I've been kiting Narrabeen (NSW) for over 8 years now. Recently I've noticed a new trend which puts our beach at risk for kitesurfing in the very near future.

More and more kiters are launching their kites just north of the lifesaver flags in a NE'easter. During the summer months, the flags are packed with swimmers, small children, and other beachgoers. Just south of the flags however, there is generally very few people on the beach and plenty of room to launch and land your kite without putting anybody at risk.

This past weekend I noticed two kiters self launch their kites 50 meters north of the flags. Both of which had problems launching and both going into a death spiral heading right for the beachgoers. Luckily, both of them stopped just short of the flags (within 20-30 feet). Both kiters were ok, although the second one did look very shaken up.

I decided to walk up the beach a few hundred meters and have a word with one of the guys. I asked him politely why they were all launching their kites north of the flags right next to all the beachgoers when there was plenty of room just south of the flags. His answer to me was that access to the beach was easier from where they were. This is rediculous! It's probably (no exageration here) an extra 10 meters to walk where I was kiting, as compared to where he was. He also mentioned he was an experienced kiter and that his self launch death spiral was an accident and that its never happened before. No s#it!!! That's why it's called an accident.

Guys... Use some common sense here!!! Walk the extra 10 meters and don't put beachgoers at risk!

In case you're not familiar with Narrabeen, I've drawn out the scenario for you:


Thanks for listening,

Jeremy