Back in the day, all aussies competing in international competitions used KA followed by a number to identify them.
Nowdays its seems to be that many compeditors use AU as the prefix to their number on their sail. However I was just browsing the NSW wavesailing site and people there still use KA. Jason Polakow still uses KA-1111 doesn't he?
So can someone explain where AU as a prefix comes from and why some people use it? From what I understand KA comes from England where they use K. I guess the A signifies Australia. I guess AU severs ties with England and is a more nationalistic way to identify Australians competing overseas.
Who decides who can use what numbers?
Actualy its AUS, ISAF the international racing body for all sailing set these more then a decade ago and anyone competing in grade A racing has to have a national prefix before their numbers to race. As wave sailing doesn't fall under ISAF people have kept using the old numbers and no one really cares, for all its worth you could coompete with your name on your sail.
KA was the commonly used prefix when I started windsurfing over 20 years ago, stands for Kingdom of Australia. About 10 years ago there was the shift to the AUS prefix locally, however I believe for certain forms of racing the move was much earlier.
You can't actually register a new KA number with the AWA, or any other prefix for that matter (I believe). However if you had anything other than AUS registered prior to the rule change you are allowed to keep it.
This is my understanding of it all anyway.
The official AWA register only issue "AUS" numbers (Global practice).
When you join a Windsurfing Club in Australia, you automatically receive an "AUS" number. The number can be changed on request, if available. If you choose not to renew your membership, the number can be reissued after 1yr. (There is an option to keep the number if inactive)
Basically, if you compete you are required to display your number, (fairly obvious).
On small sails you can choose to display only the number as often the "AUS" doesn't fit, but any National & International event you are required to display the letters also.
There is definitely nothing to stop you using "KA" numbers at local events, as there is still a lot of people with them still on their sails, but you will still receive a free "AUS" number as part of club membership.
FYI the AWA held onto the old "KA" letters for at least 10yrs longer than any other country, and allowed a 3yr window for people rejoin a club and roll their old numbers into the "AUS" format.
Windsurfing in Aussie has so many positive things happening and we would love to entice back so many of the people who used to support windsurfing by being club members. Club membership varies, but is very cheap & goes along way to keeping the sport vibrant. Details on www.windsurfing.org
Regards
Brett Morris
AWA President
