KITE SURFING NEWS ITEM

Kite Surfing - 'Too Dangerous' in Crowded Beaches

TUESDAY, 25 MARCH 2008

Implementing restrictions is a major consideration of the City of Fremantle in Australia after the two kite surfing incidents at South Beach.

The city council apparently refers to the incident that took place last week, when a car park power pole was damaged by a kite surfer and caused an electricity supply cut and complaints from the nearby residents. Back in 1993, a 47-year old kite surfer died after hitting power lines in Rockingham.

In a statement, Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri blames the "occasional reckless kite surfers spoiling it for everyone else". However, he gives his word to allow the council to see if the sport poses a problem and what measures are to be introduced.

Western Power responded this week by recommending that people "keep a safe distance from power lines when engaged in overhead recreational activities such as kite surfing". Fremantle’s environmental health and building services supported the move, saying the sport was "perhaps not appropriate" at crowded beaches and suggested implementing certain restrictions.

On the other hand, Graham Baker, instructor at Choice Kitesurfing, said they had already notified every member of the WA Kitesurfing Association not to perform jumps or tricks in between the groynes if they decide to go to South Beach. He said the kite surfers are self-regulating and are conscious about safety and keeping clear distances.

For more details on this news, please visit www.news.com.au.

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