VIC
25 posts
I'm new to the whole kiting scene but I kind of have an understanding of the rules and such bout where we can and cannot kite. I was just wondering if there was a website or something I could read up on where it lists kite friendly beaches and lakes and where I should definitely stay away from.
The reason I bring this up is because I was at Edithvale main beach today and I saw a kiter setting up around alot of people and then launching and taking straight off while blowing heaps of sand in peoples faces. I know thats not cool at all, so I just wanted to make sure where I could do it safely without people chasing me down with torches and pitchforks.
Cheers.
VIC
418 posts
Good observation - perhaps a quiet word with the kiter would have been in order if there were the opportunity. Etiquette and just plain old "thinking about others" is an issue... The KBV site has a very comprehensive section on Rules, Safety, Etiquette and related matters...
Now to your question: Regarding beaches/lakes we are fortunate in Victoria to be free of any bans at present - Albert Park Lake is probably a big exception! :) I guess the KBV site would be the most appropriate place to list bans if they existed in Victoria. There are some bans in place in South Australia but I am not sure where those are listed of it is just signposted and/or general knowledge to the locals.
There are a few guidelines and some beaches where no-go or restricted zones are signposted (Kitebeach Brighton, ST Kilda and I think Altona will soon have a sign too).
Although not always signposted it is important to know that we are subject to standard boating rules and thus MUST observe all boating no-go rules - failure to do so could get us banned very quickly.
So, for example, no kiting in front of the sea baths at St Kilda unless you are in the boating area (200 meters offshore) - dont even think of launching from any of those beaches - St Kilda West beach is the place to be.
Port Melbourne is grey area - so far no ruling but many kiters are in breach just by being in a no-boating zone!!!
For more information I suggest you check the Marine Safety and the Parks Victoria sites.
VIC
4501 posts
The general consensus of places like Port Melbourne is as follows:
Be respectful of swimmers. If there are swimmers around, find a gap away from them to launch, ride slowly until you are well clear and then get at least 100m out and stay away from them.
So far, we've got away with using the beaches by not endangering people and being responsible, but if you act like a dick head, it will result in "no kiting zones" being enforced and the end of kiting in these areas plus possible fines.
Fortunately most people there are locals who don't want to see bans in place so they're pretty good when it comes to staying away from the ferry and people, but it does just take one dick head to change all of that.
The same goes for South Melbourne. I.e. stay away from the swimming flags, watch for swimmers swimming between the buoys, don't ride in the breakers directly in front of the lifesavers hut and try to avoid the no boating zones.
