They were gone when I drove past about 5, probably they have to stop when it gets too windy!

They packed it in around 2. They were doing half hour races, but the last one only lasted 10 mins - it was 25 knots by then.

Yep, i was the other guy that nearly got wiped out!! total disregard for human life!!! seriuously... what a total *#%$ wit! If we had not both bailed off our gear i would say the result would have been total carnage..... I would be happy not to see them back on the bay (because of this one idiot)....was a great sail apart from that...... i feel better now

Guys,
Put your experience in writing and send it to the Council and NSW Maritime.
If you join a windsurfing club (www.storm-riders.com.au,) or a sailing club (St George) they can put your issue to the authorities.
We (StormRiders) have to jump trough hoops to get permits from Council & Maritime for windsurfing events, including provision of risk management plans etc. We also have to describe whether we require exclusive use of the waterway, and provide evidence of third party insurance cover etc.

Council are currently reviewing the issue of permits to Cook park users as they believe that the park is overutilised by certain groups, some of which dont bother with applying for permits at all because they dont meet the requirements. Windsurfing (among others) is coming under increased scrutiny from the authorities with respect to satisfying them that we are respectful users of the park and meet their legal requirements. I expect that WaterSkiiers are the same.
JB

Lets stick to complaining about the jet skiers who pose the biggest threat to life and limb.
The water skiers are an annual event and come and go by lunch time.
The number of jet skiers on the bay has increased dramatically over the past few years since they banned it on the harbour and everwhere else.
Its downright dangerous and attracts a large number of irresponsible posers, a recipe for disaster.
They are banned from many waterways for good reason.
So ring the water police if you see one of them buzzing the beach you might be saving someone from a terrible injury.

Enceladus said...

The race was already over and everyone was gone, so I thought when myself and someone else have almost been run over by one of the boots leaving. I was going up and the other guy down wind. We both noticed the boot in the very last second and had to jump of the board to avoid collision. I could hear the boots propeller when I was under water and thought that's it. Before you ask, no, the boot didn't stop to see whether we are still alive.

Otherwise the day was perfect, need more of those.

Yes, those boots can do some damage


Okay I'll get back in my box now.

There's allways a bad apple in every bunch!

I was as in the car park for about half an hour during the event. I thought that the organisers did a pretty good job of continually reminding the participants on beach etiquette and even making sure that there wasn't any rubish left behind.

Overall I though they did a pretty good job and I'm happy to tolerate them one day a year even thought I begrudgingly moved camp to the other end of the bay to stay out of the way.