Coron

From the ABC Website :31-3-20
Under the latest rules about public gatherings, surfing fits into the category of an outdoor, non-essential gathering which is limited to two people.
A statement provided to the ABC said "surfing, like any other recreational activity or gathering . should not be done in any more than groups of two with the rules of 1.5 metres social distancing being followed at all times".

Newcastle council has said it is OK to surf from the "closed" beaches.

So if surfing is OK then I do not see a problem with windsurfing , providing you keep your distance.

onebubble.earth/blog/when-cure-bears-no-relation-disease

I think the main issue is that the rules are open to 'police interpretation'. If you look at the official gazette it say that exercise is allowed full stop, it does not say only around your home, but then you need a policeman to agree that windsurfing is exercise and not selfish entertainment.

Well, it's about the least windy time of year for the next 3-5 months anyway. You'd be lucky to average 1 session a week until the late winter westerlies arrive, if they haven't been cancelled by climate change.

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cammd said..
MSQ (Maritime Safety Qld) has updated essential activities to include sailing in the exercise activities.

www.vision6.com.au/v/63604/1031240/email.html?k=JtIsPJzns1OgbBjJV534E-4w9GeYbV1t3RMNFlJDUhQ

Seems to make it quite clear that we can exercise on the water. All sorts of rumours persist though, and it is confusing when different states go harder than others. We do need to remember that sporting activities are great for mental health and staying fit. Likewise, vitamin D, obtained from direct sunlight is a known immune system booster. When I saw the news pics of that police car in the park telling a man who was sunbaking to go home I realised how things get out of hand when the authorities act legalistically, motivated by fear. This is aggravated by people who flaunt the rules and directives by carrying on as normal. A sensible solution would be to let people act sensibly and only get harsh with those who think they don't have to respect the health of others.

^^ ... have you ever wondered why each state has their own driving-license? .... it doesn't make any sense given the laws across Australia are *almost* uniform. [ So just make them uniform. ]

There needs to be local delegations such as state-gov and local-gov because that is effective management of resources.
But some/lots of laws should be nationalised, so that they are consistent across the continent.

[ And laws need sunset clauses - so that they are reviewed for relevancy. ]

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Subsonic said..
And never more relevant than now.
make the rules for stopping the virus a federal affair and put everyone on the same page.

We have a thing called a constitution, it lays out clearly the responsibilities of the states and federal governments, Now more than ever in a time of increased Government intervention in our lives it is vital that the seperation of powers between authorities are maintained and respected.

And yet in WA (for the moment) we have this :


So i dunno. Could change at any stage. I plan to sail as long as i can.

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lotofwind said..
I wonder if the emergency services or marine rescue would see it as essential to put themselves at risk to come and save you if you get injured while windsurfing.

Lottv
I see your worry , but freeing my mind and isolating exercise is good , not bad . The chance of me needing medical help is probably less than you tripping over your dog lead and busting your wrist .
Go hassle cyclists .

Great sail today on Waterloo bay. Cops came down to the beach, had no problem with kites or windsurfers or people walking dogs etc doing their essential exercise.
No emergency service professionals or volunteers were put at risk. Everyone respecting social distance guidelines and each other's rights to pursue lawful activities that don't hurt anyone else.

Ok lotowind did you get last bit about respecting other peoples rights to pursue lawful activities.

cammd, thats Qld isn't it ?, they haven't had marine rescue/emergency services/sailing Aust etc. plead not to, have they ?? Don't know if they have up there yet ?? Or do you just ignore them up there ?
Qld are always a bit behind but daylight saving finishes today so they might catch up.

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lotofwind said..
I wonder if the emergency services or marine rescue would see it as essential to put themselves at risk to come and save you if you get injured while windsurfing.
Or would it be the headlines in your local newspaper " Local selfish windsurfer put marine rescue and emergency services at risk, whilst having to rescue him after near drowning from dislocated shoulder, when he should have been staying at home due to corona virus "

Theres the inconsistency. Its what the government isn't getting. Theyre relying on the general public to abide by "guidelines" as opposed to law/restrictions. At the moment they say we can go sailing in WA. Thats what we have to go by. If they change their tune, we can't/won't.


i really don't buy into the whole argument that it's "selfish" or that rescue and emergency services are unecessarily being put at risk by the public who participate in sports that aren't jogging, but can be carried out individually. There's a much bigger chance they could catch corona visiting a worksite or picking up a collapsed jogger (theres a lot of them out there now) than a sole wind or kitesurfer. We don't set out wanting to be in a position to need rescuing , and no-one wishes corona virus on an emergency services employee. but there are associated risks in what they do, and measures in place to ensure they don't catch it in the line of duty.



Implying someone is selfish for going for a sail when all indications from the relevant authority are that you can is quite a stretch if you ask me.

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lotofwind said..
Its not me saying these things its marine rescue/emergency services and sailing Aust. you should be complaining to.
Just think its time to think of others, help those that are there to help us. That's the message the emergency services and sailing aust. are pleading for you to follow.
But, if you don't feel any need to support them, that's your choice.

The guy below probably thought the same as you before he went out " Naaaa, will never happen to someone like me"

I hope you posted this in the bagging forums as well, probably more pertinent if you look at the stats.

Fk it , if I'm allowed , next time it's windy I'm going sailing . As much as I want to , I'm not going to hug anyone . I will talk to people I cross at a distance . I will not spread the virus . If I trip over my sail and break my wrist and need air rescue help , I'll be the only one in million that need this . I'll take one for the team and be poster boy for sad unhappy people lotto.