Good point Gorgo. That use to concern me too. Not a good look in front of walkers. Think I will have to go to GP tomorrow for my first session back though as not many choices within 5km in northerly. I will give you a nod and a wave and that's about it. Can't wait though.
I heard one guy was windsurfing off Green Point last week and was pulled up by water police on the water. They checked his distance from home from where he was on the water. Don't sail out too far.
Select to expand quotebaywavebill said..
Good point Gorgo. That use to concern me too. Not a good look in front of walkers. Think I will have to go to GP tomorrow for my first session back though as not many choices within 5km in northerly. I will give you a nod and a wave and that's about it. Can't wait though.
Green Point is too far from me. I've been investigating other spots. The wingding makes formerly unsuitable sites quite doable.
Got this off YVIC website they are still waiting on official confirmation from DHHS. Hopefully this comes through soon to clear up all the confusion. Our biggest issue is kites, windsurfers and SUP's under the rules are powered vessels and therefore classed as recreation boating. Don't agree with the ban but don't want a fine either.
Victorian Roadmap for reopeningPUBLISHED THU 10 SEP 2020
On Sunday the 6th of September the Victorian Premier announced the roadmap out of COVID restrictions for Victoria. Australian Sailing is working with State Government to represent our clubs and allow the resumption of sailing as soon as possible. It is being reported on social media that the following water based activities have been removed from the list of restricted activities in Metro Melbourne (there has been no change to the restrictions in Regional Victoria). However I am still awaiting for official confirmation on this information through the DHHS website:
? Windsurfing
? Kite Boarding
? Stand Up Paddling
? KayakingMembers must follow the following guidelines while participating in these activities:
? People should not travel further than they need to, and should go to the beach, park or waterway closest to their home.
? You must only exercise for 1 hour per day (2 hours from the 14th of September) and this includes the time it takes you to travel to the activity and back home
? You must be within 5km of a park/beach/waterway
? You must go to your nearest park/beach/waterway
? No Carpooling
? You can paddle with one other person (Social distancing of 1.5 meters must be maintained throughout)
I called the DHHS covide hotline today for confirmation and they said surfing and swimming are definitely fine, but there is no detail specifically describing whether windsurfing/kitesurfing is included. The person (a team leader) said windsurfing would be fine though subject to the 5 km limit, etc. I mentioned the Paddle Victoria facebook update, which has a reference to formal notification from DHHS - vic.paddle.org.au/coronavirus-covid-19-status/ (from the 07/10/20) but they couldn't access that. The Paddle Vic facebook update says "Paddle Victoria has been advised by COVID Directions (COVID-19 Public Health Division, Department of Health and Human Services) that paddling has been approved within the scope of exercise for Stage 4 Restrictions (advised on 7 September 2020, Transcript ID# 158 123)". It would be nice to have a copy of that transcript!
Have just spoken to the local police while I was out shopping in Dromana. They said as long as you are with in 5km they have no problem with us windsurfing for exercise it just like surfing as far is they are concerned which is written in the current directives. Of coarse all other social distancing rules still apply. So happy sailing and please do the right thing on the beach with regard to the social distancing restrictions.
