Western Australian Kitesurfing Association Update

Fresh news from the fantastic team of volunteers running WAKSA - they've been busy!

Potential changes for Scarborough/Brighton Kiting

The current plan proposes the formation of specific 'activity zones' along the Scarborough beach front. The zones proposed in the Master Plan may impact on the availability of Brighton beach for kite surfing. Members will
know that the Floreat to Brighton down-winder is one of the most popular runs in the metro area. WAKSA will be doing everything possible to maintain our access to Brighton as one of the premier wave riding locations in Perth.

In order to present a united and cohesive message to the City of Stirling, WAKSA is inviting all members to a meeting to discuss the proposed plan, its potential impact on kiting at Scarborough/Brighton; and precisely what message we want to present to the Council.

The meeting will be held at Scarborough SLSC, Wednesday 25th August 2010 commencing at 7.00pm. The club is located at 1, The Esplanade, Scarborough.

We encourage all local and regular Scarborough/Brighton/Floreat kiters to attend the meeting to voice their concerns, and have input into the message WAKSA sends back to the City of Stirling.

Pelican Point Statues

WAKSA member Allan O'Grady recently advised the committee that the City of Subiaco had planned to install a number of statues in JH Abrahams Reserve, adjacent to Pelican Point. In this proposal, the City of Subiaco was
proposing to locate a 6 foot tall statue within 2 feet of the waters edge.   There was significant potential for kites and or lines to get wrapped around the statue.

WAKSA contacted the City of Subiaco to highlight the potential safety issues this statue presented for kiters. After some very quick consultation with WAKSA, the City of Subiaco has decided not to install this particular statue as was originally proposed, ensuring that no kiters are injured or kites damaged by the statue. Thanks to Allan for alerting us to the problem in time to have a positive outcome for Pelican Point kiters.

Mullaloo Beach Plan News

Most recent advice received indicates that the City of Joondalup will be making its decision at the September meeting of the Council. WAKSA expect to have a final opportunity to present our case to the Council prior to that
meeting and will advise all northern suburbs members (as well as WAKSA members) when we know more ourselves.

Government interest in kite surfing

Over the past couple of months, WAKSA has met with the Department of Transport to discuss a range of concerns that the DoT Marine Safety branch has regarding kite surfing. Those concerns are safety focused - for example, wearing PFD's when more than 400m off shore; kite buoyancy once a kite is on the water and self rescue techniques, speed restrictions on kiters, etc. Transport representatives also indicated that whilst complaints about kite
surfing have risen over the past years, there is currently limited legislation or regulation in place affecting the sport. The Department is considering a number of issues and has committed to consult with WAKSA as the Department
addresses these issues. The Department has acknowledged kiters rights to be on the water and has confirmed that bans or restrictions are not being considered in order to control kiting.

WAKSA will continue to liaise with the Department of Transport to ensure that any decisions made that might affect our sport are informed decisions and do not compromise the years of work already done promoting CLEAR
and existing right of way rules.