Hi all
Just a quick reminder to all who use this stretch to stay out of the exclusion zone South of the path at Contacio.
I witnessed 6-8 kiters on a downwinder ride through this area wave riding close in yesterday afternoon.
This was done with the Beach Inspector watching on.
One bloke flying a foil (Flysurfer?) dropped his kite a few meters from the waters edge
just down from the flagged area.
Cheers
Speaking to a regular down there last night and he was commenting on some of downwind crew kiting in close through the flagged area. He spoke to a couple of kiters about their performance but they said they didn't know they shouldn't.
I guess it's more about ignorance than common sense. Putting signs at the popular spots could be the way to go, showing where to and where not to.
At least people can't claim ignorance then. Doesn't solve the problem of doing downwinders through spots they've never kited before though.
was it a black flysurfer ? super short directional with the front strap about 2 ft from the nose ? -
*edited post in fairness to all*
Nah. I don't think it was him.
Didn't recognise the riders, I think they may have been tourists.
A couple of them, were shredding - one guy strapless (poor bloke
) on his backhand.
weekend i saw heaps doing it.
I went around out back but i do wonder, apart from reading this forum how are we to know it is an exclusion zone? no signs i am aware of.
people i did the downwinder with are regulars and they didnt know of it.
In saying that it should be common knowledge to stay clear of the flagged areas. that is just effing stupid to ke riding right into the flagged areas.
won't name names but it was happening at brighton saturday, i shake my head...
think best bet is to stay clear of brighton to contacios in general, it is a circus this time of year anyhow.
had a phone call from Flysurfer dude and i have to give him full credit for following up.
Point #1 - not the same guy as the dude with the black flysurfer dropping kite into the break at Scarbs on virtually every wave he catches. So its not fair to paint this guy with the same brush
point # 2 - when learning the rules that apply to a break some funky situations can occur if you arent fully dialled in on the protocol.
Ie you cant just gybe onto a just about to be breaking wave that someone has picked up up way out the back - even if you are upwind. Complete your turn 2 feet in front of them - travel across the front of them as they are initiating the bottom turn - and not get cleaned up
This is a common mistake amongst intermediates venturing into the surf. Regardless of craft - Windsurfers and kitesurfers. (I have experienced it from both)
Rider out the back / first on swell-has first priority
THEN - if both riders pick up wave at the same time
most upwind rider / closest to breaking section has right of way
It turned out this guy was innocently unaware of this protocol so we effectively had 2 drivers going through green lights at right angles to each other !
This all led to a situation that was far scarier for the kitesurfer than it was for me - so there may have been some excitement afterwards.
If we can make everyone aware of the protocols then maybe these situations will occur less often. Perhaps kitesurfing instructors / manufacturers can include a compulsory wave info with their products as there seems to be a flood of crew unaware of how its all supposed to work
nope -wasnt youngy - we ride together quite a bit round the traps and usually have a big smile and a cheer for each other on the water
