GENERAL
Kite surfers leave wave of complaints in wake
GABRIELLE KNOWLES
330 words
16 February 2008
The West Australian
METRO
61
English
(c) 2008, West Australian Newspapers Limited

The soaring popularity of kite surfing has created conflict on popular
beaches and some swimmers have complained about encroaching wave
jumpers.

Surf life saving clubs and The West Australian have received calls about
the problem. Surf Life Saving WA operations manager Chris Peck said
that, anecdotally, there was concerns about mixed-use activity at City
Beach, Scarborough and Mullaloo.

"Driving along the coast, theres a proliferation of kites," Mr Peck
said. "I liken it to the explosion of windsurfing 20 years ago, because
they had a similar impact on surfers and swimmers when they ripped in
and out."

Kite surfing, also known as kite boarding, involves using an inflated
kite to pull a rider on a small wakeboard-like board. In Perth, the
season is traditionally from October to March, when regular sea breezes
are expected.

WA Kite Surfing Association president Alex Bell said the association
tried to educate all kite surfers and warned them not to launch or kite
in flagged swimming areas, patrolled by lifesavers. "We are blessed with
so much space in WA that there is absolutely no reason to kite anywhere
near the flagged areas," he said.

Mr Bell and Mr Peck said swimmers had to respect other beach users.

"Swimmers and surfers do not get the right to the ocean," Mr Peck said.
Some councils might need to create designated zones for kite surfing.
"Its becoming more critical for everyones safety and enjoyment on the
beach," he said.

Stirling and Cambridge councils said they had not had any complaints
this season about kite surfers at areas they controlled - Scarborough
and City Beach respectively. Cambridge chief executive Jason Buckley
said beach inspectors occasionally had to move kite surfers jumping
waves in public swimming areas but most stayed away from swimmers.

A City of Joondalup spokesman said it got complaints periodically. They
were investigating a recent complaint but no one had been hurt in the
incident.