I was on my way down to Kingscliffe for a kite on Saturday about 12 noon and noticed kites in the air at Currumbin as I drove over the bridge.

I called by and noted that most kiters were kiting sensibly on the northern side of the rock wall at Laceys Beach.

UNFORTUNATELY I noted two kiters behaving very badly.

One was kiting backwards and forwards inside the rock wall and another was actually kiting in amongst the swimmers directly in front of the lifeguard tower.

I watched in disbelief as he performed several jumps beside swimmers.

I was unable to catch his attention and left in disgust.

I understand that a complaint has been lodged by the lifeguard on duty and that a meeting is being arranged between SEQKA reps and the head lifeguard this week to discuss action.

If any SEQKA members use the northern side of The Alley and notice this type of behaviour they are urged to speak to the offending kiter to explain the gravity of this type of action.

We seem to revisit the question of sensible kiting in the alley each year and need to be vigilent to prevent a blanket ban.

It may well be that the entire area will be deemed out of bounds by the authorities and equipment confiscated.

I certainly wouldn't like to be the kiter responsible for this happening.

Fitzy

Yep, well i know the full time life guard there pretty good and their were a heap of public complaints from Sat and Sunday in regards to the kiters inside and in the channel at currumbin.

Pretty sure the life guards are at their wits end with the reckless few kiters that seem to be hell bent on wreaking it for all of us on the goldie!

Note: 23rd ave will "not" be the option for those that kite the alley and wish to kite at 23rd when you get thrown out of there LOL! Seriously you won't be kiting with us at 23rd.

Cheers Angie M.O.F.O XX

Unfortunately no signs IANC

Kiters should be aware of the fact that they are considered a powered vessel and as such are subject to the general marine regulations regarding distance off from swimmers, distance off from flagged areas and also speed limits.

The Currumbin Estuary including the channel in between the rock walls and the small lake beside the bridge have a 6 knot speed limit and as such are not suitable for legal kiting.

Distances off from swimmers are 30 meters and distances off for flagged areas are 200 meters either side of the flags and 800 meters to seaward.

Not rocket science to determine that the inside of the alley and the area frequented by swimmers and board learners is a no go zone.

Check out the locataions section of the SEQKA website seqka.com

Apparently some lunatic was doing a downwinder last week and kited straight through several flagged areas along the surf beachfront right up to the spit.

He was abusive to lifeguards when challenged.

SEQKA has suggested that photographs be taken by the lifeguards of the offenders so they can be dealt with appropriately.

Cheers - Fitzy - Gold Coast OZ

just to put my 2 cents worth in.
it should be realized that not -all- kitesurfers have had any sort of education to fly their kites,
also not all kitsurfers may have access to computers .
and thankfully there is no legal requirement to obtain a licence to enjoy this sport,