This afternoon myself and a fellow kiter took off from the northern bank of Georges River near the bottom of Napoleon St and kited upwind to the sandbar near the entrance to Wooloware Bay. On arrival, we were greeted by two very agitated poleys, one who shouted something about 'illegal' and another who simply screamed 'F*CK OFF!! F*CK OFF!!'.
I stopped riding and flagged down the more coherent of the two for an explanation. I got an explanation, delivered in an aggressive tone, the gist of which was, 'you're not allowed to kite here in the smooth bit, so go back over to the choppy side'. Okey-dokes, I thought, I'm out to kite, not to fight, and they did seem pretty worked up for a Sunday arvo, so I kited back to the north side and had my session there. Fellow kiter continued kiting at the sandbar until the poleys started aiming their boards at him.
For future reference, I just wanted to know if anyone can tell me 1. If that spot is pole-only, no bags 2. If so, who says 3. If so, on what grounds (other pole-only areas make good sense e.g. near the airport, Narrabeen Lakes, but a sandbar in Georges River that's smooth in a southerly? Hmm) 4. If so, how was I supposed to know about it? Fellow kiter has shared the spot with poleys before with no hassles. My instructor started me from that sandbar on my second lesson ever. The NSWKBA map shows a delineation between not-recommended purple and no-kite red near that sandbar. How close are we allowed to go?
Don't have that problem with the poley's up here.........
we're on a different level...........
Select to expand quoteTheGeneral said...
This afternoon myself and a fellow kiter took off from the northern bank of Georges River near the bottom of Napoleon St and kited upwind to the sandbar near the entrance to Wooloware Bay. On arrival, we were greeted by two very agitated poleys, one who shouted something about 'illegal' and another who simply screamed 'F*CK OFF!! F*CK OFF!!'.
I stopped riding and flagged down the more coherent of the two for an explanation. I got an explanation, delivered in an aggressive tone, the gist of which was, 'you're not allowed to kite here in the smooth bit, so go back over to the choppy side'. Okey-dokes, I thought, I'm out to kite, not to fight, and they did seem pretty worked up for a Sunday arvo, so I kited back to the north side and had my session there. Fellow kiter continued kiting at the sandbar until the poleys started aiming their boards at him.
For future reference, I just wanted to know if anyone can tell me 1. If that spot is pole-only, no bags 2. If so, who says 3. If so, on what grounds (other pole-only areas make good sense e.g. near the airport, Narrabeen Lakes, but a sandbar in Georges River that's smooth in a southerly? Hmm) 4. If so, how was I supposed to know about it? Fellow kiter has shared the spot with poleys before with no hassles. My instructor started me from that sandbar on my second lesson ever. The NSWKBA map shows a delineation between not-recommended purple and no-kite red near that sandbar. How close are we allowed to go?
The red represents what's supposed to be a wildlife sanctuary.. so as long as your kites not over the mangroves it should be sweet.. ive kited all the way up to behind shark park before.. Awesome flat water if u avoid the oyster farms.. I kite in that area all the time as I sail at StGSC and go out before I rig my boat..
And Poleys gonna hate someone so yesterday that someone was you..
Select to expand quote
I thought, I'm out to kite, not to fight
Good on you mate, not sure I would have had so much self control! If you witness abuse again try to get it on video or something and maybe we can report it to authorities or at least get them to calm down.
As far as I know there is no regulation against kiting down there, apart from the the wildlife sanctuary indeed, been there a few times myself with friends, but I'll double check and update the map on NSWKBA website if needed.
Cheers,
Ant
NSWKBA President 2014/2015
I heard about the situation and think that you should check out the "no Kite Zone areas" thoroughly.
I wasn't involved so just a heads up before anyone comments by ill informed means.
Select to expand quoteAntoineS said..
I thought, I'm out to kite, not to fight
Good on you mate, not sure I would have had so much self control! If you witness abuse again try to get it on video or something and maybe we can report it to authorities or at least get them to calm down.
As far as I know there is no regulation against kiting down there, apart from the the wildlife sanctuary indeed, been there a few times myself with friends, but I'll double check and update the map on NSWKBA website if needed.
Cheers,
Ant
NSWKBA President 2014/2015
Thanks for weighing in, Ant - was hoping for a NSWKBA ruling on this. If the concern is the wildlife sanctuary, its representation on the map could be clearer; it appears somewhat haphazard and arbitrary. Are the minimum approach distances, in fact, different for kites vs. other sailcraft?
Keep up the good work!
Select to expand quoteFez said..
I heard about the situation and think that you should check out the "no Kite Zone areas" thoroughly.
I wasn't involved so just a heads up before anyone comments by ill informed means.
G'day Fez, and thanks for bringing your perspective. The map you have linked to is the one I have referred to in my initial post. I would expect all responsible baggers to be familiar with it. Out of curiosity, is there such a map for poles?
no... windsurfing on the Bay is not restricted. You have to think of when a kite does get out of control it could end up over the bridge, runway etc. with catastrophic consequences.
The pic is mainly to show the areas in red that are no kite zones... Sailing club areas are restricted as well.
Also I understand that the kites were on Port and Windsurfers on Starboard......... Basic sailing rules apply for any sailing craft recreational or racing etc. Hence a reaction from the windsurfers.
I think we might all agree that common sense should apply
Ant,
Since your the president of NSWKBA, shouldn't you know this has been a No Kite Zone since 2012, It's not very smart that
the president been kiting in a No kite Zone!!
And the instructor should know better not to be teaching in that area, And when instructing new kiter's to the sport, Explain to
them the basic sailing rules Port and Starboard.
There is plenty of area to sail in botany bay, Let's enjoy the waterways and keep to the rules!!
People will be making video's or photo's of any kites in the No kite Zone and be reported to the National parks and wildlife services.
To clarify this the "no Kite Zone" is the area South of Pelican point channel marker.
That means no kites allowed.
Select to expand quoteFez said...
To clarify this the "no Kite Zone" is the area South of Pelican point channel marker.
That means no kites allowed.
From the nswkba map it looks like there's a slither of water on the very southern edge that's not in the red zone.. Once I figure out how to launch from the mangroves and I'll have a sweet flat water spot in a SE..
Select to expand quoteFez said..
Also I understand that the kites were on Port and Windsurfers on Starboard......... Basic sailing rules apply for any sailing craft recreational or racing etc. Hence a reaction from the windsurfers.
Just to clarify: that 'reaction' occurred as soon as kites arrived; so it appeared to be triggered by our being there, not by our riding to port or starboard. Anyone would think we'd rocked up on jetskis. In any case, on my first tack across the area (to starboard), I passed the first windsurfer. He was shouting and pointing downwind, so I bore off and passed on that side, thinking he wanted me to stay downwind. I tacked back, stopped and waited for the windsurfer because I hadn't been able to understand what he was shouting. After a brief explanation, I headed back downwind.
Select to expand quoteskatesailing said..
And the instructor should know better not to be teaching in that area
FYI: It was 2010
Despite all of the discussion above, can anyone actually point to the DPI or NSW Maritime regs that "ban kiting" in any area of the Bay and lower Georges River other than the height restriction around the airport that applies to all vessels?
I've searched the DPI, NSW Maritime and some other websites and none restrict kiting in the area where this incident took place.
Other than following normal navigation rules and basic courtesy (that apply to all boaters - including windsurfers), I'd tell them to pull thier head in!
Select to expand quoteMark50 said...
Despite all of the discussion above, can anyone actually point to the DPI or NSW Maritime regs that "ban kiting" in any area of the Bay and lower Georges River other than the height restriction around the airport that applies to all vessels?
I've searched the DPI, NSW Maritime and some other websites and none restrict kiting in the area where this incident took place.
Other than following normal navigation rules and basic courtesy (that apply to all boaters - including windsurfers), I'd tell them to pull thier head in!
Beyond a note on NSWKBA saying "please don't kite here" absolutely nothing..
Perhaps someone from the NSWKBA can explain their note? If it is to do with the Aquatic Reserve then it should apply just as much to windsurfers and other boaters surely? But the DPI gazette notice does not exclude any boating...
Select to expand quoteMark50 said..
Perhaps someone from the NSWKBA can explain their note? If it is to do with the Aquatic Reserve then it should apply just as much to windsurfers and other boaters surely? But the DPI gazette notice does not exclude any boating...
At the end of the day everyone's just wasted all this time huffing and puffing when you should of been out on the water.
Unless RMS instruct you kite away. DPI cant restrict you as unless you directly affect the wildlife or vegetation. So everyone pull your heads in and calm down its a long summer, and life's too short.
Select to expand quoteFez said..
no... windsurfing on the Bay is not restricted.
What a crock
Windsurfing is restricted, you are not allowed to enter or cross the shipping lanes around Yarra bay
Sailboarder must also follow all the rules that apply ot all boats.
One that applies to that area that the windsurfers where breaking is going faster that 10 knots within 30 m of the shore.
The attitude of the windsurfers really sucks with the use of bad language and aggressive behavior.
Fez your holier than though attitude puts you in the same catagory.
You should also explain to your friends port and starboard as they clearly have no idea.
If you don't what to sail near kites stay at Kyeemagh
If you want to sail else where learn to live with kiters, we are here to stay and most of us are happy to share good locations
unless your running 60cm + fins on your kiteboard there is no reason to be anywhere near sailboarders.
The slalom guys around Georges river, know how much water they need and where it is.
If you stay east near the mangroves, even on a southerly, its happy days.
I don't know why you didnt just ignore the poley's and keep kiting.
I feel like making a special trip down there and go kiting just to stir em up.
Hi JB
It is very admirable that you are trying to keep the peace but I really think you focus is way off the mark.
The kiteboarder in this inccedent had done nothing wrong and if the WSers had approached him in a polite and respectful manner I am positive he would have been happy to move closer to the mangroves.
Unfortunately the windsurfers behaved in what I would consider a completely unexceptable way by swearing and behaving aggressively. They where the ones trying to create a fight.
I am of the opinion that the purpose of the boating handbook is to keep all water users safe.
I think the point that you tried to make about the PFD is similar to the point I made about high speeds close to the shore but you are trying to say that this makes the boating Handbook irrelevant. No that is not the case I can get to that are and never be more than 400m from the shore. All of us who sail in that area are bending the rules to a degree and should therefore shut up and have fun
I really do feel that your energys and influence as North/windginuity representative would be far better served by explaining to your windsurfer mates and customer that aggressive behavior is unexceptable.
Select to expand quoteIanR said..
Hi JB
It is very admirable that you are trying to keep the peace but I really think you focus is way off the mark.
The kiteboarder in this inccedent had done nothing wrong and if the WSers had approached him in a polite and respectful manner I am positive he would have been happy to move closer to the mangroves.
Unfortunately the windsurfers behaved in what I would consider a completely unexceptable way by swearing and behaving aggressively. They where the ones trying to create a fight.
I am of the opinion that the purpose of the boating handbook is to keep all water users safe.
I think the point that you tried to make about the PFD is similar to the point I made about high speeds close to the shore but you are trying to say that this makes the boating Handbook irrelevant. No that is not the case I can get to that are and never be more than 400m from the shore. All of us who sail in that area are bending the rules to a degree and should therefore shut up and have fun
I really do feel that your energys and influence as North/windginuity representative would be far better served by explaining to your windsurfer mates and customer that aggressive behavior is unexceptable.
IanR,
I was not present on the day so, its hard to comment on exactly what happened...
It frustrates me from both sides of the fence.
I see reason for and against from both sides.
I doubt it very much if anyone in the georges river area, blew up for nothing.
(don't forget, windsurfers who don't kite, often don't understand the mechanics and workings of kite boarding)
I also think that it is irrelevant that i work in the industry.
I'm a kiter and a windsurfer, which is what we are talking about.
(BTW: Windgenuity are not the NORTH dealer)
good winds and happy christmas.
Nice work @the general.. forecast could be good to kite there after lunch today?? Keen??
Select to expand quotepatto1987 said...
Nice work @the general.. forecast could be good to kite there after lunch today?? Keen??
Yeah no it could be worth a look, although tide will be high. I'll head down around 12:00 - 12:30, so if you're up for it I'll see you there!
Select to expand quotepatto1987 said...
Nice work @the general.. forecast could be good to kite there after lunch today?? Keen??
Update: I've been called out to work, so I won't make it today 
. Fellow kiter from last time will be there, however. Enjoy!
