At the last WAKSA committee meeting it was agreed that we need a common set of points to be used as a start point for local working groups to use. These points should be concise, universal and generic. The current AKSA and WAKSA safety guidelines are too verbose to be useful on signs and arguably need updating anyway.
The Irish sign has two columns, one points for the PUBLIC, the second for KITESURFERS - great idea.
Their points for the public are:
Please remain behind (upwind) of kite surfers
Don't cross the kite surf zone
Don't try to catch the lines or bar of a released kite
When walking or driving on the beach, please watch for kites, lines and other equipment
Kite lines can be up to 40m long - be aware of kite and rider
If you want to learn about Kite Surfing don't learn by yourself - contact a Kite Surf School
I agree with Jonathan that the points for the KITESURFERS need some more work. To get some discussion going I have suggested the following:
THINK about the conditions before you setup – consider changes in wind strength or direction.
NEVER exceed your limitations or that of your gear
ALWAYS keep your downwind area well clear
ALWAYS pre-flight check, use a kite leash and quick release on anything you hook into
PRACTISE using your safety systems regularly so that it becomes instinctive
LOOK before you launch, land, jump, jibe, etc
CONSIDER and be courteous to others on or in the water and on the beach
KNOW your right of way rules
SEEK local advice
Might also be useful if we could come up with an easy-to-remember acronym like “TAPNACKLS”? Would be better if the initial capitals were the key safety word - any ideas?
These points should be expanded in the local site flyers eg apply above guidelines to specific sites, spell out the right of way rules, maps of launch area etc, specific hazards, suitable wind directions for that site, any local rules (wave riding?), etc
WAKSA would like to finalise this at the next committee meeting on 21 Apr so we can get back to the local working groups - all ideas welcome.
Cheers,
Ian Young
Vice President WAKSA
__________________
Cheers,
Ian Young
www.flysurf.com.au
0414 716 812
Hi Ian,
I think there should be some reference to WAKSA on the sign with a contact number, so if anyone has a problem with the information then they can contact someone to talk about.
Is it also worth explaining the right-of-way rules? I read in another post by jkeys that there were a few probs down at the phone box with a rouge kiter not knowing the right of way.
One problem I keep getting is having people 'tailgating' me into the beach so that when I want to turn I've got no-where to go! 
I know this problem has been mentioned elsewhere, but it might be worth spelling it out on the sign.
Good point about WAKSA contact - we will include the URL - currently trying to get our own website up as we have had problems maintaining the content on the WA State part of the AKSA website. Website will have things like:
been thinking about signage, safety etc and have half developed the following idea,
quote:
Website will have things like:
contact details
site guides
right of way rules
WAKSA constitution
links to AKSA website, etc
anything else that will make kiting safer and more enjoyable in WA
I was kiting at Cottesloe phone box this week, it was 20knots WSW semi onshore, 20 kiters out, no hassles, and after a wave ride down to dutch inn I got stuck and couldnt get back upwind, was walking back up to phone box I came across 3 hapless Euros who were rigging up a 12m kite, I asked if they were experienced kiters, They said "just brought out of paper, only 1 could just speak english, and they had never flown a kite before, this was there first GO at kiting, they had seen all the kites at phone box and were keen to have a RED HOT GO." I said to my self "Oh FARK". I told them this spot was not a learner spot and they were likely to get loafted onto the road in the next 5 minutes. They had no idea and happily packed up and left to unknown parts. I reckon the signs are starting to be needed.
Jonathan Keys Cottesloe Safety Commitee
we're putting some things together and we should have something pretty soon (as you may already know Jon), and then the local groups (like yourself) will be able to put together and add those points that you feel are important to your area.
looks like some other parties will be getting involved which is great, but that causes a few small delays, but i think that if 'local' crew start approaching others (if they have any concerns) as much as possible, it's a great start.
watch this space i guess, there'll be more soon.
Cheers
Deano
