Hey PR,
Unfortunately, I think that the river foreshores are as good as lost, it's just a matter of time, which I believe is a rapidly evaporating resource.
I believe that the schools whom operate are talking about finally approaching the council for legitimate permits to operate there. As much as this would ordinarily be a good idea, I believe that forcing the local council to officially acknowledge the schools presence, and then offer them a legitimate permit to trade on the foreshore will probably backfire and likely be the catalyst which brings about the end of kiting in this area or at least the end of operation of schools along the Melville stretch.
Council and kiting co-exist in a precarious position by [council] burying their heads in the sand and pretending it isn't happening and Instructors have been keeping a low-ish profile . By forcing the council to make a decision and endorse permits, therfor taking a general official position, will be a slap in the face to all the rate payers along the foreshores many of whom are opposed to kitesurfing along the fragile strip by the road.
Perhaps the schools should get together with WAKSA and "feel out" the council position "off the record" before formally lodging their applications to council and forcing a position on the council.
To prevent closures, shools are going to, whether willingly or not, have to become the "beach police" and take a much more proactive role in preventing mishaps, ensuring local rules are strictly adhered to, and making sure students are fully versed in self rescue reading the wind, undertsanding local issues, local weather anomolies, and the do's and don't's of kitesurfing along the waters edge, this includes education and more often than not intervening where they see people walking up the beach with their kites at 12 or worse still, at 1o'clock towards the trees. Local riders should back up the schools if they see a stand off occuring, this also works Vice versa.
Talking about education campaigns, handing out flyers and other non interventional approaches are simply not enough with the sheer numbers of kiters in the area, a more proactive "interventional" approach should be instigated by ALL riders. You all OWN this problem, don't leave it to others to sort out.
Being super cautious at Point Walter in the Easterlies is also a good idea as our weather has been baically crapola for the last few months. Frustration and desperation of kiters is now seeing record numbers at Point Walter in the Easterlies, especially on weekends. Remember, other members of the public are entitled to walk and play along the stretch of beach that we also use without the fear of having kites flown over their heads or dropping out of the sky in the gusty winds, show respect and learn to keep a low profile.
This issue is of concern to ALL kiters because if it does get shut down on the river, and there is a better than average chance of this IMO, then those numbers will then be forced to adopt a new local beach, most of which are already crowded. Woodies, Leighton, Pelican Point and Safety Bay will be the worst hit as they are the closest non surf beaches. Most of these areas are also almost at safe capacity without the influx of another 50-60 kiters at each beach.
Have a think people, a cautious and pro-active approach is best for all involved. Every kiter is an ambassador for our sport, please represent it in the best possible light, with courtesy, maturity and respect to all other users.
Rant over!
DM
