Last Tuesday I thought I would swing past Waltski's on the way home about 1-2 oclock as I could see some kites from a distance and thought it was a bit unusual, anyway I see a guy on the western side of the spit getting along ok but conditions were crap as it"s particularly gusty when wind comes from anywhere associated with a westerly (even with a bit of north) due to the big cliff that causes a lot of turbulance. While this is going on another guy is trying to re-launch his kite for quite a while from the spit and failed to do so, so the first guy comes back to the spit and his kite falls out of the sky as well, at this point you would think that maybe it's just not the best day for a session but they both decide to get thier kites up again eventually and not only do they decide to head out but they decide to go to the offshore side of the spit doing massive long runs towards Dalkieth, within 5 minutes they both end up on the Dalkieth side unable to get back, while this is happening another dude who has been there watching sets up, launches and decides to go offshore side as well, and then there were three only he ends up drifting past the Cafe out in the middle of the river unable to get back, on top of this some guy is giving his mate some lessons using and older Naish (10 or 12m) with the front lines sheeted right in so the kite is hardly flying and keeps dropping out of the sky (also on the offshore side). I know this is long winded but youv'e got to ask yourself 'why would you'. When your new to the sport I know you just want to get out so badly but at the same time common sense must prevail. One of the guys in the first group had his kite on the water getting dragged along for ages then ended up swimming it to shore (in Dalkieth). Anyway this is no criticism of newbies just a reminder to have a look at conditions before you go out and think "where will I end up if I don't get back".

Nothing unusual really.

I always see really dumb stuff at Pt Walter and really try to help out by giving offenders tips. But the majority do their own thing anyways and pay the price.

Some lessons need to be learned the hard way. Sometimes a long swim or a self rescue can switch people on a bit more to the conditions and locations.

Lesson 1 for noobs.. If conditions are marginal and you think that there isn't enough wind. Then there isn't and you need to understand this. Don't go out. If you do, then don't expect experienced riders to come help you.

Also kite schools shouldn't be teaching out front of the bird sanctuary. Great ammo for the local residents to get the spot banned.

^^^ But get it on a 30+ Easterly on the offshore side and it's gold.