We've done a bit of research about this concept and would like to address a few concerns that have been raised about such a service.

Bad etiquette
Many kiters are concerned that this service would put our ability to do downwinders at risk due, to an increased number of kiters failing to respect other ocean users. We really hope that the OPPOSITE will be true. We aim to work with WAKSA, local councils and surf clubs so that we can educate kiters how BEST to behave, where NOT to go and what to do when things don't work. Currently, there is NOTHING stopping an uninformed kiters from shredding down the coast. These kiters that have not taken the time to learn from others are putting downwinders at risk of being disallowed. We hope that by providing a great environment, kiters will EDUCATE each other. We hope that by providing an ORGANISED environment for kiters, we will be able to INCREASE awareness, thereby protecting downwinders, not putting them at risk of being disallowed.

Cashing in
This is a donation funded service. The service will rely on kiters genuinely wanting this service for it to grow/stick around. If the community doesn't want it, it will disappear. It's VERY expensive to operate..... $10k van, $2k trailer, $1.6kpa insuranc, $.7kpa rego, the costs are huge.

Too busy
Hit up any of the normal kiting hot spots and on a busy day you'll find between 50 and 100 kiters sharing less than 500m of coast. This service will help 12 kiters access 20km of coastline. Within a few minutes, the pack will be completely spread out. Kiting downwind gets you much more space than kiting in just one location.

Have you guys got the relevant plates from DOT provide this service??


www.transport.wa.gov.au/taxis/shuttle-service-licences.asp

Good on ya

seeker said..


This is a donation funded service. The service will rely on kiters genuinely wanting this service for it to grow/stick around.

How much money are you going to charge for the trip ?

waveslave said..

seeker said..


This is a donation funded service. The service will rely on kiters genuinely wanting this service for it to grow/stick around.

How much money are you going to charge for the trip ?

RPM said..
Good to know and well done. I'm sure that's if the wind gets is act together, you should get some business!

However I did see a old big school bus last weekend with a tribe of kiters unloading from it at Leighton. At least 10 of them maybe 12.

So I think you may have some competition!

Which may suck because I don't think that the market is big enough for 2 operators.

Hey RPM,

If that was just this Sunday gone, I believe that was the charity fund raiser organised annually by WAKSA, for Redkite (see website below).
In any case, I'd be stoked if there were more operators. I'm sure we can work together instead of against each other.

Todd Vladich already provides a transport service, see Downwinder Transport. He's reliable and ocean paddlers love jumping on his troopy. Todd is also more than happy to ferry kiters, too. Like him on FB.

http://www.waksa.org.au/kitesurfing-events/event/21-redkite-charity-downwinder

www.facebook.com/downwindertransport

I heard he's going to take the bus down to falcon?

....... 1 to 3 pints ay, .... In perth, so, 20 to 60 bucks thereabouts.

Hey waveslave,

If you're only prepared to pay a gold coin, that's fine, jump on board. It's how we choose to operate. We don't aim to scam or cheat anyone. We're working through the process with DOT and will have this established as a legit, legal, insured service. Choosing to let you decide how much to pay reflects what people value of the service. Additionally, it would be great to be able to provide additional services in the future that could benefit kiters more. Everything from lessons, to rentals, to demoing gear, to guided tours, to longer trips are all possible, but it's all up to what the community want from the sport.

cauncy,

Is that really Ian? Hahah, I hope so! In any case, stellar effort. I'd love to do something that huge and hope to do something similar one day!

diamond2001

Thanks for your positive feedback. We hope that this will enable kiters to meet new crews that they can choose to ride with and organise trips of their own with. Thanks for your ideas as well. We're briefly discussed with WAKSA opportunities to provide transport during Kite Stock. Get along to that! Again, as said to waveslave, happy to add services as the community indicate need.

It would be great to demo kites on downwinders.Especially if you could line up 4 kites over a 4 day period and nail that perfect kite for the quiver. That I would pay extra for!

Nice work seeker....a great service....good vibe too