Well summer is almost upon us and we have just had labour Day weekend and the weather was awesome and winds were light here in chch, but still managed a session or 2 on the beach. On the second day the weather was great but also highlighted how busy it can get, north of the pier even and will only get busier from now on especially over xmas.

I would just like to highlight, in chch if the beach is busy to go north of Waimarie surfclub or south of south brighton surfclub as these areas are the area CWA and christchurch council have asked all wind sports users to go during the busy summer months. Also if you do use the beach in between these areas please don't set up directly in front of the surf clubs when they are on duty and don't go through the flagged areas either if you have to for any reason please do so at walking pace. If you are stopped for some reason by either lifeguard, ranger, council offical etc. Treat them with respect and if you have to pack up and come again another time/day. So keep and eye out for those dogs that like to chase things.

I know this all seems common sense when your out there blasting along the beach its easy to forget how quickly things can change and some guidelines in place will help to reduce the risk to you and others around us.

that applies to a lot of beaches and is a very timely reminder
although NO ONE can stop you static flying your kite, just dont be a dick about it and all will be well as Pirate says.

Raglan beach has a carpark at both ends and a big empty bit in the middle. When its busy please buggy in the middle. we had a race there in January and we did not get one complaint. If you ride by the carpark or surf club you may get a bollocking.

Raglan is a dangerious spot in summer!!! I nearly crashed into a buggier as i was too busy oggling the topless woman walking past.

Eyes on the road Plummet. If you have to perv. Stop and make the most of it.

plummet wrote:

Fat Old Whimp wrote:


Thats way to obvious

Well just to be gauche.
talking about obvious. One sunny day a couple were shagging on Raglan beach and we spotted them. They were trying to be discreet all cuddly and covered in a sarong but it was obvious was was happening. Before long there were several buggiers riding in front of them and 4 or 5 para-gliders hovering above them. I guess there is nothing quite as obvious as a bit of a bonk.

did you see any camera men or hear any "bow chicka bow wow" music playing charlie?
you might unwitingly be in a porn movie! "busty banging beach blonds" perhaps?

on a random note. people at my beach usually love the landkiting. I'd say on average i'd have at least one random person per session taking photo's of me! and several people screaming out enthusiasm.

plummet wrote:


yea most people I see are very interested - and I usually take the time to have a yak. Even some old biddies yahooing... I'm sure it was at the kite not me!

Luckily windy days keep some away from the beach!

skypirate wrote:


Im sure you guys could figure something out with a Go Pro?

Another thing to keep in mind is light wind days are the worst. Not only are there more people at the beach, but it's tough to get out back and kite control in challenged, especially in lulls. I've often seen keen beginners getting into trouble around people at the beach and it's just not on.

If you aren't confident of your ability to manage the kite please don't fly at the beach when it's busy! Attractive as the beach is, it is much safer and more responsible to gain your skills at the learners area of the Estuary where no one can be injured but yourself.