On 22/09/10 a meeting took place with a 'kite surf working group'. Present were representatives from council open spaces, council rangers, cape byron marine parks, waterways, marine rescue, rangers, life saving australia, stingrays women swimming group, and other beach user groups. The purpose of the meeting was to form an interagency and community group to discuss kite surfing in Byron Bay. I attended simply as a communicator for kite surfing.
The council delegates reiterated several times they weren't out to 'ban' kite surfing simply help facilitate a safe resolution for all user groups, which involves exclusion zones. The meeting was fair and cordial with everyone able to express their views and have them appreciated by other users. The minutes of the meeting when prepared will be emailed to NSWKBA and available for all to see.
Okay minimal formal mumbo jumbo...........but here's what happened. Just jump straight to summary if your bored
* Beach user, water user groups were identified with relevant conflicts.
Perceived dangers of kiting were debated- ie high speed, lines, kites over beach, inexperienced users, non adherence to code of conduct.
* Reported incidents were tabled
* Regulatory powers of council, marine parks, and NSW maritime were discussed
* Why kite surfers favour use of this area
* Self regulation
* Alternative areas
* power kites used on the beach
* Commercial kite schools
* Who could regulate and how
* Any budget required
* Where to from here

SUMMARY
The good............... We had a fair hearing. All the relevant pro kiting points were tabled, (as were those opposed to kiting in the bay).. Their were less formal complaints than I expected. Council, Life guards, and waterways were all in possession of some. They were all distance off incursions, or perceived dangerous behaviour... The people at the meeting were great. They all gave the impression they were looking for middle ground and appreciated aspects of our sport.
The not so good....... Their were some scary maps that had large exclusion zones discussed. The womens swimming group, and winter whales are worried about kiters. They can hear boats coming, swim outside a break away from surfers, but have no warning from a fast moving kiter. The best we can hope for is to retain the current status.

What we can do as kiters....
Join NSWKBA and have insurance. The area is to be monitored by all regulatory bodies. Respect their direction. Be aware there are 2 surf cams in operation that store footage on a hard drive.
Complaints will now be tabled in log books and formalised. We have to minimise any reason for the public to complain. The Cape Byron Marine Park usage zones are up for review shortly so adhere to the Byron local kite guide
http://www.nswkba.com.au/locations/north
Respect distance off, it's law. Remember in NSW it's the furtherest part of your kite must be 60m clear of swimmers or surfers. 30m from an object. 60m clear of a designated swimming zone, 500m out from flagged area. A life jacket must be worn more than 400m from shore (I've heard on good authority that this is about to be reviewed, and may change to 100m)
The lifeguard season is about to start. Establish a good relationship with local professional lifeguards. These forums are read by ALL, so conduct fair debate with respect for all sides.
At our last local kite meeting we were to establish a byron kitesurfing club affiliated with AKSA so that council had someone to communicate with. If we can do this and put forward a rep of the club or NSWKBA (not me); you will get a voice on their committee.

Hi,
Thanks for the post its extremely helpful for me as I am heading down to Byron for a holiday 10-16 October and hope to do some great kiting. Would love to catch up with the local kiters at the beach while I'm down there and get some first hand tips on where NOT to go.

Voitek 0401 055 300