Please read in regard to these changes

http://www.waksa.org.au/kitesurfing-news/offshore-kite-and-wind-surfers-need-safety-gear

kiterboy said..
Can you please give us an example of a typical set up for the safety requirements to be complied with?

What exact safety gear should we have and how do we carry it?

kiterboy , did you bother to read the statement on the website ? Hopefully it will be more clearer this week .

The initial media release by DOT does have some minor inconsistences that are being resolved over the next few days and we will provide the updated link when ready.

Points we raised focused on allowances for various forms of PFD be included and latitude around flares and EPIRB requirements.

kiterboy said..
Just wondering how to carry an epirb and flares with a pfd.

i have a pouch on the back of my pfd which is accesible . that's where i would and do store my gear .

These rules will just prompt kiters do do less of the right thing. If im breaking one rule why not break them all.

billykiter said..
Rather than flares, why not just have modifications made to the kite? Instead of inflating with air, maybe just use some hydrogen. Then when you are crusing along and you unexpectadly loose total control (possibly get hit by a boat or maybe an asteroid). You then just need to hit your panic button. This is wired to trigger ignition of the kite. everyone from miles around will then be able to see you are in a bit of trouble and obviously need assistance. The great thing about this too is it totally disengages the kite, so no worries about getting dragged out to sea with a line around your big toe. Brings a whole new meaning to the kiting term Hindenburging.

I'm loving the visuals!

One of the best posts on SB for ages

WAKSA said..
Please read in regard to these changes

http://www.waksa.org.au/kitesurfing-news/offshore-kite-and-wind-surfers-need-safety-gear

I wont be worrying about these so called regulations trying to make kiting more complicated than it is. Bahahahahah.. Like to see you implement this at Horrocks or Gero...

Ignoranace will be my friend and the more I ignore these stupid plans.. The better I will enjoy my kiting.

But good onya WAKSA... This will surely do your membership base no favours for the future..

Trapped said..
Sure you western aus guys have better wind, but at least here on the east we don't have to wear a life jacket.

That is true about the wind..

You guys start frothing out at 12 knots... Bahahah

We dont even care when it's 12 -15 knots in WA.. People just go paddleboarding instead until it hits 20knots around lunchtime in summer Summer.

Just for the record though I wear a life jacket because I think it's stupid not to when doing water sport.
This is still by choice though :p

I also think flares & EPIRB are over the top!

I personally wear a lifejacket when foiling or racing in the ocean far from shore, but carrying flares or even an EPIRB is completely over kill!

Stupid question, but if you are knocked out, how do you activate your EPIRB, or fire flares...?

Pilot Pete said..
From what I can imagine will happen, it won't be a matter of enforcing this on kiters. It may come down to when someone runs me over again and I dont have all the safety gear on me. They could be looking at having me fund my own rescue plus associated fines.

Hehe, just joking with you Pete.

No one will enforce it. So no big deal.

I met someone a few years back who works for the swan river authority who was pissed off with kiters at leighton because they kited where he liked to surf. He told me he would try to enforce this just to annoy kitesurfers. Looks like he succeeded.

Next we will need a license to kite because otherwise you cannot fine or anything for breaking these laws.
You are only allowed to be asked for ID if you are under arrest.

ok said...
Next we will need a license to kite because otherwise you cannot fine or anything for breaking these laws.

We almost do it's called insurance, you are crazy if u don't have it.

Guys,

I think everyone has missed a very important word in the legislation - AVERAGE - in the WAKSA message above

You are required to wear a PDF, carry EPIRBs and flares, if your position averages more than 400m from shore.

Even if you go out 800m [which is unlikely], to tack upwind at your wave spot, your average still remains under 400m, especially given the time spent riding in the waves. I think this affect very few, except those crazies who are still seen out kiting on the Offshore reefs 5kms off Scarboro at dusk.

My personnal phiilosphy based on some long lonely scary swims in the distant past remains......... " never kite out farther than you want to swim back in, because sooner or later you will have to."

If you have a penchant for moonlit sessions on far offshore reefs then I think it might just be sensible to wear a PDF, carry EPIRBs and flares, not because anyone will arrest you [who would bother] , but because one day those things will save your life! Alternatively start training for the Rottnest swim.

"Sure you western aus guys have better wind, but at least here on the east we don't have to wear a life jacket." lol

"who was pissed off with kiters at leighton because they kited where he liked to surf" perth surf... legit! what a loser.. lol

how come suddenly there is a law without any mention on here first to help kiters be ready to do submissions - good representation, not..

Very short sighted not to take into account wave ridering kiters 400m+ out to sea kiting reefs - kind of selfish.

iandvnt said..
"Sure you western aus guys have better wind, but at least here on the east we don't have to wear a life jacket." lol

"who was pissed off with kiters at leighton because they kited where he liked to surf" perth surf... legit! what a loser.. lol

how come suddenly there is a law without any mention on here first to help kiters be ready to do submissions - good representation, not..

Very short sighted not to take into account wave ridering kiters 400m+ out to sea kiting reefs - kind of selfish.

mbuckley do you go further than 400m offshore ?