I sail in Geraldton where there are loads of Kitesurfers and I've never had an issue with any of them, mainly because we tend to stay out of each others way, but there also seems to be a fair bit of common sense.

The idea of taking a knife out with me, or putting something sharp on my sail etc seems ludicrous to the extreme, or am I missing the joke, you blokes are taking the p155 aren't you??

I'm sure yachties, catarmaraners and surfers all went through this phase when windsurfing started. Why don't you just put your knives away and go and have a chat on the beach, maybe then a bit of respect will be earnt by you and the rules of right of way can be established.

Stone Age said...

Serious question. Has anyone EVER been decapitated by kite strings?

Yes, me ! stone cold dead I was !!!!

You will just have to learn to give kites some room. They are here to stay like it or not. Personally I try my best to stay away from Windsurfers,surfers etc.

F^&k that - if I'm anywhere near kiters I carry a line knife. If I have right of way and a kiter causes a collision his lines are going - any damage to me or my kit and there will be hell for him in every possible way. Don't kite if you aren't prepared to learn the rules - same as you wouldn't drive a car on the roads if you don't know the rules.

Other windsurfers - well that's another story - if someones on a speed run I'll get out of their way irrespective, same if the WS is having control problems or heading for a gybe. WS I respect, and the same goes for surfers - they follow the ettiquette. Kiters I have NIL respect for - haven't seen one that has earned any yet, irrespective of how cool they think they are - sums up the reason they cause so many problems.

Better put on the flame suit now - I've done it again [}:)][}:)]

Fromthegong said...

I sail in Geraldton where there are loads of Kitesurfers and I've never had an issue with any of them, mainly because we tend to stay out of each others way, but there also seems to be a fair bit of common sense.

Or it could be the fact that at Corros there's a bl**dy great sign on the beach directing windsurfers one way and kiters the other?

nebbian said...

sinker said...

Or it could be the fact that at Corros there's a bl**dy great sign on the beach directing windsurfers one way and kiters the other?

If only the kiters could read...

Quote of the string [}:)][}:)]

aido said...

its got bugger all to do with if u kite or windsurf no one has got commencense anymore i kite surf & used to enjoy it but this last year has got f#*#IN dangerouse poeple arnt getting tought right & i think there should be tighter controls on the sale of kite surfing equipment it is dangerous but can be safe but the way its going at the moment someone will get killed maby we should all start tring to regulate & set the sport up properly so everyone can enjoy them selfs

..and your spelling is going to hell, too...is that from kiting?

nebbian said...

sinker said...

Or it could be the fact that at Corros there's a bl**dy great sign on the beach directing windsurfers one way and kiters the other?

If only the kiters could read...

question to Nebbian. whataya reckon of the difference in kiters in WA and QLD. seems there's just more people out on the water over there, thus less room ? Thus more hassles/agro.???? theres certainly a lot less animosity here in Brissy......

Richiefish said...

question to Nebbian. whataya reckon of the difference in kiters in WA and QLD. seems there's just more people out on the water over there, thus less room ? Thus more hassles/agro.???? theres certainly a lot less animosity here in Brissy......

The main difference is that over here the windsurfers outnumber the kiters the same way that kiters outnumber the poleys over east.

I've noticed that the majority of kiters in WA seem quite competent, easily able to avoid accidents and tend to know how to use a small break without upsetting the other water users. Unlike over east where in my opinion they tend to be more aggressive without actually having too many skills. Then again I haven't sailed at woodies yet so my opinion might change [}:)]

Out at Avalon today there were two kiters and three poleys, the kiters would sometimes pass within a metre or two of me but it wasn't a problem as it was obvious we were both in good control... I've had some rather 'interesting' experiences at Shearwater involving people who weren't in full control of their kite.

Anyway that's my opinion, many others may well disagree but that's how I see it.

I can feel the love!

user said...


I understand your pain,it must be difficult indulging in a worn out sport and watching kites planing all the time and getting massive air !

That's funny!! Real funny!! "Getting massive air" doesn't count for much when you can do it within days or weeks of starting kiteboarding, does it???? You're basically waterskiing and bungee jumping from a giant kite, gee whiz, big deal.

A good kite instructor will get you from zero to "hero" in just a few hours. Five hours, tops, to be doing it reasonably competently. At last, there's an easy way to be "edgy" and "radical" for all those people who've always wanted to do something cool like surfing or skateboarding, but found it was just too hard...

Just pay your money, pay attention to the instructor, and you too can be one of the cool elite!!

Trouble said...

I cant understand why everyone is so cranky with the other sport.

READ the damn thread, then! Is it so hard to figure out??????

BTW, are kitesurfers "cranky" with windsurfers too? Why? Because we don't take up enough space, or because we don't go hurtling along out of control, or because we have some notion of courtesy and right of way?

Pull your head in willy, i dont have enough time to waste on your dribble. I used to wind surf .... lots. i enjoy kiting more, but i also keep clear of windsurfers and surfers etc and i dont fel the need to attack the sport. If kites were not invented i would still be windsurfing.

Trouble said...

i enjoy kiting more, but i also keep clear of windsurfers and surfers etc

So you're not part of the problem! That's good!

Now you just need to work on your social skills.

maybe you might get better at kiting if you spend less time posting on the windsurfing forum, nerd

it's just as well there's an internet forum for everyone to vent their frustrations at each other (formerly known as whinging)