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I'm learning to kitefoil and a regular at the lighthouse, Caloundra esp for the last 3 months. It's deep water, ideal for foiling, popular with wingfoilers and windsurfers. I've had a lot of grief from a windsurfer on several occasions. Despite trying to reason with him, he continues sneakily to goad and intimidate saying he'll f'ing run right through me. When I swapped kites and left one on the grass, the bridal line was cut. That nearly ended badly the next time I put it up.

Everyone else shares this space and the majority are learning to foil, mostly on wings. Most seem able to tolerate mistakes and adjust round each other as best they can. I've never seen a collision.

Today, after further goading from him, I reported the harassment to the police as I feel I'm becoming part of the problem for others who simply see me get increasingly upset by this. Unfortunately few seem to get this guy's insidious, dangerous harassment.

I'm told I'm not the first kiter to be made unwelcome here. It needs to stop. I'd like to just go kiting and enjoy this spot with all other decent water enthusiasts.

Have you talked to him why he has a problem? Generally I have only ever seen problems when one of two things happen. A kiter sails right through an area that is already packed with windsurfers / wing dingers and then decides to boost some in the middle of it all. Or a beginner with little control over their kite sails upwind from windsurfers / wing dingers.

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Reach said..

I'm learning to kitefoil and a regular at the lighthouse, Caloundra esp for the last 3 months. It's deep water, ideal for foiling, popular with wingfoilers and windsurfers. I've had a lot of grief from a windsurfer on several occasions. Despite trying to reason with him, he continues sneakily to goad and intimidate saying he'll f'ing run right through me. When I swapped kites and left one on the grass, the bridal line was cut. That nearly ended badly the next time I put it up.

Everyone else shares this space and the majority are learning to foil, mostly on wings. Most seem able to tolerate mistakes and adjust round each other as best they can. I've never seen a collision.

Today, after further goading from him, I reported the harassment to the police as I feel I'm becoming part of the problem for others who simply see me get increasingly upset by this. Unfortunately few seem to get this guy's insidious, dangerous harassment.

I'm told I'm not the first kiter to be made unwelcome here. It needs to stop. I'd like to just go kiting and enjoy this spot with all other decent water enthusiasts.

insidious dangerous harassment and reporting to police .Maybe like stehsegler said go and have a chat and see why he is pissed off before running to the cops is pretty dramatic .

Confronting him may not help, maybe get another windsurfer to ask him what the problem and report back to you what he says.

But it sounds like he is pissed, could just be an A-hole who like to bully people, or it could be something you are doing. Try staying away from him on the beach and on the water. I normally have the bay to myself, but another guy I know started winging, nice to have company, until I found he was running across my runs! WTF?, it is a good size bay, I was there first, common curtesy would be to get on a different line.

But I never leave equipment unattended, did that once at sunset for 10 min to go back to my car to get out of the wetsuit, when I got back to my equipment a guy already had the board in his suv and was working on derigging the sail!

Response to comments:

As I said in my original post I've tried to 'reason with him'. I've also spoken to another windsurfer he knows asking him to moderate. Nothing seems enough.

Stay downwind of him - not reasonable in a crowd in a restricted waterway with shallow sandbars. That's always upwind of someone else. This guy seems to think you're always in his way.

Someone minimized my reference to dangerous - yes. Someone cut my bridal lines. That's really dangerous.

Insidious - yes. Picks his time to not be seen.

Contacting police - For sure, no apologies.. It's been weeks, I've tried, I've had enough. I'm getting angry. I'm quite capable of taking action myself but know this isn't a good route. It must stop. I kite because I love it and I'm unselfish enough to enjoy the pleasure water sports give all users. I'm taking the most reasonable action I can, including posting this to encourage reflection and tolerance.

I think its time for you both to have smoke0!!
It's everywhere man with all sports sports and work places schools etc etc and it is unfortunate
Both of you need to remember that its all about the simile on the dial on the day and that word that has become lost miss placed "Respect"

Good luck..

That's just s**t Reach, no matter what you may have or not done, it does not deserve messing with your equipment

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Reach said..
Response to comments:
Stay downwind of him - not reasonable in a crowd in a restricted waterway with shallow sandbars. That's always upwind of someone else.

I think right there might be part of your problem. How many other beginner kite boarders are in this area? If it's that crowded that you have problems keeping reasonable distance in case things go south you should consider that maybe this is why people get verbal. Not that it justifies destroying peoples gear.

Some people are just looking for a fight, just avoid him as best you can, do not respond if he yells at you, do not leave equipment unattended, and park in an area that is visible to people. In California disputes over a surf spot led to tires getting slashed, and police would not do anything because they were high school buddies of the tire slashers!, took the FBI to get things under control.

So good luck, and just do not feed the fire, if that does not work definitely go to the police and let them know you have been avoiding him as best you can AND not talking to him after your initial attempts failed.

Seabreeze, please remove this false and defamatory post. The guy that posted this is going around what is a peaceful beach, spreading rumours and acting in an aggressive and threatening manner. He is now using Seabreeze to further his vendetta against someone that he has taken a dislike to. Totally unacceptable behaviour on his part.

Does anyone know how to post the meme with the guy watching on and eating popcorn?

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SunnySky said..
Seabreeze, please remove this false and defamatory post. The guy that posted this is going around what is a peaceful beach, spreading rumours and acting in an aggressive and threatening manner. He is now using Seabreeze to further his vendetta against someone that he has taken a dislike to. Totally unacceptable behaviour on his part.

Sounds like SunnySky is owning up to being the guilty party? OP's whinging post may /may not be true, but cannot be considered defamatory as it hasn't identified the alleged perpetrator.

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Sparky said..
Does anyone know how to post the meme with the guy watching on and eating popcorn?

fight , fight , fight

Malicious damage to someones gear is pretty gutless and petty realy, how would a windsurfer feel about having their downhaul ropes or head cap webbing cut through? It's just not on and deserves to be flagged and as windsurfers we should work to stamp this type of behavior out.

The water is for everyone.


Sandee, I think you've hit the nail squarely there, looks to be an alter ego account to hide their weak arsed behaviour behind.

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All I can do is say what has happened and let people judge for themselves. I'm becoming part of the problem by reacting to this guy despite many requests for him to back off. This post is an appeal for tolerance everywhere. Everyone has a right to be out there.
I spent decades in the surf where intolerance has almost become acceptable and those that instigate it do so with impunity, often 'top dogs' locally. Greed is the cause of all of this. I've had one disagreement in kiting in just over 4 years when a guy ran into me. We worked it out and are good friends. I've had no disagreements with wingfoilers or other windsurfers. That's why I love the wind sports - Good people, who generally like the social side of it too.

Will I just quietly be harassed, bullied, made feel unwelcome or have my gear deliberately damaged. No chance.

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Sparky said..
Does anyone know how to post the meme with the guy watching on and eating popcorn?

The "guy"? Michael Jackson, the Great Gloved One, himself.



The adults in the room have made good points. There are good reasons why adults don't deal with disagreements with vandalism.

I have read his responses over in the kiteboarding section and it's clear he should take at least one lesson with a kiteboarding school to understand the basics of kite safety. Example: "I've good kite skills so I've been successful at this. But everyone must adjust their path to account for others." This is in regards to dropping you kite in front of other Watersport users.

When I did a kite course I was taught that until you are an advanced kiter you should plan for a safety zone of at least double your line length down wind but ideally triple (which obviously isn't alway possible). Why? To avoid others having to suddenly adjust their path to account for your mistakes.

Number one. Gear vandalism is totally a dog act, no excuse if that happened to you Number two, people do overestimate their abilities and it can cause problems and if they aren't fully able to be sure their actions won't lead to a potentially dangerous situation they should find a space where it won't matter if something goes wrong. Sounds like this might apply to you. Number three don't whine on a forum and expect sympathy, sort it out on the beach. You've already apparently gone to the police (I assume about damage to gear). I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve here. I don't think many of us are buying the story that you are just trying to promote tolerance, most of us are pretty tolerant already and your post is just stirring things up. Hope you feel better and it was worth it for the response you got. (Again, agreed vandalism is not on.)

Just don't go there for a while, The person in Questions has a problem with you.let it cool down. Aggro is widespread in any watersport.He will wonder where you are,& probably forget about you.cutting kite lines is a dog act. Trust me his little mine will grow fonder & wonder why you don't show up at your local.The law enforcement has got enough to worry about, MOVE ON.just my two cents of advice.

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I'm going to try not to contribute any more to this to avoid it degrading, as long conversations sometimes do.
I hope it has served some purpose as this location has had a reputation of tension for some time. I was targeted by one or more of the intolerant people and I don't defer to such attention. I'm sure there are other similar spots where intolerance could flare as it has here.

I'll make a renewed effort to go out when it's quiet and seek to avoid putting anyone at unnecessary risk. But, others must do the same....change direction, turn earlier, don't hog a line, don't follow up tight to the beach when someone needs to turn. And remember, we'll all make mistakes, rarely deliberately. But, if I'm out early and it's getting busier and you go in anyway - don't complain about the kite. It's a learning area. Are you capable of going somewhere more challenging? If you are and you go out anyway, fair enough, but don't complain about learners. I'd estimate 70% of users here are learners or improvers.

Thanks to everyone for the contributions.

It's not about intolerance, it's about mutual respect.
If I was on starboard tack baring away on a speed run at 30 knots or more would you have the awareness and knowledge that I have right of way. Or would you perceive it as "hogging a line". I would say the latter. What's starboard he says

I might be wrong but I am wondering if this is an AI bot. Strangely every single post is posted as three quotes. Plus the responses seem strangely formulaic and a repetition of content from other post on the Seabreeze forums. Given this user only recently joined it makes me wonder if this is just some company testing out a chatbot, testing to see if people would unknowingly engage in a conversation with an AI. Just an assumption.

I am sailing Golden Beach tomorrow for the first time In 6 months. Reach if you are not a bot PM me. Maybe we could find some middle ground for you.on this spot. If not happy botting...
Guess we will find out soon stehsegler

Reach -

There's no joy in typing this but -

What proof do you have to say this person did this? If you got the evidence - put it together and give it to the correct authority to deal with - using Seabreeze as a soapbox for this just doesn't do anything for watersports we enjoy at Golden Beach or anywhere else.

You have to be mindful that would be pretty stupid for someone who regularly goes there to do this type of damage as you said they have.

You are fairly new to the area at GB - you told me that yourself - As a windsurfer I am mindful of others learning foiling etc at GB - I'll give as much room as I can to others who are novice/learners but sometimes accidents happen and there will be disagreements. GB is getting more compact with the changing conditions (More and more sandbanks) so you might just have to realise if you fall off and you got lines in the water - others have to take evasive action quickly and it will cause some angst in the heat of the moment.

I know of two incidents at GB where Kite Foilers have dropped kites onto families on the beach - ending with heated/agro confrontations - Are you aware of these incidents? Anytime you leave lines kites set up on the narrow beach at GB - some member of the public will find them with their feet etc. I've left my gear on the beach only to have an unleashed dog stick its paw through my sail.

So - today - When I was sailing about 200-300 m south of GB - a local resident/member of the public ( I don't know the person) approaches and says to me "This seems a better end to be windsurfing unlike the grassed area down there" , naturally I asked about the incident. They obviously witnessed the incident and the picture that was painted wasn't flattering - He gave a description of the Kite foiler and pretty much described you to a tee - I wont say how they described you, it certainly doesn't make you out to be a saint - in fact disappointing choice of words and actions. It was made out the other person involved was the victim.

I only learnt about this incident after reading your post then get told about it sailing today - not that I wanted to hear about this incident - I got other priorities but I, along with others do not want to see this happening. After hearing about this incident - are we all being perceived this way? geez I hope not

None of us are perfect - but from what I have seen at GB is pretty bloody good comradery between all of us who wing foil/Kite/Windsurf/jet ski and we will all help each other.

I can see a number of people have jumped onto the bandwagon and supported you - glad you got support but there is always different versions of events interpreted.

Better ways to deal with these situations! I definitely don't want you to be discouraged from enjoying the kite foiling at GB - you seem like a good bloke to talk to when I met you, - its about enjoying the time on the water how ever you do it but we all need to be safe doing what we enjoy.

I've always got a beer in the esky of my car when sailing - your always welcome to have one with us.

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stehsegler said..
I might be wrong but I am wondering if this is an AI bot. Strangely every single post is posted as three quotes. Plus the responses seem strangely formulaic and a repetition of content from other post on the Seabreeze forums. Given this user only recently joined it makes me wonder if this is just some company testing out a chatbot, testing to see if people would unknowingly engage in a conversation with an AI. Just an assumption.

OMG , has Skynet finally taken over

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AusMoz said..
Reach -

There's no joy in typing this but -

What proof do you have to say this person did this? If you got the evidence - put it together and give it to the correct authority to deal with - using Seabreeze as a soapbox for this just doesn't do anything for watersports we enjoy at Golden Beach or anywhere else.

You have to be mindful that would be pretty stupid for someone who regularly goes there to do this type of damage as you said they have.

You are fairly new to the area at GB - you told me that yourself - As a windsurfer I am mindful of others learning foiling etc at GB - I'll give as much room as I can to others who are novice/learners but sometimes accidents happen and there will be disagreements. GB is getting more compact with the changing conditions (More and more sandbanks) so you might just have to realise if you fall off and you got lines in the water - others have to take evasive action quickly and it will cause some angst in the heat of the moment.

I know of two incidents at GB where Kite Foilers have dropped kites onto families on the beach - ending with heated/agro confrontations - Are you aware of these incidents? Anytime you leave lines kites set up on the narrow beach at GB - some member of the public will find them with their feet etc. I've left my gear on the beach only to have an unleashed dog stick its paw through my sail.

So - today - When I was sailing about 200-300 m south of GB - a local resident/member of the public ( I don't know the person) approaches and says to me "This seems a better end to be windsurfing unlike the grassed area down there" , naturally I asked about the incident. They obviously witnessed the incident and the picture that was painted wasn't flattering - He gave a description of the Kite foiler and pretty much described you to a tee - I wont say how they described you, it certainly doesn't make you out to be a saint - in fact disappointing choice of words and actions. It was made out the other person involved was the victim.

I only learnt about this incident after reading your post then get told about it sailing today - not that I wanted to hear about this incident - I got other priorities but I, along with others do not want to see this happening. After hearing about this incident - are we all being perceived this way? geez I hope not

None of us are perfect - but from what I have seen at GB is pretty bloody good comradery between all of us who wing foil/Kite/Windsurf/jet ski and we will all help each other.

I can see a number of people have jumped onto the bandwagon and supported you - glad you got support but there is always different versions of events interpreted.

Better ways to deal with these situations! I definitely don't want you to be discouraged from enjoying the kite foiling at GB - you seem like a good bloke to talk to when I met you, - its about enjoying the time on the water how ever you do it but we all need to be safe doing what we enjoy.

I've always got a beer in the esky of my car when sailing - your always welcome to have one with us.

Well, not a bot then... was sort of hoping it was.

Ausmos, I have no idea what you're talking about. I'd be very appreciative if you'd find a way to let me know.

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Reach said..
Ausmos, I have no idea what you're talking about. I'd be very appreciative if you'd find a way to let me know.

You were there this morning at GB wearing the blue polo shirt about 1030 ? You had left not long after I got there so we will be able to catch up at some stage.

A bloke cut my kite lines once but I did do his missus on the side. Switched to windsurfing so he couldn't find me

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AusMoz said..

Reach said..
Ausmos, I have no idea what you're talking about. I'd be very appreciative if you'd find a way to let me know.

You were there this morning at GB wearing the blue polo shirt about 1030 ? You had left not long after I got there so we will be able to catch up at some stage.

Great. I've wracked my brains on this and can only guess it was an incident with the guy who has been hassling me. If you look back, I acknowledged in earlier posts that I've got angry, upset and become part of the problem for others. I'm sure that wasn't comfortable for anyone who didn't know the background. It was, however, in response to his harassment and to the damage someone caused to my kite - and only after first trying to reason and seek assistance. It's why I tried this. I repeatedly asked to be left alone and ran out of options, bar things continuing and escalating further. I don't use social media and I'm definitely getting an education in the complexities of using it here. It has been a mistake for this purpose as some have said and I'm sorry for that. Lesson learned.
Look forward to meeting you AusMoz.

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Reach said..
It was, however, in response to his harassment

Simple question: do you know the right of way rules on the water, and do you follow them? If you do, which set of rules is it that you follow (there are at least 2 different sets of rules, and some people who learned one set are not aware of the other set)?

If you're self taught and never bothered to learn the right of way rules, then don't be surprised if people get upset. There's a reason for these rules. "Just make place" and "be considerate" are good ideas, but they sometimes just don't work at crowded places with limited room to change course.