Guys, I've been talking to the council about the possibility of a web cam or weather beacon or sock placed on the beach there, she (the council) was very keen to promote Kiting in Altona but also said there had been some complaints by residents.
I am arranging a meeting with them in the next few weeks to discuss what we would like to see happen with the beach and kiting area and she wanted me to bring along some other kiters to get their ideas aswell, I know a few local guys but wanted to hear from anyone who kites in Altona regularly and would like to be involved in the talks.
I think this is a great opportunity to steer the council to give us our own area and to promote safe kiting and beach use for everyone. the council were also very positive and wanted to have this meeting.
if you want to be involved or just want me to but forward an idea please drop me an email or reply to the post.
Cheers Simon
[email protected]
P.S I live in Altona.

Count me in ! Let us know what time and where. sounds like a good opportunity to get the council on side !

Hey Simon,

Count me in as well.
A great idea to have a few local kiters giving some input into the local concil.

A weather beacon set-up on the beach / foreshore or pier and accessable on-line would be great.

For sure, we need to be careful about upsetting the other beach goers but don't let the conversation be too one sided. This year I had two incidents which pissed me off.

1. I set up my kite on the narrow beach at the south end for a self launch. Two motor bikes came racing down the sand from the pier end. Helmets covering faces. Rode straight over the lines between me / bar and inflated kite on the sand.

2. I had stopped riding for a rest about 50 metres from the waters edge. A couple were walking their dog. Cross pit bull. Bloody thing went crazy and raced out into the water and ran round me in circles. I got away quickly but the mongel bit me on the ankle as I rode off. I guess it was only playing as it let go and I did have a long (steamer) wet suit on so no damage. But both incidents show that problems of all sort do occur and it's not just our activities which need to be managed.

If you need more to attend just email me. If you need to demonstrate the sport covers all age groups I can be your token 'old bastard'.

George is in.

Count me in.

Boys !!! (and maybe a girl or two)
thanks soo much, I've been overwhelmed by the response, great to hear you're all keen to promote our cool sport.
It'll probably be a couple of weeks before we hear anything and at that time we (kiters only) will get together to formulate some ideas and points to front the council with, KBV have also offered to come along to the council meeting so it may be best if only myself and KBV go to that initial meeting, armed with a list of ideas no doubt, again thanks a bundle and I'll keep you all posted.

Simon

getting the whole beach to ourselves is maybe asking to much,
would be nice though...

Anymore news on this?

Simon im in to, im the guy that lives across the road! I am the one who keeps a watchful eye on our beach! The one that gets grumpy when kites land in or around my house from poor maintenance or inexperience/stupidity in gusty/strong days!
Darren