soz wot '

fly guy said...

have been kiting in spain and I am amazed that the sport hasnt been band here. Guys are not only dropping there kites onto people laying on the beach ( and in one case I witnessed a pram get taken out, no kid in it thank ****) no one wants to help anyone out and land anyones kite so they drive their kite flat out into the ground. So note to anyone "dont buy second hand euro kites"

I reckon a lot of that would be down to people from all over Europe holidaying in Spain, and not being able to speak Spanish, so as to not be able to communicate effectively. That said, the Spanish probably don't care anyway... They are pretty laid back!

In response to observations noted here on this forum and my own observations at local beaches I would like to offer to anyone in the kitesurfing community free theory and safety information courses. That’s right Free “no strings attached” just come
on down and get informed, for everyone’s sake.
Responsible kite surfing practices
Safety information
Weather analysis
Location analysis
Trim and tune theory
Understand apparent wind
Refreshing what you already know,
Filling in the gaps of information from self learning
Filling in the gaps of information from learning off “mates”, or your partner.
or you Intend to start kitesurfing
This is followed up with Q&A session, where you wont get flamed for asking a “silly” question.
This is a genuine offer to all fellow kite surfers/ kite boarders
For more information drop into Choice kitesurfing or call
Graham Baker to arrange your booking. Evening, weekday and weekend classes available.
Choice Kitesurfing
4/54 Rockingham Rd
Hamilton Hill

93367884 mob 0438382638

Good onya Choicey nice offer and I hope some folks take you up on it. However I believe that the ones that could benefit the most are probably the ones that you are least likely to see unfortunately.

P.S. That full deck grip I got off you works a treat, no straps and no more waxing for me

WAKSA. said...

An excellent idea from "kiterdan"; one which has been on the WAKSA list of desirable "things to do" for quite while.
For the benefit of all our members, and all other forum readers, WAKSA would like to advise that the newly appointed 08/09 committee has already picked up on this project. A sub-committee is well along the way to producing a leaflet which will be distributed as a "Guide to Kiting in WA". It will not be targeted solely at overseas visitors but will include information of value to new kiters and to interstate guests as well.
It is a bit premature to predict the content but in planning we are considering info on basic kite etiquette & safety, location guide & local 'guidelines', CLEAR etc. Distribution will be through the airport info stands - international and domestic - as well as through those shops and schools which will be supporting the initiative.
Sensible input from forum discussions such as this one will, as always, be taken into account. If any kiters have specific info to contribute they are also invited to forward it to the committee via the normal waksa email address or as a 'private message' off our forum tag.
Hopefully the brochure will be out there well before the new season gets underway.

When you get your new BKSA (UK) card and tag it comes with a booklet explaining how to kite safely and a list of popular beaches (along with places in the vicinity you SHOULDN'T go, and local shops to help you out)

When someone joins WAKSA this sort of booklet should be part of your joining pack, and you should get it every year as you renew your membership. I would have thought that this was a no brainer, and WAKSA would have though of this a while ago! Maybe you put the info in a sealed envelope that has a statement on the outside saying "by opening this envelope you agree to follow the guidelines set out in the enclosed documentation" blah blah fishpaste...

I also agree it should also be given away free in kiteshops with the purchase of a kite, and all kite schools should carry it. I'm not so sure about distribution at the airport. I think it would get lost with all the other leaflets. If someone is coming to WA to kite, then you have to rely on them visiting the website to view the booklet online, or visiting a shop for advice. If someone rocks up to a beach without having seen it, then at least someone could hand them theirs, or let them know if the go to any kite shop they can pick one up for free.

At Saunton Sands in Nth Devon there is a big sign that shows where you have to go to kite (past a big white rock) and that you must carry proof of insurance.

Places like Woodies are great for signs. You could put one up with lots of info (Even other places to go) and no-one would complain about it, since its pretty much a dedicated kiting area, and hardly an area of outstanding natural beauty (except for the kite girls) The only issue would be vandals?

Web based I think the best association website is the Victoria (KBV) one, with its animations (Dude, no pumping near the ladies!), but I honestly think the WAKSA one has all the information you need already! What more can you do? You can't spoon feed this info to people, some initiative has to be taken on the part of the visitor.

Great idea from WAKSA for the information leaflet - Apply for grants to assit with printing costs. Also, see if you could advertise in those airline mags on the plane, lots of people reads those booklets. Someone must have contacts in the advertising industry to assist with layout and designn etc.

Putting it out there in their face is needed - ignorance is not an excuse. Your on the right track. Good luck.

lostinlondon said...
I bet most of the people who cause trouble at the moment are perpetual 'unts, in that they wouldn't care if you tattooed the local information on their chest so they could read it in the mirror every morning, they would still be jerks.

Absolutely 100% spot on 'lost' BUT I reckon you cant do nothing just cos it wont save the world. I reckon a one page A4 flyer circulated everywhere possible with pointers to the website is a responsible way to go.

..or just buggering off altogether?


(can't blame me for trying)




...ok, willing to settle for making kiters memorize right of way rules and be extra considerate of other beach and water users, as a fair trade-off for the ridiculous amount of space they take up...


...oh no, here we go again!