Kite Surfing
A surf kite and board is classified as a “vessel” and therefore comes under NSW marine legislation.
A Code of Conduct for kite surfing has been developed by NSW Maritime in conjunction with the Australian Kite Surfing Association (AKSA).
- Kite surfers and their equipment, including kite and lines, must maintain a minimum distance of 30m from any persons or objects in the water at all times
- Stay out of a designated surf zone. A designated surf zone is defined as the area extending 500 metres out from shore between surf patrol flags or signs
- Stay out of a swimming area, which is defined as the area extending 60 metres out from shore between signs for swimmers.
Sydney Harbour is a no-go zone for kite surfing. The no-go zone is an area between North and South Head and the head of navigation on the Parramatta River and includes Middle Harbour and the Lane Cove River.
Pittwater off Station Beach – caution is required as this is a seaplane landing and take-off area. Appropriate warning signs have been established north and south of the seaplane wharf.
- Take extreme care when launching
- Keep a proper lookout at all times
- Kite surfers must maintain proper distances off when operating in the vicinity of surfers outside the designated surf zone
- Kite surfers must keep a proper lookout at all times for obstructions, other craft or swimmers
- Look all around - even behind you.
Power driven craft must give way to sailcraft such as kite surfers unless the kite surfer is in the process of overtaking. A kite surfer overtaking any other craft (power or sail) must keep well clear of the vessel being overtaken.