SAVE NOOSA KITING - kite there and you will care.

Update as of 2 Dec 2007

The rough draft code of conduct for kitesurfing at Noosa Rivermouth is presented below, giving noosa locals the opportunity to comment by email to email@m8kite.com

Help Keep Kiting in Noosa
Follow the local code of conduct

KEEP IT ON THE WATER

· Pilot to launch and land kites from the waters edge
· No beach jumping with kites
· Assisted launching and landing only on populated beaches
· Always allow a buffer zone and check the drop zone is clear at all times

BOAT DRIVERS ARE NOT TELEPATHIC

The LAW requires kiters give way to boats (in the surf or at the Noosa River Bar) and other beachgoers.  To save confusion make your intensions clear:

· Stop or sail in the opposite direction
· Do not continue heading towards a boat as this WILL ALARM the driver

BE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE

· Council and environmental protection agencies require kiters to stay clear of roosting birds at all times.
· Don't litter (set a good example)

ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN

Help prevent accidents and help maintain our safe kiting reputation

· Avoid all beachgoers/bathers by at least 30m (a kite line length) especially when freestyling
· Monitor the weather and understand wind effect.
· Know how to self rescue and body drag upwind
· Avoid unhooked moves in shallow water

KEEP NOOSA TIDY

· Keep kites and lines tidy on the beach
· Keep walkways and grassed areas clear

FLY OUTSIDE THE FLAGS

· Flagged areas are NO GO ZONE for kitersurfers
· Pass flagged areas out the back clear of swimmers etc
· If wind/current conditions make this difficult, walk carefully behind the flags before continuing


Update as of 2 October 2007:

We have received letters from Council and Marine Safety QLD, both stating that our campaign, the rally, and most importantly our commitees official presentation were worthwhile.

WE HAVE SAVED NOOSA RIVERMOUTH FOR KITESURFING !

CELEBRATION BBQ PLANNED FOR OCT. STAY TUNED.

Basically the govt is now going to work with kitesurfers to develop a code of conduct for kitesurfing at the Rivermouth and elsewhere in Noosa shire. This is very important for the sport Australiawide. It is now more than ever critical that kitesurfers behave responsibly at the rivermouth as one slip could sway the process against us. And that would have dire consequences for the rest of Australias kiters down the track. Thanks to all of the contributors to the campaign, see you on the water soon.

Update Oct 20

The Rally at the Noosa Rivermouth was a big success. Sunshine and smiles all round as about 40 kitesurf supporters talked to Noosa councillors P. Mc Gregor and F. Wilkie and some Council staff. From that Rally a few key people stepped up to the plate, Asher Hammond became the media co-ordinator for the SNKS campaign, Fiona Tarr took up the risk mgmnt planning, and Mat Colefax kept the whole thing rolling.

Our next step was a formal presentation to Council and State Govt. at council chambers last week. A lot of work went into polishing up the presentation and making it super solid. It was without a doubt the best job that could be done, Thanks Bob for the legal advice and Kirk for the DVD, well done guys. And although on the day we came under a lot of fire from the harbourmaster and Marine Safety QLD guys we made the message very clear. We would never give up on Kitesurfing at the Rivermouth.

So the next step is lobbying councillors and making sure we get a written assurance that kitesurfing at the rivermouth will be recognized and allowed for in the strategic plan. Who knows we might even get better facilities and support from this battle. If anyone else is fighting for their local spot, we can provide copies of our presentation on word and powerpoint.

Please remember if you come to Noosa give way to everyone, especially boats. And Introduce yourself to a local kitesurfer to ask about our evolving code of conduct which is written out below...

Update as of June 2007:

The Noosa rivermouth is an iconic location and an awesome flat water spot during spring and summer. If it falls to bureaucratic killjoys then it could lead to a domino effect of outlawed kiting on the coast ! The reasons given for banning our sport are interference with boats (legally they have right of way) and disturbance of migratory birds (morally they have rights). If you are coming to kite in Noosa please be aware of these key points

-Give way to all other craft. Keep an eye/ear open for boats and pull up at a bank with all kites in neutral till boats are past. A friendly wave helps too.
-Ask for help to launch and land your kite while you STAY at the waters edge. Sandraggin your bowkite or beachjumping definitely do NOT help the kite cause
-Dont get in the way of fisherpeople, swimmers, sunbathers, walkers or anyone else.   If you are not using your kite, wind up the lines and sandwich it with any other unused kites to give everyone else more room. Keep the grassbank clear.
-Stay well away from birds, fisherpeople, swimmers, kids etc. Showing off is gay.
-Do your absolute utmost to promote a positive vibe. Smile, its simple really.

We are keen to hear from other areas who have fought this battle and hopefully won, theres plenty of great ideas and we want to narrow them down to what will work. Some suggestions have included - signage promoting awareness, volunteer kite crew (tshirt /hat/flag) promoting awareness, printed guide flyers (worked before) and a rally (should happen next month). Helpful emails / faxes are appreciated. Regardless there is something you can do about it right now... sign our petition at Adventure Sports, Kitethrills or it can be emailed to you to fax or pdf back. And if you have time positive submissions to Noosa council are very helpful. for more info contact:

beck@traqua.com

RALLY TO SAVE NOOSA KITESURFING ACCESS

www.noosa.qld.gov.au/Community/documents/Marine%20Zone%20Proposal%20Report%20Apr%202007.pdf