Great work all involved.

This week on NNe was very difficult to do a run along the bank 2 days in row.

With approx 8 kites it was rare to ever get a clear run along the bank.

Even with these great guildlines it will still be difficult as the kites what to jump in the same area close to the bank where the speed run is.

It is a good idea to have a rest area for windsurfers after speed run. This area needs to be as small possible to reduce impact on kites jumping and windsurfers finishing speed run and turning.

One issue that I have noticed is when people are taking videos of jumps this encourages kites to stay close to bank and not focus on others in the local area.

There has been many dogs off lead swiming in the speed run which should not be allowed.

In wind above 15 knots learning to windsurf or Kite should be discouraged from this area when speeds in excess of 30 knots are done as the windsurfer only has one option which is bail out when committed to speed run.

If possible could you also have some guildlines for a Easterly as in these directions there are potential for head on collision as windsurfers hug the bank both directions.

Good work.

I assume normal sailing give way rules still apply that are also defined by KA in: www.kiteboardingaus.com.au/safety

1. The upwind rider gives way to the downwind rider
2. The rider on the port tack gives way to the rider on starboard tack (if on a collision course)
3. When returning to the beach, give way to riders who are launched and heading out
4. Overtaking rider must keep clear

I got hit in the head the other week by a kite boarder who did not obey rule 1.
He came from behind so could not see him coming.
Then he abused me for getting in his way!
He clearly had no understanding of these rules.

TB and I got together Tuesday afternoon and drew up two new cases for consideration. The first case: when a moderate to strong EAST wind blows over the Wellington Point to King Island sandbank, and the second case: when a moderate to strong SOUTH WEST wind blows over the bank.Our mud-maps are just simply drawn on a white board, and a photo of each hopefully will upload here. Each map attempts to capture the tracks and interactions of both Kiters and Windsurfers as they would 'typically' travel along the sandbank, but these tracks are by no means set in stone.




Consider the First Case - Easterly Wind blowing over the sandbank, note the features shown:

1. This map shows the preferred direction of the Speed Run (green lines) by Windsurfers down the sandbank as being on a Port Tack (left hand to windward) as close to the sandbank as possible, with the return track being slightly downwind. (Some Windsurfers may choose to travel counter to this direction.)

2. Because of the wind shadow behind King Island created by the Easterly, some Windsurfers may choose to turn before, or further afield of the King Island shadow. But regardless of where they turn, their track requires 'a crossover' of the path of oncoming Windsurfers. Normal sailing rules would apply in this 'crossover' zone.

3. The Kite launch, jump and land zone would typically be 'squeezed' into the zone just north of the Bathing Area, and just below the place where Windsurfers would conduct their turns. However, the Kiters are NOT restricted to travel close to the sandbank, and as their tracks in the map show (black lines), may even choose to travel on the eastern side of the sandbank up to or on full tides. The point to note is this zone becomes an extremely congested area for both Kite and Windsurfer activity.

Below are some basic sailing guidelines that should be considered for the Easterly Wind Direction:

1. Normal sailing rules of Right of Way apply
2. Be aware of the kite jump landing zone and stay well clear
3. If one chooses to sail close to the sand bank at the bottom end of the speed run, into and amongst kites, beware of the risks of hitting kite control lines, Kiters and other Windsurfers.