Over this last summer the number of kiters flying through, or drifting into the flags has got out of control.

Nearly every DW run I've done, I've heard the clubbies yelling through their microphone at some kook who stacked it right next to the flags, or some non-local (sorry for the stereotype but generally Euro/Brazo) who's just kited straight through the flagged area. Therefore, there must be minimum half a dozen kooks ending up in the flags every good DW day.

If it doesn't stop:
- An innocent swimmer will be badly injured
- Our world-class down-winder run will be split into sections of 'go/no-go' zones by the various councils.

It's pretty simple - to avoid being the kook who ends up in the flags - here's a few tips!
- There are 3m high red and yellow flags at 3 locations; Floreat, Brighton and Scarborough beach. Get to know these locations and keep your eyes open as you approach them. If you claim you can't see the flags you shouldn't be kiting.
- Remain at least 200m offshore as you pass the flagged area.
- On a mellow day - tack out to sea at least 100m before the southern flag. On day with stronger wind / bigger surf, tack out earlier (the stronger wind/bigger swell is far more likely to push your dumped kite and board into the flags from much further upwind)
- None of you are Kiahi Dubois - therefore no-one on the shore is impressed by your delayed bottom-turn followed by mis-timmed hit on the lip. Give swimmers, especially those in the flags a wide berth.

If you do end up in the flags:
- Don't be an asshole to the clubbies when they get pissed at your - you're the kook, not them.
- Apologies and show them some respect for the volunteer time they're giving to keep the general pubic safe from kooks like you.
- Don't complain or pick a fight with the clubbies if they try take your board away from you. The City of Stirling Beach Rangers (Brighton/Scarborough/Trigg rangers) and City of Cambridge (City Beach / Floreat Rangers) have powers under their by-laws to confiscate your equipment. You ended up in the flags, you're the kook, it's your own damn fault.
- If they let you continue on your way, walk around and down-wind of the flagged area, before trying to relaunch. Don't relaunch upwind, you'll just kook it again!

Good winds

Definitely needed to be said. Lose the egos and show basic respect for all beach goers. You're not special, you just think you are!

Watched a chap at the dog beach next to pinnaroo first kite within a couple of meters of a swimmer before switcbing directions and then shortly after actually carve around the swimmer. Unfortunatly there are people who are so self centered they think while they are on the water only they matter.

KitersElbow said..
agree 1000%.

can we put this post on a large sign at City Beach?

Agree. We should get proactive about this because it's not sustainable the way it is. Accidents will happen and/or restrictions will be enforced.

Many of you would have seen the surfers code signs at surf breaks here and there. I can't see why we couldn't try and get something similar on the kitesurfing front erected at the city beach grass area. Just to highlight a few of the dos and don'ts for the uneducated/ignorant. Swimmers area is one of the big ones. There will always be heroes that ignore it but it may help with some of the tourists and newbies.

Has anyone had experience with the local council with this sort of thing? Anyone seen something similar in your travels? I for one would be prepared to put some effort in for this, or a better idea, to help preserve safety and our downwinder.