With the predominant SE winds expected over the next month, some will be tempted to kite at the mouth of the Pumicestone Passage at Caloundra QLD.
Last weekend saw some awful near misses and stupid decisions from some not so experienced kiters. One guy was attempting to launch (several times) his obviously faulty kite with 12 people in his danger zone. 3 time his kite launched, looped and crashed within inches of 3 kids in the water. Another recent learner was attempting to teach someone on the sand with beach goers constantly walking past then nearly drowned his student in the outgoing current.
If you have never kited there before please note the following tips:
1. Caloundra only works on an outgoing tide. DON'T go in the water if the tide is coming in. Go somewhere else.
2. The massive outgoing current results in lots of lost boards and relaunch issues.
DON'T kite there if you are not good at body dragging, relaunching your kite or deep water self rescue.
3. The nett effect of opposing wind and current means a smaller kite can be used. DON'T put up your 12m bow kite if everyone else is on 8's and 9's.
4. We get 40+ kites out on a good day. If you haven't kited here before DON'T ignore the right of way rules and DON'T jump if there is someone within 50m of you downwind or 30m upwind.
5. DON'T kite anywhere near the flagged bathing zone on Bulcock Beach.
6. Large tides and big swell make the Caloundra Bar a treacherous zone. DON'T kite there if you aren't confident in the waves.
7. There are a couple of schools operating there when the conditions are appropriate. DON'T get too close to the students. DON'T teach your mates on the sand. Get in the water. DON'T kite here unsupervised if you are a novice.
8. The locals are a friendly bunch. DON'T hesitate to ask for advice, a launch or shout us a beer.
9. Please DON'T launch in dodgy situations in your impatience to get out. There are sharp rocks, pine trees and turbulent zones. Refer to commandment #8
10. DON'T f@#k it up for the rest of us. Your poor decisions, inexperience or arrogance will result in the wrong kind of attention. It costs you a carton of Tooheys Extra Dry for every lifeguard rescue. DON'T leave without paying them.
Anyone found to be transgressing the above commandments will feel the full fury of GRUMPY SAM!! He is our secret weapon against idiots, irresponsible noobs, arrogant euros and dickheads in general.
This notice has been posted in the interests of safety for all water users at Caloundra.
Kiting here is awesome but can be treacherous.
You know the type.. usually come in pairs, in a wicked camper, set up with 30 people in their danger zone and insist on kiting in an incoming tide!!
Can be found late at night patrolling the streets looking for unsecured wireless internet to steal!!!
