Peterc150 said...

Does anybody know which outfits offer Kitesurfing instruction is available at Altona?

I have had a query about this from a newbie, but have not noticed any companies teaching when I have kited there.

I think given the not so distant incident(s) with kites going into power lines at Altona, information on lessons and instruction there could be more visible.

In short, no one should be instructing at Altona. Its not the right place to instruct. The powerlines and tree line right in front of the launching area are not suited to instruction. Wind is also always onshore which is not suited to instruction.

In short, no one should be instructing at Altona. Its not the right place to instruct. The powerlines and tree line right in front of the launching area are not suited to instruction. Wind is also always onshore which is not suited to instruction.

So do you think that no newbies should kite at Altona for either lessons or solo? That seems to be the implication of what you are saying.

I think it is possible for competent instructors to teach there, particularly if the tide is out a bit. And the wind is not always onshore.

If you are a complete noob just out of lessons and you want to kite at altona the best thing to do is grab your gear and walk up the beach to point cook, set up up there and depending on how far up you go you could have tons of room for downwind dragging or riding, the only disadvantage is its a long walk and you cannot get there by car so knowledge of self launching and setup is required and decent fitness as its a long walk to get up there. If you are a smart noob you wouldnt want to be at altona in the flats anyways, it is filled with kites once there is 13+ knots and lots of peeps trying new things and dropping kites, its very shallow and random muscle beds to tear up feet, so it would be intimidating unless you didnt give a f@#$ about your or anyone elses safety and the locals will not like this and take appropriate measures.

Noobs need to show respect for the elders of their new sport, without this localism thrives especially in a place as sensitive as this, in 2000 we could kite whereverwe wanted in altona, now we have been pushed down the beach and cant kite to the pier where there are super fun little waves to play in, thats 1 area gone. By next season I think we will be all pushed down past maidstone street the way things are going as I see people setting up in the no go area already and summer hasnt even started. this annoys the locals and people who have respected altona for years but it also pisses off the local windsurfing crew as we have gotten a great seabreeze windsufing spot banned for them as well.Care needs to be taken to ensure altona can be enjoyed for all for a long time...

Saffer said...

In short, no one should be instructing at Altona. Its not the right place to instruct. The powerlines and tree line right in front of the launching area are not suited to instruction. Wind is also always onshore which is not suited to instruction.

Yeah absolutely agree. I once saw a skinny bloke trying to teach his wife down there. What was he thinking?

As far as skill level, it is the same for any spot with a crowd of kiters, you need to be able to confidently control your kite at all times including relaunch and self rescue techniques, I may sound mean but 1 person with no clue in the pack really screws things up. If you feel you are good enough to ride there start out in a spot there away from the better kiters and ask people there about no go zones, that way you will be well received and even given advice on where to kite and how to progress.
Altona is a great area and can handle a decent crowd providing that their are no noobs in the middle playing body drags or trying to learn how to ride a board, thats when you will get attitude from your fellow kiters..

Sorry if I sound like an ass but this happens far too often at altona, and anyone who rides there regularly will agree.

So we all in furious agreement,

Except for the newbies who show up and don't get any indication about any of this, unless they happen to talk to the right person on location (if there this person is there and not on the water).

I think some signs indicating relevant information are mandatory. The intention to put some up is mentioned in a prior KBV update to another post, but apparently it hasn't yet happened.

So I think its only a matter of time before there are further incidents.

Peterc150 said...

So we all in furious agreement,

Except for the newbies who show up and don't get any indication about any of this, unless they happen to talk to the right person on location (if there this person is there and not on the water).

I think some signs indicating relevant information are mandatory. The intention to put some up is mentioned in a prior KBV update to another post, but apparently it hasn't yet happened.

So I think its only a matter of time before there are further incidents.

Unfortunately the kiting community are not allowed to put up signs. I think they have to be put up by the council or the council will simply remove any signs that are put up. Maybe KBV can elaborate a bit but thats how I remember it.

Uncle Doug the rumours are true, with the ethnicity around the Altona area being mostly european it is going to be a absolute goldmine! that and now I can look amazing in my speedos while showing the new school kids my dangle style! no more stragglers or dingleberries hanging out the side..

While I am no longer on the KBV committee (and therefore dont speak for KBV) I am sure the foillowing facts are still valid:

1) Hobsons Bay council HAS NOT issued any instructors permits at all for any of its shoreline so that is why there is no instruction at Altona.

2) Reconsideration of the kiting area at Altona still awaits the completion of the beach renourishment programme and when done will be reviewed together with Parks Vic - then appropriate signposts will be erected.

3) KBV is still in contact with Hobsins Bay council but also awaits the outcomes above.

And, as others have observed, idiotic and irresponsible behaviour at Altona will make it unlikely that instructors will get a postion at Altona despite the fact that their presence may in fact improve the situation rather than the opposite.

All we can do in the interim is band together as a responsible self-regulating group and "advise" newbies accordingly. We have a lot more to lose then they do.