These comments are made after attempts to raise broader issues of risk in regard to the inappropriate behaviour of some kitesurfing individuals at public beaches in another thread "Show Pony Alert @ Brighton WA" ( see www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/General/Show-Pony-Alert-Brighton-WA/ ).
The thread was closed on the evening 6th Jan 2011 after 303 postings and 9,700 viewings (approx.) over 10 days.
In spite of a number of hints, comments and warnings (including by the moderator) about repeated inappropriate behaviour by some individuals I was forced eventually, through concerns about my personal safety, to issue 'warnings' to two individuals. (see rsckitesurfing.blogspot.com )
Clearly -- like harassment and intimidation on public beaches -- this abusive behaviour reflects badly on kitesurfing and those responsible and mature people who seek their recreational fun (and in some cases living and employment) within it.
There is a clearly a link between the type of behaviour, comments and attitudes listed in the 'Show Pony' thread and the issue of primary focus implied in the title: bad behaviour on the public beaches and its risks.
I have come to the conclusion that the organisations representing this recreational activity and sport (kitersurfing) are not yet ready to provide professional support and services for new members like myself who are not in the standard demographic profile.
I have also come to the conclusion that, apart from public liability insurance coverage (which can be obtained elsewhere), the effectiveness of these governance associations is below what I consider to be viable and sustainable.
Clearly these types of attitudes and behaviours in a public web forum demonstrate that there is a culture problem within this kitesurfing domain -- at least in Australia.
Calls from within the fraternity by more mature, aware and concerned voices for self-governance and self regulation are Utopian.
Unless there is swift and radical change in the culture then only one outcome can be possible: more oversight, regulation, fees, monitoring and fines by government authorities.
All beaches are public commons. If a group of individuals wish to use it to the risk and endangerment of others then they must be governed effectively - either through self control or control by others. This is the tragedy of the commons.
When self-governance is not possible, through various systemic and cultural factors, then higher authorities must and will step in.
Some in the kitesurfing domain seem to be aware of this. But it seems they are incapable for various reasons of achieving their aims. Calls go unheeded. Positive suggestions are not offered. Debate is stifled. Dissent is threatened.
Public authorities should and will take note. This is what they are dealing with on the beaches.
The Show Pony Express ended in a train wreck -- and is well captured in the final post before shut down.
I suggest this is but a micro-scenario of what will happen in the next 12-18 month for the kitesurfing activity as a whole in the real world. I put the probability at 0.75 and rising.
While this is the case -- and while the WAKSA/AKSA joining conditions indemnify members and serving committee members (see http://www.aksa.com.au/Indemnity ) -- I cannot join.
I wish to distance myself from risk of association.
It does not meet my values or standards.
It protects Show Ponies @ Brighton Beach!
Risk evaluation strongly suggests walking away and watching the show from the sidelines as it develops into whole-of-community outrage at a new and dynamic but dangerous and out-of-control sport.
However, in my short time within it, I have met some good and intelligent young people and that gives me hope. I have heard some sensible and responsible 'voices' on the 'Show Pony' express thread. But there is along way to go in my opinion.
The way forward?
Open discussion.
Effective dialogue.
Mutual respect.
Good governance.
Risk reduction.
Strategic thinking.
Mature adults.
Effective Associations.
rsc why don't you crawl back under the rock you came out from. We don't need the crap you are posting nor do we care why you are not joining aksa. There is generally a good vibe on this forum, something you have managed to get rid off with your lack of responsibility.
Come on administrators it time for rsc to p*ss off
OK the book is open on how many pages this will spin out to.
I'm offering 2:1 on 5 pages of rsc bashin and mashin
1.2:1 on 15 pages if Waveslave comes in for the no WAKSA chorus 
Ther group bashing mentality on SB is a worry sometimes..
But hey if you keep dousing yaself in high octane fuel, well you gonna get burnt! [}:)]
BTW
Megalomania
I think its funny that a self confessed Newbie thinks he knows so much about the sport of kitesurfing. He is trying his best to push all the sensitive buttons and presumes his opinions hold water.
At least his grammar is good.
Just had a peruse of the Show Pony thread..The bloke can string a few words together but his law based arguments are bullcrap. For the record the Trade Practices Act cannot be applied in that scenario. Also loved how he rebuked others for their grammar ('you're' instead of 'your') but spelling mistakes were regular.
Mo moderators allowed on the book.
(meet ya with a large brown bag full of dosh - 1am at Briton Brighton.. keep an eye out for dangerous kiters tho).
You issue warnings to 2 individuals (they must be ****ting their pants), the thread gets closed to stop the ongoing abuse towards your good self and ......................
You start a follow up thread the next day to cope more abuse.
As I said before. you are definately my hero, just wish I never meet you tho, a bit scared about the warnings
I just waisted my time looking at rsc's blog........??????? Police action, feeling threatened by intimidation? Ha, dig your own hole dude.
Conversely it reminded me of a situation at my ex-local a few years ago. 2 clowns on an oversized kite that had no working safety systems, after repeated warnings my many locals, I just rang the cops and the ranger. Explain to them that there is an uninsured kiter with no training acting recklessly and endangering the public. Talk about near misses with kids and they were down there within 5 mins. Responsible kiters can and will use the authorities as well when you want to be a tool rsc.
He's trolling, just ignore him.
On a side note, I think if he ever attempts to Kite in WA again, we confiscate his equipment. He is a danger to himself and to the public.
Well disassociation works both ways. I'm sure WAKSA are completely relieved not to have you onboard. You seem like a total wanker and a huge liability 4 the whole kiteboarding community. By the accounts of your kiting abilities here it looks like you're more of a hazard to us all than any show-pony.
Just curious- you seem to regard the kiting community as an immature and malicious bunch because of your response on this forum, do you get this same response in the rest of your non-kiting life? I'm guessing a tool like you would have a whole world of unnecasary conflict day to day. Your colleagues friends and family must get heartily pissed off if you spend your time running off to compile lengthy thesus's and analysis on them.
I'm not sure how you stumbled into kiting, but i'm sure its not the right sport for you. please leave us to it and save the beaches from one more useless kook.
(they must be ****ting their pants), the thread gets closed to stop the ongoing abuse towards your good self and ......................
Is anyone sure he is from WA? He is spouting all the same bullsh1t as that goose from Melbourne who had a bug up his ar5e about AKSA a few years back.
Profile:
rsc
removed
Male in WA, Australia
Sports: Kitesurfing
Favourite Spots: Not here: see rsckitesurfing.blogspot.com
About Me: Report
Personal information deleted on Thursday 6-Jan-2011. Site considered unsafe & supporting stalking & abusive behaviour in thread "Show Pony Alert @ Brighton Beach". All postings retained in personal archive. 'Back off' warnings sent to two postings of concern & Monitor at approx. 10:00pm. Topic closed soon after & warning posts removed. No contact made by host/monitor as requested & no apology or explanation given (at least so far @ 10:45pm).
Recommendation: proceed with high caution.
so because a few people on the internet have hurt your feelings you are going to strike a blow against the AKSA and not take out insurance to cover you self in case of the accident.... in which you may lose your house.
sharp as a tack you are....
Seabreeze.com.au: VSM System 5 : "responsible for policy decisions within the organization as a whole to balance demands from different parts of the organization and steer the organization as a whole"
A policy decision to balance the demands of this forum may soon be coming...
Select to expand quote
The way forward?
Open discussion. Yes this is what you are doin dont be scared
Effective dialogue. Depends on yo version only by the sounds
Mutual respect. Cmon its a forum open to all, not a meeting of tea ladies, you have to expect some back chat when polarising opinions.
Good governance. See WAKSA
Risk reduction. Ditto
Strategic thinking. Ditto
Mature adults. Ditto
Effective Associations. Ditto
How long have you been kiting mate, you can have whatever opinions you like but wait till you know and understand what WAKSA and the like do(takes time and patience like the sport itself) before you go bad mouthing an association which its members and volunteers have done lots of great things for this sport, they cannot be all things to all people.
