WA
912 posts
are washed up or serve a purpose
WA
2184 posts
u rnt allowed to go on the north side (beach) of them cus u r irreversibly damaging the wildlife's environment and considering the mud there has been deposited there for many years and serving as a valuable stop and resting area for migrational birds. kiters should be banned from going in to the area near it.
thats the CALM point of view
how about some one say the kiters point of view... the bloody birds aren't there 90% of the year and its not possible to avoid the area in some conditions
WA
284 posts
Kiters have been under criticism from the bird lovers who have been actively lobbying the Government for the last few seasons. WAKSA has been negotiation with CALM for at least two years about this.
CALM are very supportive of the Kiters and the meetings with WAKSA have been very cooperative. They want the Kiters to self regulate and look after the area. The area is one of 3 reserves within the Swan esturay. If we achieve this they won't have to issue fines and ban us completely.
The markers are a compromise between all interest groups. CALM have paid for a new sign at the entrance to the park and given WAKSA equal space alongside theirs. We've used that to spell out the safety guidelines for the kiters and pedestrians.
We've had a follow up meeting with CALM recently reviewing the position of the markets. The Rangers are putting a proposal to their management which, if approved, will give us more room in the launch/landing area. These CALM Ranger's have been really great people to deal with and have been very helpful to kiting.
Everyone should be aware that the markers are an important guideline for us to keep to. Stay well away from the shore, definitely don't walk on it, unless for safety reason's you have no alternative. We know that it's not always possible to stay upwind, but if you see kiters who may be new to the area perhaps let them know that its in everyone's interest to stay outside the markers. One positive angle, particularly for newbys, is the safety aspect of staying well off shore.
CALM have also offered to pay for rubber stripping along the edge of the stone wall to help protect our lines after landing. However the guidelines WAKSA have put up with CALM's support, encourage kiters not launch kites from the wall and for the person holding the kite to stand either on the beach or preferably out in the water. We are particularly conscious that newby's will follow the practices of experienced kiters and in the interests of promoting safe kiting at this spot ask that everybody support the adoption of these guidelines.
Graeme Speak
WAKSA Secretary
WA
102 posts
Good on ya Graeme for trying to keep the spot open.
Shame the markers are so far out - some of the best butter in a seabreeze is 20 - 30 m closer in.
On the WAKSA sign it says that Peli Point is for experienced kiters - which is understandable given the onshore launch and obstacles. Does that mean WAKSA is discouraging lessons and beginners at Peli?
Andris
WA
1119 posts
if marking off pretty much the whole are is a compromise....
if the buoys were placed such that you could actually use the area maybe they would be respected.
(a compromise would be the original idea of a line parallel to the beach)
WA
284 posts
That was the original discussions Jan, and yes we've explored the options with them as far as we can.
Regarding the Newby's, yes we've definitely drafted the message so there is no mistaking the warning that its not safe for beginners.
Graeme
WA
368 posts
Everybody should be aware that the Nature preservation area starts at the boat ramp and extends East from there .
It is true that the best area has been taken away but unfortunately the alternative is loosing the entire area that kites are launching from at the moment and all the shallow water out to the danger marker.
This would mean the only access would be sharing the beach and water that the windsurfers use .
Considering the situation and the strength of the bird conservation group the present outcome is probably the only realistic compromise we can hope to achieve .
If people continue to breach the zone intentionally CALM will be forced to take action . There have already been reports of rangers taking video footage of kiters inside the zone .
The only thing that will happen if the area is not respected is a total ban as is happening in a lot of places around the country .
Mike
WA
65 posts
crap spot anyway
good riddance to it
would also stop the inevitable death/serious injury that is going to occur there one day due crazy doings of all the users
practically, no frickin way people will stay up wind of the markers
wind drops out, dropped kite, lost board, newby cant go up wind etc etc all will trepass on the sacred turf
one comment about the bird loving dogooders, copped some crap from them one day, however the interesting thing was that they were taking their dog for a walk in the sanctuary and it was running around through the reeds and plants, couldnt see the logic in their arguements after that.
