col123
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| posted on 12-11-2010 at 10:36 |
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Blackrock sands (read this)
taken from local paper printed today in Wales (can someone post on kite crowd etc)
Complaints over kite boarding at Porthmadog beach
Nov 11 2010 by Kevin White, Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald
SAFETY and access concerns have been raised over the increasing popularity of kite boarding at a popular beach.
Several members of Porthmadog Town Council raised the issue at the council’s monthly meeting this week, and complained that the
abundance of kite boarding on Black Rock Sands reduced walkers and motorists on the beach to the status of second class citizens.
Gwynedd Council’s nautical and country parks officer Barry Davies was present at the meeting, and was told by councillor Gwyn
Davies that the beach would regularly be taken over by the land based kite boards, which resemble skateboards harnessed to a kite.
Cllr Davies said: “This has been going on for a number of years, and I’ve heard many complaints that people aren’t
able to wander around on the beach at their leisure. The kite boarders take over, and it’s just too dangerous to get in their
way.
“These people aren’t even local, but they are infringing on local residents’ enjoyment of the beach. The people of
this area should have the right to go there whenever and wherever they want. It isn't fair on us.”
In response Barry Davies said that the kite boarders were restricted to using the beach during the winter months only: “Even at
this time of the year the nature of the sport means that weather conditions have to be perfect, so it’s not as if they are there
all day every day.”
Cllr Ifor Jones, who represents nearby village Morfa Bychan said: “If you go near their ropes the kite boarders will come over
and have a go at you. Their presence means that the beach is too busy or dangerous for us locals. Why should we have to suffer for
them?”
Several councillors asked Mr Davies if the kite boarders could be regulated more effectively, with an idea of launching a permit or
license scheme similar to Gwynedd’s policy with jetskis mooted. He said: “We can look into this but you could have issues
with implementing these permits and policing them.
“We are hamstrung by the fact that my department numbers just eight officers during the winter months. With these resources we
have monitor the longest coastline of any county in Wales. I would say it is important we don’t over regulate.
“Black Rock Sands is one of the best beaches in Britain for this kind of activity, and we don’t want the people who use it
to take their custom elsewhere. These people bring money to the local economy, and also enjoyment to many who view it as a spectator
sport. However, I accept councillors’ concerns about misuse of the beach and I would ask people to be vigilant and report any
problems to us.
“Ultimately, I think we have to find a balance. They are currently restricted to a part of the beach in front of the Greenacres
park, and most kite boarders stay within these confines.”
To Infirmary and beyond..
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Fart Boy
A Force-of-Nature **  
Member #: 1459 Posts 408
Registered: 24-8-2005 Member Is Offline Mood:
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| posted on 12-11-2010 at 12:20 |
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Oh more permits. That will make a difference!
I have been in various clubs over the years and had to fly in well marked/signed areas. Walkers still insisted in passing straight
through risking their safety in the process.
Most walkers etc I find love to watch and discuss the sport with you. But dog owners! I loose count how many times I have had a dog
piss or run over my kites. That type of lack of control sees me respond given the price of gear.
Good to know that at least some of the officials realise what we bring to the area and that we are already restricted.
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dunk
A Force-of-Nature *** 
Member #: 570 Posts 606
Registered: 2-3-2004 Member Is Offline Mood: Spaced out
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| posted on 12-11-2010 at 18:02 |
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Not that I sail there, but are there any restrictions on the water?
Am I right that if you rig up below the mean low tide and once on the water your governed by maritime regs not the local council?
Its all very sad.
KITE / SAIL REPAIRS
http://www.jonnieeisler.com
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col123
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| posted on 12-11-2010 at 19:44 |
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think the guy, maritime officer, is on our side etc, but if you do kite there just have consideration for others etc
To Infirmary and beyond..
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shem
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| posted on 12-11-2010 at 21:22 |
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Barry is a a good guy, and an "out doory" him self. Not that up there concerns me, but if I was a local rider up there, Id be
suggesting a allocated ridiing area? could be worth while. No regs on kite surfing Dunk, but Ive heard of kite surfers getting a moan
at for walking miles up n down the beach rarther than launching and landing as close to the water as possible.
Kite & SUP wales
Caravan decking wales
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