KTB stands for Kite Tack Buouy and they have been put out at 3 locations along Lucky Bay Melville to keep kiting safe and avoid kites and people going in to trees, walk paths, the road and houses. Saw a maroon SS kite in a tree yesterday....something that is totally avoidable.
The most upwind KTB is 40m from the shore's edge. It is hoped that on crowded days "learners" stay down wind of this area to give the "tricksters" some space. However, even the most competent riders are asked to tack and trick outside the KTB for everyones safety.
The other 2 downwind KTB's are 50m from shore. Once you are upwind, please tack at the KTB so you leave a clear area for landing and launching and walking the kite.
Melville is a great place to learn as it is shallow for over 100 meters from shore.
It is going to be very busy this year as more and more people get in to this great sport. Melville is a super place to learn with plenty of space. Below is a rehash of convention at Melville.
1. We are all friendly and help each other launch and land.
2. Schools and learners kite near the two down wind buouys mostly, or NORTH of the big white gum tree.
3. People should walk the kites up wind without flying them over the trees and road.....there is plenty of space and you can walk in the water rather than on the land.....sure you've got to work a bit harder, but you can also body drag upwind. The wind conditions along the shore at Melville are very inconsistant and dangerous......ZERO wind to 20 knots gusts...all in a flash.
4. Melville kiters are a proactive, communicative friendly bunch committed to keeping the beach safe and open to all. Check your attitude and come to Melville with a smile....the place can take 100 kites safely if we all stick to a few simple conventions.
5. Try and have your Blue (07-08 season) AKSA kiting tag fixed to your harness.
Checked the KTB's today and they are looking mint...very happy. Still haven't super glued the shackles as it would be nice to be able to use the KTB's for WAKSA events in the future and remove them in pieces when the season is over.
Note on garbage: place looked really clean, found some bottles and very little kite crap....much better looking this year than last! Also, the main garbage, the real ugly stuff aside from bottles were building materials from the construction sites along the road.
