Must have been a couple of hundred kites out enjoying the South Easterly. Was a bit of a minefield weaving through all the sand bars until the tide rolled in later in the afternoon. Has a really good session. Learned heaps...probably stayed a bit too long as my legs turned to jelly with all the chop for the first couple of hours after lunch.

That's good "summer and goen for it"...

Wasn't a kite on 15 kilometres of beach today here and the third day 15-18 knot perfect wind to myself but ideal for body dragging newbie to not get in the way of anyone!

First time there, still a beginner. Absolutely loved it out there!

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bfg said...
Must have been a couple of hundred kites out enjoying the South Easterly. Was a bit of a minefield weaving through all the sand bars until the tide rolled in later in the afternoon. Has a really good session. Learned heaps...probably stayed a bit too long as my legs turned to jelly with all the chop for the first couple of hours after lunch.

And that's why I will never kite at Altona again

Downwinder from Werribee South to Altona was great too and not at all crowded.

More photos and info here: www.peterskiteboarding.com/2015/01/epic-downwinder-werribee-south-to.html

It is amazing what a bit of sun and wind will do to some people ;)

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axion said..






It is amazing what a bit of sun and wind will do to some people ;)

I saw that guy mow down a learner kiter. He was slightly upwind of the learner and passing but was too close and flew his kite into the learner's going in the same direction. Although they clashed, luckily they didn't tangle.

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Macster said..

axion said..






It is amazing what a bit of sun and wind will do to some people ;)

I saw that guy mow down a learner kiter. He was slightly upwind of the learner and passing but was too close and flew his kite into the learner's going in the same direction. Although they clashed, luckily they didn't tangle.

Classic move!

Looks like an epic day!!

Love Altona as a spot. I think the (un)fortunate thing is, and this is going to sound controversial and Saffer is going to hate me for it - but it's a beginner spot. Beginners go there. Beginner mistakes get made there and then beginners get better there. In the interim, beginner kites end up in power lines and trees there, and beginners die or end up in comas at the rate of about 1-2/year there.

Regardless of how we want to frame it, beginners clearly go there and have a blast, and there's nothing wrong with that. We're just going to have to accept that and move on... keep kiting there because it's a great spot, weave around the noobs.

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chino said..
Looks like an epic day!!

Love Altona as a spot. I think the (un)fortunate thing is, and this is going to sound controversial and Saffer is going to hate me for it - but it's a beginner spot. Beginners go there. Beginner mistakes get made there and then beginners get better there. In the interim, beginner kites end up in power lines and trees there, and beginners die or end up in comas at the rate of about 1-2/year there.

Regardless of how we want to frame it, beginners clearly go there and have a blast, and there's nothing wrong with that. We're just going to have to accept that and move on... keep kiting there because it's a great spot, weave around the noobs.

No doubt about it Chino, kites definitely end up in trees over there - yesterday was no exception!

Saw three throughout the afternoon...

This one came in to roost a bit later on in the day, and looked like it was setting up nest for the night:

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tomme said...

Macster said..

Although they clashed, luckily they didn't tangle.

Classic move!

Luck had nothing to do with it.

Should have both been more aware of surroundings.

Was way too busy.

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Macster said..

axion said..






It is amazing what a bit of sun and wind will do to some people ;)

I saw that guy mow down a learner kiter. He was slightly upwind of the learner and passing but was too close and flew his kite into the learner's going in the same direction. Although they clashed, luckily they didn't tangle.

The learner was in the middle of a channel between 2 sandbars and raised his kite to 12, the passing upwind kiter had no choice in this matter. The learner may have got a little kite tap to remind him to keep his kite down. If learners are going to come and kite Altona particularly at low tide when you have many kiters trying to kite some narrow channels they need to learn to keep there kites down otherwise it makes passing them very difficult. This should be drilled into them by the Kite schools from day 1. Alternatively issue them with Fluro T Shirts with the words "Team 12 O'clock" so experienced kiters can spot them and avoid them.

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chino said..
Looks like an epic day!!

Love Altona as a spot. I think the (un)fortunate thing is, and this is going to sound controversial and Saffer is going to hate me for it - but it's a beginner spot. Beginners go there. Beginner mistakes get made there and then beginners get better there. In the interim, beginner kites end up in power lines and trees there, and beginners die or end up in comas at the rate of about 1-2/year there.

Regardless of how we want to frame it, beginners clearly go there and have a blast, and there's nothing wrong with that. We're just going to have to accept that and move on... keep kiting there because it's a great spot, weave around the noobs.

I have to disagree. I too used to preach it as a beginner spot (I was taught and taught myself there), but I've had close calls near the wall and gusts are common. The place is only good for beginners with an experienced trainer/coach, but on your own, especially towards Apex park, it's dangerous. Not to mention the slimy seaweed pot holes and blue ringed octopuses I've almost stepped on as beginner. And it gets crowded very quickly.

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I saw that guy mow down a learner kiter. He was slightly upwind of the learner and passing but was too close and flew his kite into the learner's going in the same direction. Although they clashed, luckily they didn't tangle.

The learner was in the middle of a channel between 2 sandbars and raised his kite to 12, the passing upwind kiter had no choice in this matter. The learner may have got a little kite tap to remind him to keep his kite down. If learners are going to come and kite Altona particularly at low tide when you have many kiters trying to kite some narrow channels they need to learn to keep there kites down otherwise it makes passing them very difficult. This should be drilled into them by the Kite schools from day 1. Alternatively issue them with Fluro T Shirts with the words "Team 12 O'clock" so experienced kiters can spot them and avoid them.

"A little kite tap to remind him". Come on, I know you're not the pictured rider, just another observer but a disappointing attitude nonetheless.

This would have no doubt been frustrating when space is limited, but seriously? How about pulling up for 3 seconds or transitioning back the other way whilst the learner kiter gets composed and moving again...?

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Loftywinds said..

chino said..
Looks like an epic day!!

Love Altona as a spot. I think the (un)fortunate thing is, and this is going to sound controversial and Saffer is going to hate me for it - but it's a beginner spot. Beginners go there. Beginner mistakes get made there and then beginners get better there. In the interim, beginner kites end up in power lines and trees there, and beginners die or end up in comas at the rate of about 1-2/year there.

Regardless of how we want to frame it, beginners clearly go there and have a blast, and there's nothing wrong with that. We're just going to have to accept that and move on... keep kiting there because it's a great spot, weave around the noobs.

I have to disagree. I too used to preach it as a beginner spot (I was taught and taught myself there), but I've had close calls near the wall and gusts are common. The place is only good for beginners with an experienced trainer/coach, but on your own, especially towards Apex park, it's dangerous. Not to mention the slimy seaweed pot holes and blue ringed octopuses I've almost stepped on as beginner. And it gets crowded very quickly.

The learner was in the middle of a channel between 2 sandbars and raised his kite to 12, the passing upwind kiter had no choice in this matter. The learner may have got a little kite tap to remind him to keep his kite down. If learners are going to come and kite Altona particularly at low tide when you have many kiters trying to kite some narrow channels they need to learn to keep there kites down otherwise it makes passing them very difficult. This should be drilled into them by the Kite schools from day 1. Alternatively issue them with Fluro T Shirts with the words "Team 12 O'clock" so experienced kiters can spot them and avoid them.

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axion said..

Macster said..

axion said..






It is amazing what a bit of sun and wind will do to some people ;)

I saw that guy mow down a learner kiter. He was slightly upwind of the learner and passing but was too close and flew his kite into the learner's going in the same direction. Although they clashed, luckily they didn't tangle.

The learner was in the middle of a channel between 2 sandbars and raised his kite to 12, the passing upwind kiter had no choice in this matter. The learner may have got a little kite tap to remind him to keep his kite down. If learners are going to come and kite Altona particularly at low tide when you have many kiters trying to kite some narrow channels they need to learn to keep there kites down otherwise it makes passing them very difficult. This should be drilled into them by the Kite schools from day 1. Alternatively issue them with Fluro T Shirts with the words "Team 12 O'clock" so experienced kiters can spot them and avoid them.

No. For two kiters on the same tack, the kiteboarder upwind must give way to the kitesurfer downwind.

I had an idiot kiter come up behind with no warning when I was way upwind. He yelled something, I was startled and looked up to see his kite ready to wrap itself around mine then back to see him close enough to crash into me. Incredibly stupid behaviour. I dropped my kite to get it out of the way and yelled at him to piss off and not wrap his kite around mine.

In your example Peter the other rider indeed sounds like a tool, luckily you were aware enough and experienced enough to move your kite out of harms way.

Experienced kiters are always going to be travelling faster than learners. Passing in a crowded area like Altona yesterday is inevitable, learners therefore need to be aware of what they are doing so that they do not endanger themselves or others.

An unaware learner who without warning takes their kite to 12 when an experienced kiter is trying to manouver around them in a narrow channel is asking for an accident.

The International Right of Way rules State :

4. UPWIND Vs. DOWNWIND The rider passing upwind (windward) from another kiteboarder must fly his kite overhead: the kiteboarder downwind (leeward) must pilot his kite as low as possible.If you are passing upwind, keep your kite HIGH.
If you are passing downwind, keep your kite LOW.

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axion said..
In your example Peter the other rider indeed sounds like a tool, luckily you were aware enough and experienced enough to move your kite out of harms way.

Experienced kiters are always going to be travelling faster than learners. Passing in a crowded area like Altona yesterday is inevitable, learners therefore need to be aware of what they are doing so that they do not endanger themselves or others.

An unaware learner who without warning takes their kite to 12 when an experienced kiter is trying to manouver around them in a narrow channel is asking for an accident.

The International Right of Way rules State :

4. UPWIND Vs. DOWNWIND The rider passing upwind (windward) from another kiteboarder must fly his kite overhead: the kiteboarder downwind (leeward) must pilot his kite as low as possible.If you are passing upwind, keep your kite HIGH.
If you are passing downwind, keep your kite LOW.

A learner with their kite at 12 is obviously not passing anyone. They are either stopping (crashing), stationary or about to restart.

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finn12 said..

A learner with their kite at 12 is obviously not passing anyone. They are either stopping (crashing), stationary or about to restart.

In this Particular case, the kiter was not stationary or crashed, but was kiting along and brought kite up to 12 like you would if you were changing direction...

FFS, its hard to explain, but it was very busy, and this was a small patch or channel of water..

Limited options, but came down to not enough room, "bumped kite", no tangle or crash....

Realised not enough room to kite with too many learners around, packed up and went home.

If you havent already fiqured it out, im the Kite Terrorist........

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Loftywinds said..

chino said..
Looks like an epic day!!

Love Altona as a spot. I think the (un)fortunate thing is, and this is going to sound controversial and Saffer is going to hate me for it - but it's a beginner spot. Beginners go there. Beginner mistakes get made there and then beginners get better there. In the interim, beginner kites end up in power lines and trees there, and beginners die or end up in comas at the rate of about 1-2/year there.

Regardless of how we want to frame it, beginners clearly go there and have a blast, and there's nothing wrong with that. We're just going to have to accept that and move on... keep kiting there because it's a great spot, weave around the noobs.

I have to disagree. I too used to preach it as a beginner spot (I was taught and taught myself there), but I've had close calls near the wall and gusts are common. The place is only good for beginners with an experienced trainer/coach, but on your own, especially towards Apex park, it's dangerous. Not to mention the slimy seaweed pot holes and blue ringed octopuses I've almost stepped on as beginner. And it gets crowded very quickly.

Maybe a bit tongue in cheek with "nothing wrong with that." I think my point was more that whether we like it or not, it's being used as a beginner beach. No amount of fearmongering or warning of others or showing pictures of that red streak of blood across the pavement and across the shattered windscreen, that looked more like a Jackson Pollock painting than it did the worst accident that Altona has ever witnessed is going to change that. I used it as a learner beach. You used it as a learner beach.

SHOULD it be a beginner beach? Completely separate question.

We can call it "not a beginner beach" but if beginners are using it, guess what it is?

On another note - all these noobs are STILL safer than the Libyan, who has been kiting (and teaching unlicensed) there for years!

On another another note - here's to turning yet another Altona thread started by some guy sharing the stoke into an argument and a whingefest!!!!

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polykarb said..

Realised not enough room to kite with too many learners around, packed up and went home.

With you on that one. It was way too packed yesterday. Winter kiting in Melbourne has its advantages...

Guys,

KiwiKarl regularly helps out everyone on the beach, newbies and others alike. Great friendly guy

Keyboard warriors need to spend more time on awareness, sharing the stoke and helping out and less time having a go at one another.


There were lots of people at altona, a ride day with many newer kiters does not help matters but as i have said a few times it comes back to awareness, newer kiters need to learn right of way and safety and more experienced kiters need to help explain this.

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tomme said..



There were lots of people at altona, a ride day with many newer kiters does not help matters but as i have said a few times it comes back to awareness, newer kiters need to learn right of way and safety and more experienced kiters need to help explain this.

It was a ride day?? Ahh.

BLAME THE RED AND WHITE VAN WITH THE STAR ON IT!

It was soo busy.

I was getting frustrated because every tack somebody was getting in the way..

I just wanted to get a few photos from my mate,

But in the end, I just gave up.

Could only find enough space for a deadman.

Sorry.

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polykarb said..

finn12 said..

A learner with their kite at 12 is obviously not passing anyone. They are either stopping (crashing), stationary or about to restart.

In this Particular case, the kiter was not stationary or crashed, but was kiting along and brought kite up to 12 like you would if you were changing direction...

FFS, its hard to explain, but it was very busy, and this was a small patch or channel of water..

Limited options, but came down to not enough room, "bumped kite", no tangle or crash....

Realised not enough room to kite with too many learners around, packed up and went home.

If you havent already fiqured it out, im the Kite Terrorist........

kites at 12 are still flying, they are often the ones that are sized 12 flying in nearly 30 knots.

Yesterday I was kiting at an undisclosed location with a 7m and fully powered (30 knots maybe). I had a guy on a 12m telling me (he was passing me upwind) that I should be looking out for him. needless to say he didn't stay out very long.

Man pack of wingers. I kited there late that was not a lot of people have you been to St Kilda or Brighton "Jesus".

Chino - on the Beginner thing PLEASE kite down the Apex park end not near the Altona Pier. Apex Park is where KSS runs there classes. It is much safer no powerlines.

The water quality at Altona and Werribee South is some of the best in the bay "2014 EPA report".

Werribee South to Altona is a horrible thing to do and no one should be doing it (we want it to be a secret for as long as we can).

If you see a beginner take your time and tell them the "unwritten rules" that the schools dont tell them. Like keeping your kite low when passing. I was told when I kited there.

Go kite Altona is sick today.

hey its much better up towards point cook .just tack upwind where the beginners can't go. no crowd and nice water.

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polykarb said..



It was soo busy.

I was getting frustrated because every tack somebody was getting in the way..

I just wanted to get a few photos from my mate,

But in the end, I just gave up.

Could only find enough space for a deadman.

Sorry.

Sorry, not a deadman

I used to love Altona when I lived in Melbourne. Had some awesome sessions there. I found as a beginner it was a lot more user friendly than St Kilda in terms of crowds and space. However before I left last season was getting a bit out of control and I felt less safe if something went wrong.

Back in Tassie now - lucky to see 2 kites on any beach on any given day!

Needs more pics of kites in trees i saw three separate to the above, maybe that will give a sense of asking for help and listening/awareness, expensive day at the beach if your new kite gets destroyed by a tree.

If your kite ends up in a tree you should think your self very lucky!