The problem with forums is there are "gaps" often in messages where people go ahead and assume the worst or slot their own ego fueled opinions in there.
The GWC of which I am Vice President and handle kiting issues is a great group who has been battling for a long time to get to where we are now. That is, open communication between the two disciplines. At present there's a few and that means one or two, who are really not happy about kiting being in their local spot regardless of rules, they just hate kiters.
You get that in any sport.
The majority of Geraldton windsurfers just want it to be all safe out there on the water and know what's going on and what is expected. Until now it's been a "locals only" mentality and kiters have been tolerated. Generally when it's just us (locals) there's generally no problems at all.
So, kiters and windsurfers alike get along fine in Gero as we all live here and catch-up at the beach, at the post office, in the bars, at the gym, buying groceries...we can sort our own stuff out.
We generally have issues develop when visiting kiters and sometimes windsurfers, which was the case in the past with euro's coming over. They have a nasty habit of dropping in all over the shop with their tongues hanging out, blinkers on with tunnel vision as they have only four weeks and want to get as many waves as possible in as shorta time as possible before returning to the wheel of the big machine we call life.
That mentality doesn't fit with the local business owner, postie, cook, teacher... in Gero who has had a hard day at work, has got away at five PM or started early so they can get away, arrived at the Spot for a few late waves, gives way to those that have the right of way and expects others to do the same. There's sometimes conflict.
So now we have kiting coming along, can go in lighter winds, points further upwind so generally finds themselves upwind of windsurfers a lot. What generally is the norm is when kiters learn to jump, they cause all sorts of problems with not being in control. when a kiter jumps upwind of a windsurfer, or anyone or anything, they are no longer in control of exactly where they land (exactly being the key word) there's a range of up to 30m where they might end up down wind......IF they don't blow it and end up dragging a further 50m down wind. I consider a kiter trying a kite loop, handle pass, back roll, any trick at all not in full control.
For this reason kiters have a responsibility to be in control, or wait until the path is completely clear before going for it. If you can't then stay down wind when jumping in traffic. Or go somewhere where there room to jump without anyone down wind of you.
The incident that happened at Pt Moore is no ones business except those directly involved. For anyone who is interested, they are welcome to contact the people directly involved. The GWC gave all parties the oportunity to explain their side of events, we heard directly from eye witnesses at the location, all who were kiters.
It was clearly obvious to us that a kiter had jumped upwind of a windsurfer and nearly collected him. The events that followed are all just ego's, anger and boys puffing out chests. The issues that the GWC club is dealing with, is the facts.
We want visitors to Geraldton to simply contact a member of the club and get the low down on what to expect at our local spots and what we want people to observe and be responsible for. We are even putting ourselves forward to accompany you to local spots to show you the hazards, explain the currents and keep an eye on your general safety. If that means we race up into the Sea Rescue building and call a passing cray boat to look out for your board or rescue you, then so be it.
we aren't here to be police, we are here to ensure self regulation prevents the police from having to step in. This is what the council wants us to do. Take care of our beaches as responsible locals, for everyones benefit. Keep it safe and educate. It's a big responsibility and one that each individual must learn for everyones benefit.
You don't fit this mentality then you are not welcome up here at all, you are a hinderance to the progression of the sport you love everywhere. BUT this last bit is just my opinion.
