Parks Victoria has been planning some changes to our bays for a number of years now. Recently they have started on some of the areas near the city. Please refer to the link below on the progress of the current and proposed changes.

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/3zones.cfm

I wonder how much the fines will be? Coming in on the wrong side of the southern yellow pylon at Dendy could prove costly.
Easier for us to go 10 knts. Heard the kiters are expected to body drag out past the 200m zone if they are not in their designated zones.
Gives the clubbies more clout. I guess we'll all have to put the brakes on sooner as we come in. Also will make it harder to play around in the shore chop. Kiting zones will be very crowded if they allow us in their zone to catch a few legal bay waves.

I think I need someone to translate this to for me:( The way I read it, we are all screwed:(

And like thease laws are really going to work, surrre i new about thease laws agers ago, there not newdoes it mean we need to put speedos on our booms so we know what speed we are doing? and what if jaws is chasen a kiter does it mean he must body drag in still. Next will they fine us for doing forward loops??thease laws make you want to have a massive belly laugh!

Another thing to how would a beginner kiter learn to kite when he has to straight away kite 200m out in the deep water or the boys in blue will turn there disco lights on the boat and pull him overhahahaha

And how is a beginner windsurfer meant to windsurf straight away pass 200 metres?? He will be spending most of his time in the 200m zone trying to windsurf, and when he does get that good one run, that he has wanted all afternoon in the seabreeze, i bet he wont be pass the 200m zone, so on go the disco lights hehehe

and safety beach to rye the 5 knot rule is going to be in a zone of 750m ha,ha,ha[}:)]

In Israel it is forbidden to bring bears to the beach.
In Denmark when driving you must have someone in front of your car with a flag to warn horse drawn carriages that a car is coming.
In Montana it is illegal to have sex in any other position other than the missionary position.
In North Carolina elephants are not to be used to plow cotton fields
In Melbourne it is illegal to sail a sailboard more than 5 knots within 500 meters of the shore.

Yeah right.

It's actually Marine Safety Victoria who have just completed the first major review of all marine safety laws since the early 80's. (I went to a presentation on this yesterday.)

The main changes have to do with a uniform set of laws regarding alcohol and search and seizure. Basically that means if you are drunk fisherman or a hooning jet skier they can charge you and impound your craft.

The same laws can apply to a kiter behaving dangerously or windsurfers for that matter (I remember the calls for banning windsurfers in the early 80s and seeing guys on wally windsurfers blasting through crowds of people.)

Realistically the laws haven't changed much as far was we are concerned. We never could legally go more than 4 knots within 200 metres of the beach and 50 metres of other people etc.

Maybe we are better off now that we have some designated zones at various places.

For us, I doubt if anybody is going to seriously change their behaviour. We will ride wherever we want to ride as long as there are no people around to get upset. That's usually the case when there's enough wind to have fun.

There are heaps of laws in existence that aren't policed. Obviously you focus on areas of risk. If there have been no incidents from windsurfers statistically, focusing on this area won't be the best use of resources.

Jetskis, drunk boaties and the like are more of a danger statistically.... and that is where resources would be focused on.

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Gorgo said...


Maybe we are better off now that we have some designated zones at various places.

Where are designated zones?

I can only see kite zones.

Windsurfers are just kites with really, really short lines.

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Gorgo said...

Windsurfers are just kites with really, really short lines.

If there were Windsurf designated area's, would you be happy if kiters used the area?

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K Dog said...

There are heaps of laws in existence that aren't policed. Obviously you focus on areas of risk. If there have been no incidents from windsurfers statistically, focusing on this area won't be the best use of resources.

Jetskis, drunk boaties and the like are more of a danger statistically.... and that is where resources would be focused on.

Word around the traps is that Parks Vic has been re establishing all the no boating markers around the bay so they can then police it. We have seen the same at Inverloch with the word from the local authority that whilst windsurfers are not a major concern(jet skiers and Kitesurfers are) they will police it and if windsurfers are doing the wrong thing they will be pinged

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Old Salty said...

K Dog said...

There are heaps of laws in existence that aren't policed. Obviously you focus on areas of risk. If there have been no incidents from windsurfers statistically, focusing on this area won't be the best use of resources.

Jetskis, drunk boaties and the like are more of a danger statistically.... and that is where resources would be focused on.

Word around the traps is that Parks Vic has been re establishing all the no boating markers around the bay so they can then police it. We have seen the same at Inverloch with the word from the local authority that whilst windsurfers are not a major concern(jet skiers and Kitesurfers are) they will police it and if windsurfers are doing the wrong thing they will be pinged

I don't mind being pinged so much, as long as they don't tracert!

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Gorgo said...

Windsurfers are just kites with really, really short lines.

And I thought kite surfers were just windsurfers with strings attached.

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echunda said...

Gorgo said...


Maybe we are better off now that we have some designated zones at various places.

Where are designated zones?

I can only see kite zones.

^^+1
For us numpties - could someone in the know fill us in on which zones are actually designated for windsurfing - especially GP/Dendy/Elwood area. I'm a bit slow on the uptake and can't work out from the map where we can legally play (what's with the colorblindness test tartan on the maps? I'm over 40...primary colours and capitalisation is the way to go). Respect the need for some regulation, but didn't quite anticipate requiring a PhD in cartography to avoid a good "pinging". Stephen - could WV maybe put a simple synopsis together - single sheet, bullets, nothing flash? Usual disclaimers etc. Be good for those of us who maybe aren't as familiar with the rules as more experienced sailors. Jez, George, me and no doubt other relative newcomers/intermediates to the sport would find this a real help. Nobody wants to get mugged for being naive.

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CROWEMAN said...

echunda said...

Gorgo said...


Maybe we are better off now that we have some designated zones at various places.

Where are designated zones?

I can only see kite zones.

^^+1
For us numpties - could someone in the know fill us in on which zones are actually designated for windsurfing - especially GP/Dendy/Elwood area. I'm a bit slow on the uptake and can't work out from the map where we can legally play (what's with the colorblindness test tartan on the maps? I'm over 40...primary colours and capitalisation is the way to go). Respect the need for some regulation, but didn't quite anticipate requiring a PhD in cartography to avoid a good "pinging". Stephen - could WV maybe put a simple synopsis together - single sheet, bullets, nothing flash? Usual disclaimers etc. Be good for those of us who maybe aren't as familiar with the rules as more experienced sailors. Jez, George, me and no doubt other relative newcomers/intermediates to the sport would find this a real help. Nobody wants to get mugged for being naive.

+1 - I am all for simplicity and it would be good reference to have up on the WV site.

Notwithstanding some faded old signs at West St Kilda, Mentone and Aspendale, there's no such thing as a designated windsurfing area.

It's easier to list where you are not allowed to sail, which is around boat ramps and near shipping lanes, etc.

You're pretty much allowed to sail anywhere provided you obey the basic boating rules. ie. Less than 4 knots within 200m of the shore or 50m of any other craft.

You also have to obey the unwritten rules of, don't annoy anybody and don't get caught.

All those yellow posts indicate the proximity to the beach. I guess the new red buoys appearing all over the place are more indicators. One can assume there will be a blitz of warnings and maybe the odd fine (I doubt that. A mate decided it would be a good idea to jump over a couple of jet skis. The cops riding them gave him a stern warning and sent him on his way.)

My understanding is that the new laws will be released after the election.

To add to Gorgo's last statement Windsurfers ARE NOT allowed in Kitesurfing areas

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Old Salty said...

To add to Gorgo's last statement Windsurfers ARE NOT allowed in Kitesurfing areas

Think this adds weight to a simple tick sheet - bits of info here and there but no co-ordinated overview that's easily digested by the unwashed masses (referring to the uninitiated here, not just Poms...I got a soap on a rope for Christmas. Still in the box of course)

Additionally, how does this square with a previous thread re windsurfing kite beach in Brighton in a northerly? I got the impression from this thread that this was a shared zone...?

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Old Salty said...

To add to Gorgo's last statement Windsurfers ARE NOT allowed in Kitesurfing areas

Why? Is it one of those Mardi Gras rules?

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jermaldan said...

Old Salty said...

To add to Gorgo's last statement Windsurfers ARE NOT allowed in Kitesurfing areas

Why? Is it one of those Mardi Gras rules?

I believe that KBV made a presentation to Parks Vic that suggested that due to the extreme nature of the sport it needed seperate water/beach areas

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Old Salty said...

jermaldan said...

Old Salty said...

To add to Gorgo's last statement Windsurfers ARE NOT allowed in Kitesurfing areas

Why? Is it one of those Mardi Gras rules?

I believe that KBV made a presentation to Parks Vic that suggested that due to the extreme nature of the sport it needed seperate water/beach areas

And they agreed? Separated them from all water users including windsurfers? This sux balls.

Windsurfers can sail in the Kite zones under the same conditions we currently have. Please refer to PV website and flyer. It states the kite zones can still be used by other water users.

The only changes in the current proposal for windsurfers is some extensions to the no boating zones and decreasing the distance for the 5 knot limit along the Peninsula from 750m to 500m. Plus the loss of the only windsurfing area in Frankston. Once again please refer to PV website. There is a number documents etc.

Most of these changes are going to take some time for PV to implement.

Some changes to benefit windsurfers have been suggested to PV and we are still waiting for a final response.

I received feedback from Parks Victoria today and the changes we discussed with PV the other month have been knocked back for now. Also the kite board zones maybe for kite boarding only.

For more information please refer to PV website.

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WindRider said...

I received feedback from Parks Victoria today and the changes we discussed with PV the other month have been knocked back for now. Also the kite board zones maybe for kite boarding only.

For more information please refer to PV website.


Sounds like our requests may be too late in the process. Pity as it would have been nice to have our own zone. (like off the carpark at Green Point with a sloping deck ramp over the rocks to the water, hot shower,BBQ) Oh well,we can dream!
Seriously, good to hear you are talking to P.V Steve.

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WindRider said...

I received feedback from Parks Victoria today and the changes we discussed with PV the other month have been knocked back for now. Also the kite board zones maybe for kite boarding only.

For more information please refer to PV website.

I'm sticking my neck out here but I remember going to the last Windsurf Victoria AGM where Peter Hans (former WV President) received life membership to WV for all his 'efforts' with Parks Victoria securing areas for our sport.

Through all my investigations (speaking with Parks Vic direct) there was invite for WV to be involved within the planning and structure of these changes. There's been no evidence of WV submissions or attending any meetings. Speaking with Parks Vic, no submissions from WV were given to Parks Vic so windsurfing was not included within the future plans for managing Port Phillip and Western Port Bays.

Kitsurfing Victoria were smart enough to attend each meeting and submitt applications, so now kiters have areas.

The bee in my bonnet for all of this has been the following:

How can someone gain life membership (the highest accolade a club can give) for something that didn't happen?

Why is it only now when it's all done and dusted we find out we've been duped.

As an intermediate windsurfer I'm not confident sailing 200 and 500m offshore yet I can easily exceed 5 knots.

Where are windsurfers like myself and partner to enjoy our sport within the bay?



To develop the sport back to it's former glory, newcomers (like myself) need places where we can enjoy the sport close to the beach while exceeding 5 knots. The opportunity for this to happen has been lost and the windsurf community will bleed newcomers once these new laws are enforced.

If you take a look at the kite area's, this now means that Point Henry is now KITE ONLY!!!!!



This post is my my opinion only and has been based on FACT, speaking (Verbal and email) directly with the Parks Victoria Ports Manager Wayne Hill. I've been investigating this issue for 4 months. Any correspandace between myself and Parks Vic can be published unedited (except for email addresses) if required. These emails were forwared to WV in August.

I'm passionate about this great sport and I don't want to see it die.

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echunda said...

WindRider said...

I received feedback from Parks Victoria today and the changes we discussed with PV the other month have been knocked back for now. Also the kite board zones maybe for kite boarding only.

For more information please refer to PV website.

As an intermediate windsurfer I'm not confident sailing 200 and 500m offshore yet I can easily exceed 5 knots.

Where are windsurfers like myself and partner to enjoy our sport within the bay?



To develop the sport back to it's former glory, newcomers (like myself) need places where we can enjoy the sport close to the beach while exceeding 5 knots. The opportunity for this to happen has been lost and the windsurf community will bleed newcomers once these new laws are enforced.

++1

Spot on Echunda - a bit of fire in the belly. I'm also genuinely concerned about these regulations from a safety perspective. The discussion with PV seems to have completely forgotten about the needs of beginners and how intimidating it can be sailing on the bay. We can't all blast out, gybe, blast back in and waterstart with nothing more than a whiff of a breeze. The swell and chop 500m out, and for that matter 200m out, makes uphauling a real challenge for those of us who are new and completely besotted with the sport - why would you force newbs to put themselves in that kind of situation? Completely counter-intuitive. The regs treat us like either imbeciles (no room for us to practice our technical skills safely, close to shore and in a familiar environment) or advanced old skool (windsurfing competently for years - so no problems with the regs). As Echunda correctly states, these regs will put beginners off the sport. Good on the kiters - they've got a great outcome - which will bolster their numbers (and I don't generally buy into the 'us' and 'them' crap - its a big bay). Yup, I'm fed up with this poor outcome (and yup, I am a paid up member of WV too).

This will kill windsurfing in Melbourne. If you cannot provide safe conditions for learners and intermediates then how on earth are we supposed to develop the sport and attract people to it.

Fines are as follows:

Exceeding 5 knots: $191

No PFD: $149

Operating in a no boating zone: $191

Has anyone ever been fined? Or just warned?

The laws are not out yet they will be here soon after the local elections.. the real truth: PARK VIC DONT WANT ANY ONE WINDSURFING AT ALL THEY ARE TRYING TO BAN THE SPORT OUT RIGHT this is just another way for them to try and work out a way to ban windsurfing with thease stupid laws..

The word is they will have a period of "education" "Let you off with a warning Son" first then proceed with enforcement - "fines". How long this education period is I do not know