Now that the Boating Zone review is beginning to show up as implemented zones and signage, a reminder about general kiting on the bay - please refer to the Parks Vic brochure "Guide to Kiteboarding - Port Phillip & Western Port" to be found here:
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_2536.pdf

The overall Port Phillip section is here:
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=58

Kiteboards are classified as the equivalent of a boat by Marine Safety Victoria meaning operators of Kiteboards are required to abide by the same regulations as a boat operator.????????Good, in that case we should having a relevant License to operate kiteboarding equipment. They should authorise schools to do the training/testing and issue the license.

Repeat after me, the 200m/5 knot rule has been in place forever. It is not new. It is what we have been riding with for the past 40 odd years that I am aware of.

Don't go fast near swimmers or boats. It's easy to ride at 5 knots if you have to.

Up on the soapbox again to offer my 2c.

The authorities don't want to hassle and regulate and fine us unless it's absolutely necessary. It takes time and money and resources that they could better spend elsewhere. They'll only come after us if there's public pressure or, more likely, pressure from a highly vocal or well-connected minority.

Therefore, if we can self-regulate in such a way that we only break the rules when there are no other water users about, then I'm sure it will be live and let live.

Best possible scenario now and as ever is for those of us who have some kiting and diplomacy skills to use them, and encourage others to do the same, if someone is being a git near the non-kiting public.

The more it becomes standard practice to self-regulate, the easier it will be to sustain as part of general kiting culture.

This means that someone has to take some leadership now and then and show that it's ok to approach offending kiters and tell them what the protocols are and why they exist.

Yes, kiteboarders are regarded by law as sailing vessels, as are windsurfers. It is interesting to note that the Port Phillip guide says riders must use at least a Type 3 PFD (e.g. an impact vest with some flotation), while the boating regulations say riders must use a Type 1.

A Type 3 is the most appropriate as it can double as an impact vest and is compact and easy to kite with. Great for jumping and big stacks too as they protect your back and ribs.

A Type 1 inflatable needs to be inflated to work, and a non-inflatable Type 1 would be too bulky to wear kiting as they have a collar designed to keep an unconscious person's head above water.

I don't think licences will be introduced - you don't need one for sailing or rowing - only for using a powered craft.

However, there may come a time when wearing PFDs is policed (like wearing bike helmets are).