Hi Guy's
I'm hearing from several Kitesurfers at different times that they are experiencing verbal abuse and physical threats.

This is when they are enjoying kitesurfing against the back of the bank out from Tuesley's park Southport (the Train)

I personaly have been kitesurfing against that bank for close to 15 years and never had an issue.
(except that one time when it was nearly 40 knots and I had too big a sail up and a whale jumped in front of me and a airforce fighter jet was flying to low. Well I can tell you it was difficult but I managed a kite loop and a back roll and landed safely in the jumping castle from that visiting circus.)

humour aside this needs to stop!

1. May I please ask what has been going on?

For anyone who doesn't know, an example of the behaviour as explained to me by a witness is that a windsurfer was throwing his hands around and just stopped short of a kite surfers face whilst he was also yelling at him.

It seems to be escalating and fast from the different issues and people as we hear about them.

2. Is this behavour to continue?
3. Is there any reason why this area is or should be closed to other members of the public?

There is a safety issue here. We have had many many too close calls and collisions with our kite friends at this spot which could have easily been avoided. Kiters need to be educated about safety when first taking lessons as many have no idea about the risks involved when passing and boosting in confined areas. Windsurfing has adopted the international Yachting rules as a guide to avoiding collision between ourselves and others, not sure if kitesurfing has any rules with regards to avoiding each other or other water users. That channel is very narrow so all we ask is please show some common sense with passing from different directions. The Port/Starboard rule just will not work in this case so its not hard to work out that you guys should pass downwind of us. When boosting please obviously take a good look around before hand and access the situation. I'm not sure if you guys know exactly where you're going to land but it seems to us that the proposed landing area is way to random. Most of you guys do the right thing but for some reason there is always one or two that wants to push the limits so that is what all the agro is about. I have managed to avoid the latest confrontations but I hear that it got out of hand. This will stop if both parties learn some common sense and courtesy going forward.
I sail there alot (25 years) as I live nearby. I don't mind sharing with others but as soon as there is a few of us there its probably best that you guys avoid the area as the risks are just too high. Hope this helps.

A narrow channel of flat water with windsurfers, boats, jetskis, etc, blasting through is not the best place learn to do airs, crashing in the middle repeatedly. A downed kite in that spot, at low tide, covers most of the channel.

There is miles of surrounding water that windsurfers, boats, jetskis, can't access yet kites can.

I think it is an experience issue more than anything, not a safe or courteous spot to be learning.

I've sailed at the Train a number of times over the last few of months in SE breeze. Most kites sail over the shallow water directly in front of the park downwind and the most windsurfers work upwind to the bank in front of the new trailer ramp. If this sensible volentary demarcation is maintained then there are no problems

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I believe it is exactly what you are saying.TonyD and Ezric
I spoke with the kite surfer today and was appalled by his response " I can ride my kite at 45 degrees and crash the kite if I want it's my right". when I tried to explain that is not sharing the area they just spoke over me becoming argumentative.
At that moment I was embarrassed to be a kitesurfer but its not us it's just someone being deliberately ignorant and a disrespectful fool. I have always respected you guys and enjoy some fast runs with you on the bank.
I am grateful that you consider us as individuals and appreciate that I am still welcome.
I understand different craft have limitations and it has always been easy to work in with you guys.
I little understanding can go a long way and windsurfers just can't pull up like we can.

Jamie

You sound like one of the good guys Jamie. Hats off to you.

We get a few kiters mix it up here at South West Rocks. I'm happy to say I've not meet a bad one yet. All good blokes happy to share wind and waves and look out for each other.

Pity not all are like that up your way, but you are leading by example.

Its Great that in this wonderful Democracy that we live in , we get this opportunity to share our thoughts. We should all learn to work together as a POWERFUL MAJORITY, a collaborating FORCE - form alliances, rather than squabbling as a minority . With our unpredictably changing Government Council Policies favouring the Money Hungry Capitalists invading our precious depleting waterways , only as a LARGER Group with a common respect to each other, clear communication and proper attire , working together with a united voice, can we SAVE what we take for granted today....

PS Stick together guys, there is no other way......