areas, as previously stated, are not exclusive to kiteboarding. In short as soon as a swimmer or other craft is in the zone, the standard rules apply, i.e. 5knts, distances etc.
It was for this very reason we originally marked out and requested lots more areas as on a hot summers day we would have to abide by the standard rules but when the wind kicked in and the people left the beach we could "legally" kite in the areas.
It was a disappointment that so few zones were designated.
forgive me if this is a stupid question, but better to risk being stupid on a forum than risk being stupid on the water in public...
'no boating zone' usually indicated by signs on the beach (a boat with a circle/cross through it)... this translates to 'no kiting zone' ??? no kiting permitted whatsoever?
pisstakers welcome to respond, but if i could have at least one genuine answer that would be appreciated