Fantastic news for one of the best kiting spots in the country. Many hours of work by Kernow Kitesurfing Club members have resulted in an agreement with Hayle Harbour Authority of a six month trial to remove the time restrictions. The trial period begins on the 1 st February 2011, permitting those complying with the KKC code to kitesurf at all states of the tide . This has only been possible because the Harbour Master has been able to negotiate with the club, whose members have demonstrated, in a successful trial, that kitesurfing can take place responsibly by complying to an agreed code of conduct (the KKC Code).
It has been strongly agreed that the key element of the 2010 trial has been the 100m rule. This states all kite surfers MUST keep at least 100m away from AND turn away from all vessels using the channel, and this remains the key guideline for the 2011 trial. It's common sense, but ensuring that all kiters adhere to it is vital.
The other vital part of the 2011 Hayle Kitesurfing Code of Conduct is that all kiters display a valid colour coded tag on their harness. Wearing a tag is important as it signifies the kiter has a valid third party liability insurance of 5 million pounds, that the kiter has agreed to abide by the Code of Conduct, and by purchasing it has made a small contribution to the annual Water Users Licence for which Kernow Kitesurfing Club has to pay the Hayle Harbour Authority. Tags for 2011 begin on 1st April and will be availabe from West Country Watersports(Truro), Down The Line (Hayle) and Lodeys (Marazion). Tags will cost £5 for KKC members, £10 for BKSA (British Kitesurfing Association) members - proof of membership must be produced for these rates. And we have striven to ensure access for everyone and now non-BKSA members may purchase a tag for £20 provided they have valid liability insurance of 5 million pounds. Remember -all 2010 tags expire at the end of March. Tags only remain valid whilst appropriate liability insurance cover is current. If you still require a tag for the remaining 2010 season these are available for the reduced rate of £3 from West Country Watersports.
The full Hayle Code of Conduct is available here. This includes an Incident Report Form and all tag holders are encouraged to report incidents whether it be a near miss or an abuse of the code of conduct.
The KKC believe we have now arrived at a strong working relationship with the harbourmaster who wants to see kitesurfing thrive alongside other harbour users. Now it is over to all kitesurfers using the Bluff to ensure that the next 6 months are a success by promoting the code of Conduct and wearing a tag, and then we can look forward to years of blissful kiting.