Can someone from WAKSA/AKSA (etc) please issue a statement regarding "night kiting".

This practice is being discussed on SeaBreeze.Com forums as taking place at Safety Bay, approximately the same location where Austraia's first kitsurfing fatality occured in 2003.

It was stated at that time in the media that the WAKSA/AKSA Associations constantly promote safety in the sport. Can we therefore please have an official statement in relation to the safety implications of night kiting before some 15year old goes out at night thinking its ok/cool and doesnt come back?

quote:

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Originally posted by jan
this already exists:
http://waksa.org.au.86.aspwebhosting.com.au/info.aspx

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No it doesnt. The work "night" doesnt appear anywhere.

A statement from WAKSA on Night Kiting is sought, please.

assess the conditions
don't exceed your limitations
attitude, use judgement to prevent situations
respect, the law

grow up

quote:

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[i]Originally posted by sandgroper

Can someone from WAKSA/AKSA (etc) please issue a statement regarding "night kiting".

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So Sandgroper,
Are you in the dark about night kiting ?
Need the official position hey ?
Allow me to shine some light on the subject.

WAKSA probably doesn't have an official position.
Why would it ?

If someone wants to fang across the gloomy water in the eerie moonlight,
and then smack head-on into a dark, sharp, floating object.....
that's just tough titties, I guess.

And if someone wants to fang across the shiny water in the afternoon blinding sunglare,
and smack their face into a craypot float,
that's just bad luck too.

What can WAKSA say ?
Be careful ?
Stay aware ?
There's no official position on self-preservation.

Night kiting is not an activity which is encouraged by WAKSA.

Kitesurfers should be aware that any of the inherent risks of kiting, all of which need to be managed by responsible practices at all times, may be multiplied at night due to reduced visibility.

Consideration should also be allowed for non-kiters in the vicinity having reduced visibility of the kite surfer and his/her equipment as well as to the possibility of potential delays where rescue and/or first aid may be required.

Kite surfers interested in night kiting are advised to refer to all relevant laws relating to operation of marine craft at night.

As always - refer to the Safe Kiting Guidelines
http://waksa.org.au.86.aspwebhosting.com.au/info.aspx

WAKSA committee