Kiting at Balnarring - a WARNING

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adrenal
adrenal
VIC
134 posts
VIC, 134 posts
3 Feb 2012 2:51pm
A friend of mine has a place in Balnarring (non kiteboarder). Last week he complained to me that several kiteboarders were coming within meters of the beach and other beach users (families) who were sitting near the shore.

He protested to the kiteboarders who ignored him and now he is threatening to approach the council/ranger about it. Apparently the ranger is already dark on kiteboarders so this could have serious consequences for kiteboarding in Balnarring.

I asked him to hold fire explaining to him that this behavior is not condoned and is a hot topic on the 'forums' and that I'd raise the issue. But not everyone reads the forums...

It is imperative that we self-regulate this sort of behaviour at all our favorite spots by politely pulling people up on the dangers and repercussions of their actions and reminding them of the regulations.

If you are behaving in this way, you are not only breaking the law as explained here:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Victoria/For-Information-Melbourne-Kitesurfing-Zones/
and here:
http://www.kbv.org.au/index2.php

but are being inconsiderate, potentially dangerous and failing to use common sense.


Pat1
Pat1
VIC
19 posts
VIC, 19 posts
4 Feb 2012 10:26am
The ranger has already approached kiters, and if you are going to kite there, make sure you set up and pack up further up the beach. He wants us to set up further up the beach, past the chair up towards the little pier thing.
The ranger in balnarring is very much in the dark on kiters
KiteboardingVic
KiteboardingVic
VIC
418 posts
VIC, 418 posts
4 Feb 2012 1:10pm
Please remind local kiters to check the rules & regulations that apply to us all (as per Adrenal's post) - these are now accessible and are posted posted on the KBV site home page (right hand side under the Quick Links panel).

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE SEEN TO BE GOOD BEACH AND WATER CITIZENS - NOT ONLY TO STICK TO THE RULES - OUR PROFILE IS IMPORTANT!!!!!!
Flyingbody
Flyingbody
VIC
10 posts
VIC, 10 posts
15 Feb 2012 5:22pm
Hi,

I am sad to hear those news and hope we won't lose this site (or any other one) as it is beautiful!

In France, in the paragliding community we have a board at every official flying site (launch and landing areas) reminding general rules and explaining specifications about the site (potential dangers, sensitive issues, advice on where to set up, most of the time using diagrams/maps of the area and contact details of people in the know, ...). It only costs a piece of wood and a plastified printed sheet and really helps everyone. It also shows to other users that the community is aware of the discomfort it can generate and that it's doing it's best, which means that if some individuals are not respecting those rules, they are the only ones to blame, not the whole community.

It's just an idea of what could be done either by some locals of a site or schools, whoever! I'm only a beginner in kite surfing and wouldn't be the best person to do it, but I am more than happy to help: I have a laminator and I can even provide some wooden boards that I am about to give away.
Peterc150
Peterc150
VIC
710 posts
VIC, 710 posts
15 Feb 2012 7:44pm
Flyingbody, boards detailing kiting information are a great idea. KBV had it on their agenda a couple of years ago, but unfortunately there has not been much action, other than at St Kilda. Still nothing at Hampton.

It would be worth contacting KBV about whether you can assist. I think the local councils want to position the signs however.
nigelw2
nigelw2
VIC
237 posts
VIC, 237 posts
23 Feb 2012 11:22pm
I too have seen some bad behavior at Balnarring.
On a Busy Sunday, dead onshore and every body was riding right on the shore line with no regard to right of way or kite high / kite low rules.
Im new to kiting but managed to get out of the shore line chaos by going, and staying upwind a bit giving myself a bit of room.
It was as if the better you think you are, the closer to the shore and other people you put yourself and your kite!
Every rule in the book was being broken that day, not good for the sport!
Pat1
Pat1
VIC
19 posts
VIC, 19 posts
24 Feb 2012 5:40pm
^^ i know the sunday your talking about, never seen that many kiters at that spot ever. Was hectic.
Balnarring in onshore / high tide as it was is a real bad spot for begginers, there were so many kooks there that day
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