crossy4321 said...

whats the best direction wind to go out on there? whats the average wind around there?

Anything southerly although SE is best. Average wind is similar to STK. Sometimes stronger, sometimes weaker.

suniboy21 said...

Altona is generally on shore, take care launching.
Not sure if there is still trees lining the beach.
Watch out in the weed for Sea urchins

Sea urchins have gone, hope they dont come back this summer and didn't see them there really before last year.
Rode in a SSW today, wasn't bad. Winter w or SW can be gusty but summer SW to SSW sea breezes are good. Like Saffer said SE is best and the only place to kite close to the city.
Yep trees are still there.
There is a lot of space so great to learn once you have done proper lessons but like anywhere you need to get out to chest deep water and launching and landing need to be as close to the water as possible.

suniboy21 said...

Steve im going to hold you to the promise that there is no urchines. Hope you have tweezers and beer in the shop

Doesn't look like there are any but i do have a blunt knife and always up for a beer :) No tweezers sorry.

crossy4321 said...

Is it alright kiting where the dog beach is? Only saying this as took the dog down there and there was more room on the beach to set up and less people around...would it be alright to learn around there?

You'll get fined if you do.

When the council turn up, just speak in german! Youll be right!

so im guessing its not adviced? do you get a warning or an actual fine?

Hahahahaha So if i got to the "dog beach" i can bring out the south african accent and Dutch Language, sounds good to me.... :-)

http://www.kbv.org.au/kbvmain/kbv-headlineview.php?hlid=126.htm

Here is a note from the KBV on the matter:

2012-02-19 - Altona issues & Hobsons Bay Council / KBV response #1

As you may know, there have been a number of incidents recently at Altona beach including:
- Incidents between kiteboarders and other recreational users
- Teaching activities occurring at Altona without permission from Hobsons Bay Council
- A threat from a kiter to users of the Altona dog beach.
Hobsons Bay Council have asked KBV to remind the kiting community of the permissible kiting zones and our responsibilities at Altona.

Recreational Kiters:
Hobsons Bay Council wishes to remind kiteboarders that there is a designated zone for kiting at Altona, known as the Altona Foreshore activity zone. Within this zone, rigging/derigging of kiteboarding equipment is permitted. Kiters do not need to subscribe to the 5knot ruling within the Altona Foreshore activity zone.

Outside of the Altona Foreshore activity zone, kiteboarders can continue to kite but must reduce speed to 5 knots within 50m of a pier, jetty, person, other vessels or objects such as buoys or pilings in the water, and within 200m of the shore.

The Altona Foreshore Activity Zone is 100 metres east of Romawi Street to Apex Park. There is a sign on the beach 100 mts east of Romawi street indicating the start of the Activity Zone. If any wind sport activities either on land or in the water are undertaken outside these zones then the individual can be told to relocate to the appropriate area or can be given an infringement notice.

In term of the prevailing local law, breaches attract a penalty of 2 penalty units ($244.28). If the matter goes to court the council can seek a penalty of up to 10 penalty units ($1221.40).

Schools/Instructors:
No commercial kiteboarding lessons are permitted to be conducted at Altona. Please do not conduct any lessons at this location.

Additionally the council has asked that we continue ensure that all instructors and members are aware of and comply with the kiting zones stipulated above.

The councils states "We kindly ask you all to take notice of the above and to adhere to these rules. This is important in order to maintain our relationship with the wider community and to keep our beaches open and safe."

Correspondence from the Hobsons Bay Council as well as a map of the Altona water/land zones can be found here. There is also a link to KBV documents on the site.

KBV would like to remind the kiteboarding community that our discussions and communications on public forums (e.g. Seabreeze, Facebook etc) are being monitored.

Negative actions and commentary recently by a small few towards other kiters and/or the general public have not helped the sport of kiteboarding and it's relationships with the wider community. It's important that we all individually help to forge a positive relationship with the wider community.

Please be wary of what is said and done at our local beaches and on the internet discussions boards. We need your help to maintain the good relationships we have worked hard to build over the past years.

Correspondence from the Hobsons Bay Council as well as a map of the Altona water/land zones can be found here. There is also a link to KBV documents on the site.

Your KBV Committee

Gah! Why is there no wind on my day off!

Also whats the deal now at altona? There is a sign near the mini rock wall (207 Esplanade) that has an arrow for water sport activities pointing to Apex park.

Does this mean we aren't allowed to set up at the end of McBain Street?

Cheers

Saffer said...
http://www.kbv.org.au/kbvmain/kbv-headlineview.php?hlid=126.htm

Here is a note from the KBV on the matter:
...
KBV would like to remind the kiteboarding community that our discussions and communications on public forums (e.g. Seabreeze, Facebook etc) are being monitored.
....
Your KBV Committee

"Your KBV Nannies" more like it.

Don't worry. Everyone - yes even you Saff, rig up waaayyyy east of Romawi St and launch closer to McBain. I don't agree with that, but especially for beginners, it's the safest place to do it and launch. Certainly the closer to the pier, the more frowns you will get.

Just rock up, say Hi and launch where most the others are doing it.

Now can we move on from the "we spoke, we told you, we conquer you" attitude crap?

Beginners - like KSS said... go waist deep and you'll be fine and of course get lessons and learn right-of-way etc. And yes, I am a beginner too.

Hey guys, hope everyone had a great day! :D

Anyhow just wondering do we know who was taking photo's down on the west end :)?

Yep, been to the doctor to have the remains of a sea urchin cut out, 20+ pieces

matto said...
Two kites (that I was aware of) into trees/light poles. At least they werent both cab's (only one was). Which makes me wonder, is North the new Cab?

Yup, the ongoing risk to kiting in Altona continues. How *#^*ing hard is to keep your kite away from trees and powerlines? [}:)]

suniboy21 said...

A few beginners

A FEW.... Gees mate, i havent seen that many beginners crammed down next to the pier for a long time.

suniboy21 said...

A few beginners with there kites at 12 oclock, please if your learning and your walking to deeper water, keep that kite low for the people behind you and high for the people going below you.

and while they are at it - rather than walking upwind directly in the way of everybody else, why not do it at either end of the beach.

@ random - photo dude has posted a thread with pix on it.