A high profile case in QLD is now making waves across Australia with surfers joining ranks to stop boaties hooning through not only the Currumbin Alley, but all bars and passages around Australia. 

With all this media exposure about the Currumbin case, other surfers are up in arms about the irresponsible nature of 'weekend warriors' in boats, that aren't observing the 6 knot speed limit within 30 meters of swimmers. That includes surfers, paddlers, people on SUP's and kiteboarders. 

Back in 2011, Richard King was killed while surfing when he was struck by a vessel crossing Currumbin bar. More recently, on Saturday 8 June 2013, early one morning Chris Del Mar was struck by a vessel crossing the same bar which failed to stop after the 'hit and run' incident. Luckily, Mr Del Mar recovered but it's since sparked new vigour in the debate about what to do about the situation. 

Currumbin local, Rob Pirie put it best, saying: "The Alley is the official Zoo of the Gold Coast , power boats , outriggers , surf boats , clubbie skies & mals , goat boats , short boarders , mals , surf schools , tow in kooks , wind & kite surfers ,Sup surfers and racers."

With all that going on, there appears a need for some kind of regulation & the question is who's going to do it? There are reports circulating of the VMR services at Currumbin driving too close to surfers. Other locations are suffering similar challenges are Maroochydore River mouth on the Sunshine Coast and Ettalong Head down in New South Wales. 

There are some great suggestions in the Stand Up Paddling forums ...  get amongst the discussion!

 

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