After many months of avoiding going up there and just having fun out near the breakwater, I have been heading up to the kiddie pool to see what the fuss is all about. Just a question, is there a circuit system in place there? From what I can gather, nobody seems to be following a system ie. coming into the beach stay high, running back out to the marina stay low/close to the shore.

I just ask because in the 10 minutes I spent there, I narrowly avoided collisons with two kiters, a guy decided to ride into me while I was putting my board back on my feet and I got told off for changing direction when I was only 10m from the shore and running out of water. I was always under the impression that this area was for riders who were of a good standard and this clearly seems not to be the case.

I have ridden at other beaches with far more kiters and there is always a system you have to stick to ie. Hayling Island, UK - stick close to the sandbar/stay high on the way out, bear away and come back in low on the way back in.

I know this has been discussed somewhat before but St Kilda in shore is very very busy this year with 3 (4?) schools operating there and it is only really a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

There is a big difference between riders of a good standard, and riders who are considerate to other kiters.

Only rules the kiters in the kiddies pond seem to obey are:

1. Jump as close to shore as possible
2. The shallower the water, the higher you should jump.
3. Kiteloop when there are the most kiters downwind of you
4. Kiting around the object in the water near the slipway makes you cool even though you're not allowed to
5. The best kiter has right of way.
6. Play chicken with other kiters to force them downwind of you...better yet, play chicken with other kiters to force them to move elsewhere
7. If another kiter is using a piece of water and you arrive there second, constantly almost hit them until they move to another area and you can have the area to yourself.
8. The people on the pier want to see you show off, in fact, they all brought their cameras there for you. If anyone else is kiting near the pier and the water is open between the pier and the kiddies pond, force them downwind to the open area so you can show off near the pier because you are clearly better.
9. When there are 40 people in the kiddies pond, its always good to ride there as well, because the kiddies pond can hold at least 60 kiters and if it gets too busy, someone else will move.
10. Yachts should be consider obstacles to target rather than avoid (see the VIC forum for the nice Naish hanging on a yacht)


P.s. please don't take this as a reflection of all the kiters. Most of them are decent, but the minority as usual spoil it for everyone

Select to expand quote

Saffer said...
10. Yachts should be consider obstacles to target rather than avoid (see the VIC forum for the nice Naish hanging on a yacht)

Was that last night? I was wondering how that kite managed to stay upside down and in the same position in the air for a few hours...

Lost in London,

Unfortunately there are a minority who will ride at you to scare you out of the kiddie pool or ride erratically. Dont worry they are just tools.

Usuaully people are pretty good in the kiddie pool. But gets very crowded. Sometimes you have to pass without jumping but that's life. Its awesome in there so you just deal with it. If you trying something new and will crash a lot probably best to go out back where there is space.

As far as rules I find you sort of just get into a rhythm with other kiters around you and this always works well so i am no help here. Be wary and respectful and you will be right.

Cheers

Select to expand quote

Pedro Sexton said...


Its awesome in there so you just deal with it.

I think you need to get out more because St Kilda is far from what anyone could call awesome.

Pedro - It's all well and good to say not worry but someone's deliberate erratic riding could result in injury!

And Harry P I agree - its not so amazing in there that I need to ride there! Would rather be out near the end of the break water where you get flat water and waves.

Best example of the circuit working well that I have seen in Vic is down in Brighton, stay low to get out beyond the waves, then come up and in on the high side as you catch the waves breaking on the rock shelf there.

Select to expand quote

harry potter said...

Pedro Sexton said...


Its awesome in there so you just deal with it.

I think you need to get out more because St Kilda is far from what anyone could call awesome.

Ssshhhhh! Some myths are best perpetuated.

StKilda is by far the best spot in Melbourne, especially if you don't know the right-of-way rules or simply like to disregard them. It's the best place if you're a show pony who likes to jump near easily impressed spectators. It's definitely the best place if you like to stand around with your kite at 12 or leave your lines across the whole beach while you take a half-hour break.

If you understand that you are by far the most important beach/water-user, stay at StK, and I will be eternally grateful.

has anyone got a long ladder i can borrow?..

need to get a 09 naish kite, white and purple down from up some where high.

any sugestions, the bridle is wrapped around a small pole like thing.

Leave it there. It's a good indication of wind strength

im suprised it wasnt a cabrinha

Select to expand quote

djdojo said...

harry potter said...

Pedro Sexton said...


Its awesome in there so you just deal with it.

I think you need to get out more because St Kilda is far from what anyone could call awesome.

Ssshhhhh! Some myths are best perpetuated.

StKilda is by far the best spot in Melbourne, especially if you don't know the right-of-way rules or simply like to disregard them. It's the best place if you're a show pony who likes to jump near easily impressed spectators. It's definitely the best place if you like to stand around with your kite at 12 or leave your lines across the whole beach while you take a half-hour break.

If you understand that you are by far the most important beach/water-user, stay at StK, and I will be eternally grateful.

yeah and its the best place if you like to pass upwind and look like you're going to keep your kite high and then dive it at the downwind kiter's head at the last minute...

Guys just saw this (i dont read the forum every five minutes like you guys) and the responses and wanted to be clear even though harry was probably looking to wind me up.

St kilda kiddie pool is a awesome becuase a) I can get there in five mins from my house and b) the flat water is a little easier on my knees. I too ride probably 50/50 between kiddie pool and out of the marina. Lately more out of the marina. The kiddie pool is best when winds really strong. I will however try to get out more.

Bring on the flames.

I too think its an issue that these tools, tossers, show ponies do this but I have better things to worry about. It is only a minority so don't tar everyone with the same brush. Apart from violence (which I am not interested in) what can you do? I think I am blessed to have such a spot near home. Please add suggestions if you have any.

I am respectful when I am in there and usually other kiters are too.

You guys seem to have big issues with the people at St Kilda but it is closest to home so I will continue to go there until the inevitable bans then I will come and annoy you at your local spots much to my and your inconvenience.

Please note whenever I have been to anywhere else you always get funny looks when you tell them thats where you usually ride. So your not alone.

Love always

Pedro

Sorry mate, I was stirring a little. I guess st kilda is ok if it is 5 min from home, I quite often kite down at port melb because It is at the end of the street so I can relate to your stoke ..... But I still would not call either place awesome....... Perhaps ... Awesomely convenient

Agreed Harry.