So, I'm noticing more and more threads coming up about us dangerous kiters. Not us personally, but the people who kitesurf in Australia. We can advocate safety all we like here on seabreeze, but obviously not all kitesurfers use this site. There are idiots out there, and they need to be taken care of. For a couple years now I've seen (on seabreeze) everyone going on about making people aware of the rules of kiting on Aussie beaches, but as each year progresses, it's getting worse. Ultimately, I think we need to make a sacrifice to keep our beaches open to kitesurfing.
In another thread I posted a possible solution, not quite a licencing system, but something simple and easier which doesn't require much administration. I'm just going to copy and paste what I typed over in that thread,
What about a simple kiter identification system? Not a full on 'licenced and registered' kiter system, but a more freely obtained quicker processed deal.
For instance, off the top of my head
1. A kitesurfer shows up at a busy 'problem' beach
2. Kiter obtains a couple numbered patches from the local kite or sail shop after showing identification.
3. Kiter attatches patches to both sides of kite.
4. If kiter conducts himself dangerously, witnesses can dob him in to the kitesurfing association, shop, or where ever. [I'm guessing the shop wont quite want to deal with the complaints though]
5. The problem kitesurfer can receive a fine? or for a first time offence, a simple phone call asking to please watch out for people or such and such.
It is a free system with no waiting time for a licence or anything, which means both locals and tourists can use together.
It would deter kiters from doing things too stupid, knowing they could get caught and also provide the beach-goers with a place to discharge all their complaints and anger.
This can work for problem beaches where beach-goers are feeling pressure from kitesurfers, not on all beaches. A slow implementation should make it easy for the kiting associations to handle, I hope.
I think we've all racked our brains, and there's no other way to make the public happy. We need to show something is being done... We all love our sport, I can say that in certainty, so I think a small sacrifice of going to a shop to get a patch isn't much to ask for?
What do you guys think? feel free to critisize... I just feel this needs to be taken care of.
Friday night 11.30 WTF go to sleep mate your taking it all to seriously
If you can type that much BS your not drunk enough "Hi cup"
how many dickheads would stick a patch on themsellves ???????
that is all 
Got that already -big N62 on my Nobile N62 9m kite:)
And I don't think you'll find another N62 around:)
So, fixed? :)
It's hard enough trying to read the size numbers on a flying kite, how big are you suggesting these suckers would be??
Oh one other thing, being voluntary, so it will never take off...
Don't get me wrong I like the idea...
So how big... Would have to be 300mm numbers to be seen which is the aprox size of sail numbers...
sorry deXtrous but WTF...?
are we also gonna start filling in Task Risks Assessments forms before using new kites
getting half days induction every time we get to a new spot
signing liability forms to kite manufacturers
calling cops when we see someone doing something wrong
My experience taught me that in the majority of situations, if you go and talk to someone (in a diplomatic way instead of being aggressive straight up), that person will realize their mistake, the danger, or lack of skill/knowledge, and will listen & act accordingly.
There will always be stupid morons that will ignore or start be aggressive, like in any other place or situation...
But I honestly don't think Kiteboarding is at danger in Australia... Maybe, there is too much whinging on this forum, which probably gives this (wrong) idea that Australian spots are invaded with dangerous kiters...
This issue rises time and time again .... Basically as a general rule those who kite near cities and packed kites spots see the positives of a licensing system...... Those who kite outside these areas ( lucky buggers ;) detest the idea.
Both have good reasons I tend to kite in Melb during the week and down the coasts over the weekend so I can kinda understand both sides of the argument as ther are far less kooks away from the cities (and far less kiters ) so a licensing system seems unnecessary to these locals
No doubt the debate will continue
You must work in mining. You can stick this idea up yer ass. Better make sure you do a jha first though.
Are u serious... or is this a joke...
Pay a fine for what exactly ? And who would u suggest the fine would be paid too ?
Do we keep the "patches" or do we have to return them ?
I do understand and have witnessed that there is a problem and it is just a matter of time
before a bystander will get hurt.
I don't understand why some kiters want to launch and kite around popular swimming and family beaches. Our coastline is big enough for everyone.
If something has to be done, i would say that there should be designated kite beaches and launch areas and within say 500m to 1km either side be allowed to sail right up to the shore anywhere outside these zones must be 100m offshore. It also has to have correct signage and visible flags or markers. This only applies to the metro area.
As for policing this. Local ranger ? Surf clubs that are close to the areas ?
I got a good belly ache laugh out of that.. ta...
If number plates were a choice on a car or motorbike (especially a motorbike ) i would choose not to have them on
I have a dream.... that a lady boy slips you a Rohy.......then sticks an indelible patch on your forehead that says I am a total braindead idiot who has no right to vote and deserves a punch in the head whenever i open my mouth advocating anything that restricts freedom
There are a couple of things I love about this forum every time this topic comes up:
1. There are a group of people here who always come up with this "we don't want no stinkin rules" mentality and offer no viable alternatives other than the odd idiot who proclaims "self regulation works" when in reality we know it doesn't.
2. Most people see these topics as infringing on their freedom when in reality, by failing to address these issues within the community, is actually the greatest risk to our freedom.
3. Most of the people here who complain about freedom or proclaim self regulation works are the same idiots that couldn't be bothered to walk over to a Kiter who is launching a 12m in 35 knots and tell him not to, and would rather sit back and watch him get tea bagged into the nearest tree.
So let's look at some basic logic about this?
Q: would kiting ever be licensed?
A: unlikely. The only time it would be licensed is if the government imposes restrictions that require kiters to have a certification or insurance and the insurance companies may require a license to reduce their risk (as was the case with scuba diving)
Q: what is the likely outcome?
A: bans. I don't think the local councils will ask for licensing. They will ban and the local kiting community are going to have to do whatever they can to get kiting unbanned which may include local clubs, licensing or whatever other things are thrown at the kiting community by a council which is now very much in control of the situation.
Q: what are the problems?
A: simple, the longer kiting goes the way it is currently, the longer it's going to frustrate more and mor community members giving the council more leverage to ban it. People don't forget. If someone had a Kiter almost hit them 18 months ago, they're going to be happy to endorse a ban.
Q: what are the solutions?
This is one area the people here are strangely silent on. Lots of responses, no solutions.
I used to believe that licensing was the answer but licensing wont solve the problem. My personal opinion is local clubs will be the answer. Local clubs will control local kite spots and they'll have the ability to prevent unauthorized people kiting at a spot. That way, local rules are managed by local kiters who have the authority to get rid of the people that are risking their sport.
^ That sounds like it would be easier than allocating authority over a kiting spot to a responsible party.
