http://www.waksa.com/index.php/site/index/ en brad@catch23.com.au Copyright 2009 2009-05-17T15:43:09+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/welcome_to_waksa/ http://www.waksa.com/site/welcome_to_waksa/#When:14:51:22Z The WA Kite Surfing Association is the Western Australian representative body for the sport of Kite Surfing. In affiliation with the Australian Kite Surfing Association our major roles are promoting safety and protecting beach access while developing positive attitudes and relationships between kiters and beyond to the wider community. This includes providing our members with public liability insurance, representation at an official level when dealing with Local and State Government, delivering a calendar of events… The WA Kite Surfing Association is the Western Australian representative body for the sport of Kite Surfing. In affiliation with the Australian Kite Surfing Association our major roles are promoting safety and protecting beach access while developing positive attitudes and relationships between kiters and beyond to the wider community. This includes providing our members with public liability insurance (see summary below), representation at an official level when dealing with Local and State Government, delivering a calendar of events that caters for all levels of kiting ability and providing the framework and standards for competitive development of the sport in Australia. Australian Kite Surfing Association National Insurance Policy 2008-2009 Click here to download a summary of the insurance policy Click here to download complete insurance policy 2008-08-02T14:51:22+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/waksa_annual_general_meeting1/ http://www.waksa.com/site/waksa_annual_general_meeting1/#When:15:43:09Z Date: 14thth May 2009 Location: Swanbourne Surf Club, Marine Parade Cottesloe. Attendance: Refer to the attendance list in the secretarial volume (Attended by 41 members) Apologies: Michael Brooks, Anna-Marie Wynn-Houchin Meeting Start: 7.30pm The meeting provided pizza and cost price drinks and video entertainment consisting of the Kitelife series DVD. Meeting Opened by WAKSA Secretary Pat Banks Pat welcomed all members and explained the structure of the meeting. First person to speak was Catherine from UWA who presented a voluntary survey for members to fill out regarding kitesurfing accidents. The floor was then given to Phil Morrow for the president’s report. President’s Report Phil Morrow Phil began by thanking everyone involved in WAKSA for their efforts in the year to date. He then outlined the issues faced by WAKSA over the year and currently, including Melville, Mullaloo and Rockingham. Mullaloo detail was covered later in the course of the meeting, but Rockingham and Melville were expanded on as part of the President’s Report. At Rockingham a committee has been formed of stakeholders including the council, DEC, Windsurfing WA and WAKSA. This committee has been working through issues arising between different user groups at the Pond near the Yacht Club. A decision has been made to divide the pond into three zones, upwind for kiters, downwind for windsurfers and a buffer zone in between for safety. Signage is being erected to this effect. Date: 14thth May 2009 Location: Swanbourne Surf Club, Marine Parade Cottesloe. Attendance: Refer to the attendance list in the secretarial volume (Attended by 41 members) Apologies: Michael Brooks, Anna-Marie Wynn-Houchin Meeting Start: 7.30pm The meeting provided pizza and cost price drinks and video entertainment consisting of the Kitelife series DVD. Meeting Opened by WAKSA Secretary Pat Banks Pat welcomed all members and explained the structure of the meeting. First person to speak was Catherine from UWA who presented a voluntary survey for members to fill out regarding kitesurfing accidents. The floor was then given to Phil Morrow for the president’s report. President’s Report Phil Morrow Phil began by thanking everyone involved in WAKSA for their efforts in the year to date. He then outlined the issues faced by WAKSA over the year and currently, including Melville, Mullaloo and Rockingham. Mullaloo detail was covered later in the course of the meeting, but Rockingham and Melville were expanded on as part of the President’s Report. At Rockingham a committee has been formed of stakeholders including the council, DEC, Windsurfing WA and WAKSA. This committee has been working through issues arising between different user groups at the Pond near the Yacht Club. A decision has been made to divide the pond into three zones, upwind for kiters, downwind for windsurfers and a buffer zone in between for safety. Signage is being erected to this effect. Negotiations with stakeholders at Melville have continued this year, with some local residents still opposed to kiting at Lucky Bay. WAKSA has liaised with the local council, Marine Authority and CALM (now DEC) to protect access to the beach there, and thanks in no small part to WAKSA’s history of being proactive in the area access has been preserved. New limitations on kiteboarding have been implemented however, with an official transition zone for launching and landing demarcated by buoys maintained by the Marine Authority. Kiting at Melville in the winter season has also been prohibited, due to the hazardous nature of kiting there in Westerlies. Preventing rogue kiters from kiting irresponsibly there remains a challenge, as it does everywhere, but with education and pride in ownership from local kiters the future of access at Melville looks bright. A question was raised from the floor about enforcement and penalties for persons breaking the rules. The responsibilities and penalties for such are not yet defined. Phil reported on the current status of AKSA, and that is that Mike Walker and Emma Gibbs are no longer in control of the organization. AKSA is being run by a board of representatives from each state and under its new structure is undergoing some teething problems. He then concluded his report with a vision for WAKSA going forward, and that was one of continued promotion of membership of the organization for the sake of responsible kitesurfing, and support of local users groups as they get off the ground. WAKSA wants to develop stronger relationships with schools and shops over the coming year and work with them to promote membership and safety. Phil then thanked all departing members of the committee: • Alex Swingewood • Dean Gilkison • Said Salameh • Jackie Clark Treasurers Report Nick Dawe (Treasurer) reported on finances from July 2008 to the end of April 2009. Full disclosure is available to members but will not be posted to the website. For further details please contact the committee via the normal channels. Conditions apply. Events Report Due to the lack of an events coordinator for the season, secretary Pat Banks reported on the events held by WAKSA over the year: Season opener downwinder: This got off the ground this year after a series of false starts and a busload of people were dropped at Swanbourne surf club in flukey wind and showers. A wind line came through late in the day and turned into a typical Fremantle Doctor, giving an excellent 10km run back to the kiosk at Brighton Beach. Course Racing: In conjuction with Choice Kitesurfing, WAKSA helped stage a course racing event the week before Christmas as a fundraiser for the Red Kite childrens cancer charity. Ian Young made the fastest time of the day, and presentations were made at a dinner later that evening, followed by an auction for the charity. Kite Jam: The first event of the new year was a great success in its second year, attracting some of the best freestyle riders to The Pond at Rockingham in early January for a showcase of some spectacular freestyle action. This is becoming a real highlight on the calendar and with the Rockingham council in full support has a very bright future. Slider Jam: Lots of effort went in from the Woodies locals and Toby Bromwich’s Core online magazine to set up for this, and a good week of slider action was had with only a few slight hitches. Kitestock: Was huge again, with winds a bit stronger than ideal and a lot of people without kites small enough to take full advantage. The strong winds did make for a spectacular big air competition though, and the Epic Downwinder was truly epic, a big hit with participants and a definite keeper on the agenda. A few lessons were learned this year and will be put to use next year to make it run smoother and even better. Still and all, it was considered a success and the remains the highlight of the WAKSA year. After the reports Tim Coombes took the floor and presented a custom kite with the Solahart logo stitched into it as a donation to WAKSA. It is the intention of WAKSA to raffle this off to one lucky member in September to encourage membership renewal/sign up. (see image above) Phil then took the floor again to detail the issues being played out at Mullaloo with the Joondalup City Council. He gave an overview of what has happened there so far with Councilor MacDonald moving a motion to have kitesurfing banned and it being overturned in favour of a foreshadowed motion from Councilor Young. Subsequently a subcommittee consisting of Mullaloo Users Group and WAKSA representatives has been formed and is seeking legal advice as to the best way forward, and will be preparing reports for the council. Phil then returned to the topic of Melville, and discussed some points brought up in email by member Anna-Marie Wynne-Houchin including a need for kiters to show respect for their spot, fellow kiters and other water and beach users. Phil then asked if anyone would be interested in organizing a state wave kitesurfing titles this season, potentially in winter when conditions might be more suitable. Pat Banks declared all Committee positions vacant and thanked everyone again for a successful year. He then took nominations for all office positions. Office Positions voted in by the members President: Phil Morrow - Nominated by Pat Banks and seconded by Nick Dawe. Vice President: Pat Banks - Nominated by Pat Banks and seconded by Dean Gilkison. Secretary: None Treasurer: Nick Dawe - Nominated by Brad Wright and seconded by Nicolea Paull. Webmasters: Brad Wright and Stephen Baldry - Nominated by Pat Banks and seconded by Kent Wright. General Committee Justin O’Malley - Nominated by Justin O’Malley and seconded by Pat Banks. Michael Brooks - Nominated by Michael Brooks and seconded by Ian Young. David Mopin - Nominated by Kent Wright and seconded by Brad Wright. Ray Quahs - Nominated by Phil Morrow and seconded by Pat Banks. Mark Steel - Nominated by Ray Quahs and seconded by Nicolea Paull. Tony Loxton - Nominated by Theo Scholmann and seconded by Clyde Joshua. Steve Goat - Nominated by Nick Dawe and seconded by Brad Wright. Jennifer Rogers - Nominated by Ray Quahs and seconded by Pat Banks. Jo Fisher - Nominated by Pat Banks and seconded by Tim Stokes. General Business The subject of cheap membership for the winter period was brought to the assembled members and it was agreed that a discounted rate of $35 could be used for membership taken out between the AGM and renewals for the next. A motion was put forward by Pat Banks that WAKSA funds could be used to supply appropriate refreshments for general committee meetings, and leftover refreshments could be donated to the host of the meeting, in particular but not limited to GijimaAst, where the majority of meetings have been held in the 08/09 season. The motion was passed. Phil brought up the subject of appropriate reimbursement for expenses incurred, and made the attending members aware that these can add up and should not be borne by committee members personal funds. Jonathan Keys added that all claims should be transparent, and the fact that all transactions with WAKSA funds are jointly signed lends itself well to maintaining transparent, honest claims. Dave Mopin put a motion to the membership that Kitestock organisers should receive free entry to the event, which was modified to be passed as volunteers and organizers are to receive some or all of their entry fees waived based on a schedule of discounts to be determined at a later date and approved by the committee. A discussion was then had about the potential for legal costs in addressing the issues at Mullaloo to quickly exceed the means of WAKSA. Pat mentioned the assistance available to members of the WA Sports Federation, which WAKSA is eligible and has been encouraged to join, and Jonathan Keys raised the precedent at Cottesloe, which may be of some use. Every effort will be made to keep the cost to members as low as possible. Malcolm Thompson suggested that more detail should be captured when members join WAKSA, such as profession, and this could be used by the rest of the membership for some kiter to kiter support. While this is already a feature on the website, it was generally agreed that this could be actively pursued by adding to the enrolment process, and would be considered with the other work being done in preparation for the upcoming membership season. There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 9.00pm. Featured, News 2009-05-17T15:43:09+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/coconet_national_titles_results/ http://www.waksa.com/site/coconet_national_titles_results/#When:04:59:20Z Here it is folks. The official results. Our very own Michael (Bellz) Bell double place getter. Great result Michael - you must be stoked to pull off both of those places against such formidable oppostion. From all reports the standard was exceptional this time around. Hopefully one of our WA reps; those lucky enough to make it over there; can put together a bit of a report for the waksa members. Please contact us if there is anyone out there. Some photos would also go down very well. . . Coconet Classic National Championship results 2009 Open Men: 1 Keahi DeAboitiz, 2 Ben Winding, 3: Michael Bell Women: 1 Marine Sudre, 2 Michelle England, 3 Natalie Clarke Juniors: 1: Michael Bell, 2: Ewan Jaspan, 3: Keahi DeAboitiz Masters: 1 Richard Milne, 2 Chris Wardell, 3 Hayden Fleming Andy Yates Talent Award: Ewan Jaspan Best Junior Up and Comer: Lindsey Hobbs Coconet Classic Free Ride Champion: 1 Zebb Peters, 2 Lee Kavanagh, 3 Luke Bourke Coconet Women’s Champ: Charlotte Simsar Free Spirit Award: Josh Hickey Best (worst) injury: Natalie Clarke Best on rail: Alex Lewis-Hughes Sponsors: Danielle and Tim Straatmans at Coconet, Slingshot, Gale Force, Best, Arsa, Nobile and Kite Mag. 2009-04-14T04:59:20+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/agm_delayed/ http://www.waksa.com/site/agm_delayed/#When:13:31:23Z Due to recent issues at Mullaloo, the WAKSA committee has resolved that absolute priority must be given to the Joondalup Council submission. As much as we hate to postpone after setting the date and sending out notification, it has been passed by a committee vote to delay the AGM until the 14th of May. Our most sincere apologies to anyone inconvenienced by this. By the 14th we will have a report prepared and a subcommittee in place to work on the issues at Mullaloo. It will be an important agenda item to be discussed there. We would appreciate the input of the membership on this, and we urge that a united, cohesive front be presented to those who want to ban kiting at Mullaloo Beach. We would like you all to be aware that councils all over Perth are watching the progress of this issue with great interest. It is an issue that the entire membership should take an interest in. In a bit of good news, Swanbourne Surf Club have advised that their clubhouse will be available for us on the night. We will be organising food and drink, most likely the traditional kiteboarder fare of pizza and beer, as well as appropriate non-alcoholic alternatives. Please note, as this is an official WAKSA meeting entry is limited to the membership, so we ask that you don’t invite any non-members. We will keep you up to date with all developments along the way. You can expect more news regarding the Mullaloo issue and other agenda and details for the AGM closer to the date. Also we have finally uploaded some images from Kitestock so go check them out in the Image GalleryDue to recent issues at Mullaloo, the WAKSA committee has resolved that absolute priority must be given to the Joondalup Council submission. As much as we hate to postpone after setting the date and sending out notification, it has been passed by a committee vote to delay the AGM until the 14th of May. Our most sincere apologies to anyone inconvenienced by this. By the 14th we will have a report prepared and a subcommittee in place to work on the issues at Mullaloo. It will be an important agenda item to be discussed there. We would appreciate the input of the membership on this, and we urge that a united, cohesive front be presented to those who want to ban kiting at Mullaloo Beach. We would like you all to be aware that councils all over Perth are watching the progress of this issue with great interest. It is an issue that the entire membership should take an interest in. In a bit of good news, Swanbourne Surf Club have advised that their clubhouse will be available for us on the night. We will be organising food and drink, most likely the traditional kiteboarder fare of pizza and beer, as well as appropriate non-alcoholic alternatives. Please note, as this is an official WAKSA meeting entry is limited to the membership, so we ask that you don’t invite any non-members. We will keep you up to date with all developments along the way. You can expect more news regarding the Mullaloo issue and other agenda and details for the AGM closer to the date. Also we have finally uploaded some images from Kitestock so go check them out in the Image Gallery Featured, News 2009-04-02T13:31:23+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/kitestock_09_rocked/ http://www.waksa.com/site/kitestock_09_rocked/#When:04:18:13Z Thanks to everyone who came and made Kitestock 09 a massive success. There will be a full report coming soon and we’ll also try and get some cool pictures up of all things pink. Stay tuned. Thanks to everyone who came and made Kitestock 09 a massive success. There will be a full report coming soon and we’ll also try and get some cool pictures up of all things pink. Stay tuned. Featured 2009-02-10T04:18:13+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/programme_updated/ http://www.waksa.com/site/programme_updated/#When:06:57:39Z You asked for it and we delivered. A surf kitesurfing comp, and some other adjustments. Don't forget to keep checking back Friday 6th February Program Item 10am Registrations 11.30am Surf kitesurfers expression session 1 12.30pm Lunch 1.30pm Surf kitesurfers expression session 2 3pm Short Downwinder 4.30pm Big Air Comp 7.30pm CreatureStock Saturday 7th February 8am Breakfast 10am Course Racing 12pm Lunch 1pm Epic Downwinder Departure 2pm Beginners Bodydrag race 4.30pm Surf kitesurfers expression session Final 7.30pm Dinner, presentations and music at the Priory Sunday 8th February 10am Brunch 11am WACK! Meeting and girls clinic All weekend events: Fancy dress / pink theme Give the logo dude a name Check out the program detail here! Kitestock, Kitestock News 2009-01-31T06:57:39+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/kitestock_australia_wide/ http://www.waksa.com/site/kitestock_australia_wide/#When:02:39:09Z Kitestock registrations are now available to AKSA members from all over Australia. Due to gremlins taking over part of the system and barricading themselves in, we are now taking registrations for Kitestock from our sibling associations via email. If you are an AKSA member from the Eastern, Southern or Northern states and territories please email us at with the subject line “Other AKSA member Kitestock registration” and once we check the membership lists which came by carrier pigeon we will set you up a profile from which you can pay. If you are not an AKSA member of any description, you may either: - Join WAKSA via www.waksa.org.au and continue to Kitestock registration from there. - Join your local association, email us proof of your membership, for example your receipt, and then we will set up a profile for you from which you will have access to Kitestock registration. If you have contacted us before today (22/01/09) about an Eastern state registration, and did not receive an email informing you of your login details, please contact us again with a reminder. The thousands of emails regarding Kitestock over the last few months are quite a challenge to find things in at times. If you are still having difficulties / having other difficulties also please don’t hesitate to contact us. Kitestock registrations are now available to AKSA members from all over Australia. Due to gremlins taking over part of the system and barricading themselves in, we are now taking registrations for Kitestock from our sibling associations via email. If you are an AKSA member from the Eastern, Southern or Northern states and territories please email us at with the subject line “Other AKSA member Kitestock registration” and once we check the membership lists which came by carrier pigeon we will set you up a profile from which you can pay. If you are not an AKSA member of any description, you may either: - Join WAKSA via www.waksa.org.au and continue to Kitestock registration from there. - Join your local association, email us proof of your membership, for example your receipt, and then we will set up a profile for you from which you will have access to Kitestock registration. If you have contacted us before today (22/01/09) about an Eastern state registration, and did not receive an email informing you of your login details, please contact us again with a reminder. The thousands of emails regarding Kitestock over the last few months are quite a challenge to find things in at times. If you are still having difficulties / having other difficulties also please don’t hesitate to contact us. Kitestock, Kitestock News 2009-01-22T02:39:09+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/sponsors/ http://www.waksa.com/site/sponsors/#When:03:23:47Z Huge thanks goes out to our sponsors.  Their generosity ensures we can continue to provide a great event with fantastic services and prizes.  Have a look at what they have on offer and try their products. We encourage you to support those who support you‼ UNHOOKED SPONSORS (GOLD) BOOST SPONSORS (SILVER) UPWIND SPONSORS (BRONZE) 2009-01-08T03:23:47+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/kitestock_registrations_open/ http://www.waksa.com/site/kitestock_registrations_open/#When:02:01:25Z Finally, after a couple of technical and administrational delays (not to mention a lot of good wind recently), we are ready to start taking registrations for Kitestock. Registrations are only available to WAKSA members at this stage and will be open to the rest of Australia very soon. The process for registration is as follows... Finally, after a couple of technical and administrational delays (not to mention a lot of good wind recently), we are ready to start taking registrations for Kitestock. Registrations are only available to WAKSA members at this stage and will be open to the rest of Australia very soon. The process for registration is as follows... Log on to this site using your user name and password. If you don’t have one please register for one and an activation email will be sent to you. Go to the Registration page and select the type of Kitestock ticket you require. Note: Only 1 ‘kiter’ ticket available per membership. Non Kiters: You must register as an add-on to a kiter’s registration through their login. Complete the Personal Info & T-Shirt Form Pay for your selection through PayPal. Unfortunately, due to dramas in previous years with payment and admin, we are only going to accept payment via the WAKSA website this year. If you do not have a login because you registered by snail mail please contact us and we will send it to you. Included in the ticket price are all meals from lunch on Friday the 6th through to brunch on Sunday the 8th, the kitestock ‘showbag’, eligibility for prizes and entry to all the planned activities and events over the course of the festival. The activities and events haven’t been finalised yet, but so far the list of potentials have been posted on the programme page. We would love to get your feedback and any ideas for potential activities or events you would like to see added. For these and any other information, please contact . Kitestock 2009-01-07T02:01:25+08:00 http://www.waksa.com/site/kitestock_registration_process/ http://www.waksa.com/site/kitestock_registration_process/#When:02:23:45Z If you want to kite you have to be a WAKSA/AKSA member. If you want to buy 1 kiter membership and put a non-kiter or non-kiter U16 ticket through the same transaction them please follow these steps carefully. Note: Only 1 kiter ticket, 1 non-kiter ticket and 2 non-kiter U16 tickets are available on the one membership. If you would like more please contact kitestock@waksa.org.au 1. Log on to this site with your user name and password. If you don’t have one please apply for one. 2. Go to the registration page and fill in the form for all tickets your are about to purchase. 3. Hit submit and you’ll be transferred to the ticket option where you select 1 kiter ticket. 4. A separate window will open into paypal with the value of $140. 5. Go back to the original registration window on the kitestock site. NOTE: DO NOT hit the back arrow… navigate through the separate open windows. 6. On the non-kiter panel select ‘Add to Cart’ 7. Another new window will open in PayPal with the new amount of $250 (1 Kiter + 1 non-kiter). 8. Continue these steps until you have all the tickets you want, then pay. NOTE: It is very important that you navigate this process through separate windows rather than hitting the back arrow. Registrations are only open to WAKSA members at this stage but will be open to the rest of Australia VERY SOON! If you want to kite you have to be a WAKSA/AKSA member. If you want to buy 1 kiter membership and put a non-kiter or non-kiter U16 ticket through the same transaction them please follow these steps carefully. Note: Only 1 kiter ticket, 1 non-kiter ticket and 2 non-kiter U16 tickets are available on the one membership. If you would like more please contact kitestock@waksa.org.au 1. Log on to this site with your user name and password. If you don’t have one please apply for one. 2. Go to the registration page and fill in the form for all tickets your are about to purchase. 3. Hit submit and you’ll be transferred to the ticket option where you select 1 kiter ticket. 4. A separate window will open into paypal with the value of $140. 5. Go back to the original registration window on the kitestock site. NOTE: DO NOT hit the back arrow… navigate through the separate open windows. 6. On the non-kiter panel select ‘Add to Cart’ 7. Another new window will open in PayPal with the new amount of $250 (1 Kiter + 1 non-kiter). 8. Continue these steps until you have all the tickets you want, then pay. NOTE: It is very important that you navigate this process through separate windows rather than hitting the back arrow. Registrations are only open to WAKSA members at this stage but will be open to the rest of Australia VERY SOON! Kitestock, Kitestock News 2009-01-01T02:23:45+08:00