Dear Member

I am writing to give you an update on the work being done by the WAKSA committee, given it’s the end of the year and we finally seem to be getting some decent wind.

I would hope by now you have seen that we have tried over the off-season to lift the profile of Kite Surfing in WA. There have been a number of areas we have focussed our attention, the main two being the re-release of our website: www.waksa.org.au and the release of the first batch of site guides for Perth based kiting locations.

We have also been working closely with CALM, DPI and local councils to ensure they are aware of our presence, and to ensure if there are any issues with safety or beach access, they come to us for opinion and to allow us to represent the WA Kite Surfing community.

This has all been part of ensuring that we are all able to continue using our favourite locations to practice the sport we love. While all the members of the current committee are against setting boundaries or rules, we all understand that with such an increase in numbers, Kite Surfing is being put under the spotlight and rules will be made whether we like it or not. Your support for WAKSA gives us the weight we require when dealing with government organisations to ensure Kite Surfers get a fair go.

The other side of what we have been trying to achieve is to bring the Kite Surfers of WA together more often. We have now formed an Events Subcommittee, which is responsible for events such as the downwinder that took place on the last weekend, right through to the State Titles that will be held next year.

The downwinder from Leighton Beach to Swanbourne was a major success, which saw around 60 kites in the air, all moving up the coast: a great spectacle and great fun!

In the new year we will be organising the event now known as ‘Kitestock’. This is going to be a full weekend of Kite Surfing in the town of Port Gregory, which is north of Geraldton.

This event is gathering momentum and the aim to provide a location where we can all get away for a weekend of relaxing Kite Surfing. The focus will be on FUN, not just if you are an expert kiter, but for everybody at every level of the sport. It will be an opportunity to be on the water with some of the best kiters in Australia, improve your skills, meet loads of other people with the same love of the sport, soak up the sun and generally chill out.

Check out the WAKSA website for further information regarding all our latest news on events, including Kitestock… we are updating the site regularly now and there is always something new to see.

So, with all that said, I would like to take the opportunity on behalf of the current committee members to wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you again for your support of our organisation, it is vital for the growth of our sport. Remember to stay safe over the break, especially if you are lucky enough to be out on the water.

Merry Christmas and Safe Kiting for 2006

Dean Gilkison
President

what was the incident?

Hi Deano
Most of the committee have been away for Christms and I know Dean's still overseas. The incident at Safety Bay is shocking for both guys involved and is certainly going to be discussed when everybody is back. Improving safety is the main reason I volunteered for the committee and I know the other members also see this as our highest priority. If you've got a suggestions you would like presented to the group please email me directly and I'll see that it is delivered.
Thanks
Graeme Speak
WAKSA Secretary [email protected]