The Gold Coast's Tow-in Code of Conduct
The pattern goes like this....
- Big swell hits Queensland.
- Jet skis buzz Kirra, a few violate the rules.
- Online commenters are outraged and threaten action, but no-one makes an official complaint.
- Swell dies down.
- No infringements are issued and everyone forgets.
The routine is well worn. It's easier to predict than cyclone surf!
However, it's not just the repetition that's noticeable. What's also clear is that there's a lot of misinformation in the Queensland surfing community regarding PWC laws. And so a quick lesson is in order:
In 2010 Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), Gold Coast City Council, and Surfing Queensland got together to draft a Tow-in Surfing Code of Conduct.
The Code - which shows a person towing a four foot wave on the cover - outlines various rules for operating a PWC but most pertinent is what happens when the Gold Coast beaches are closed due to heavy surf. When the beaches are open PWCs aren't allowed within 400m of shore, but once they're closed PWCs are legally allowed into the near shore zone.
Despite the beaches being closed, this rules still applies: PWCs cannot exceed 6 knots while within 60 metres of a surfer or swimmer.
6 knots equates to 11km/h which is average jogging speed. It's exceeded almost every time a surfer is towed in or steps off. By comparison, a six foot wave breaking in shallow water moves towards shore at roughly 25 - 35km/h.
Up at Currumbin, tow surfing is allowed only if no paddle surfers are in the water. To put it another way, when a surfer paddles out at Currumbin all towing must stop.
If you witness a violation of the above either first-hand or on video it needs to be reported within 48 hours of the incident occurring, unless there is a reasonable excuse.
Phone (07) 5585 1810 for the MSQ Southport Office. Or get their details online.
When Swellnet called earlier today, the MSQ spokesman said their job was "to educate first and hand out infringements second." He also admitted they sometimes struggled with the educating bit. Why not make it easier for them?
While the Code legislates PWC use it says nothing about surfing ettiquette. For instance, should paddle surfers get right of way over surfers stepping off skis? Everyone knows the answer to that but you won't find it written anywhere. Some things we need to sort out ourselves.
Comments
I had a read the comments on other page and point 3 makes me laugh.
If your a local dude writing in the comments just ring the number above and report DHD. Whats stopping them?
Honestly, is there a need to tow in at all in QLD? I understand that at 6ft+ a lot of water is moving around, but heck, that's a challenge commonly encountered in surfing. Get the skis out of the water and paddle with your feckin' arms.
Good Point!
Interview Darren Handley... ask him if he cares about the potential consequences or the other surfers in the water?
Pros on skis = C$$nts$ x 10
Did that Brent Dorrington bloke jump off a ski to get that wave on the home page?
That’s the best photo I’ve ever seen of Kirra.
Paddle in. Full video of the wave was captured by Surfline.
he paddled for the bomb right next to me with the gopro in his mouth :) real surfer, not a sissy on skis..
ABC Gold Coast now publicly asking "Is this jetski rider breaking the law?"
Didn't see it the first time but there is a surfer at 0.12/0.13 who would have been pretty happy that ski didn't get over the back of the wave.
Gosh yes, how close was he to that bloke. Hope he was wearing the brown boardies.
I reckon DHD saw that guy and so couldn't pull over the back as he had planned. Just shows how dangerous it is as the jetskis can't turn on a dime of bail as a surfer does to avoid collisions. They set a track and have limited options once they get up speed. A split second decision by DHD saved that guy which could easily have been different if he had been concentrating on some other point down the line and pull over the back right onto his head.
Darren Handley & Co would be feeling pretty shit about themselves today IF (and its a quite plausible IF) that ski had hit and seriously injured or killed someone! If Darren Handley, or anyone for that matter, can't handle a ski in 6ft surf then he honestly shouldn't even be out there. He would go to prison for dangerous driving on the road.
It looked as though he tried to maneuver the ski over the back of the wave but would have scalped a photographer in the process.
The first thing is that Dick Head Driver dropped in on his own Surfer , making it impossible for him to surf thru the wake of the Ski.......really dumb....but when he nose dives , it looks like he shit himself , de-accelerated instead of actually accelerating so the nose/bow lifts out of the water.......
DHD has never had much balls , he just does not have the skill to drive a Jet Ski, and should be reported , if anyone really cares about Jetski's in the lineup!
I really think a Jetski service for all could remedy all!
fucking morons, they deserve knuckle sandwiches, slashed tyres and broken windows.
so glad i dont live anywhere near that circus.
It does my head in there are so many things you can't do these days laws and policing for this and that, you can barely fart without breaking a law and getting a fine.
Then on the flip side right on the doorstep of one of the most populated areas of Australia and one of the worlds most crowded coastlines you have huge jet skis that weigh shitloads among surfers.
The risk of someone getting seriously injured or killed is very real with these in the lineup, imagine that landing on top of you after it's gone over the falls, or over a back of a wave.
It's crazy as soon as there is one paddle surfer out there it should be illegal.
And don't come down to Box Head either with your new Seadoo, three mates and a surf foil board towing in through a crowded lineup you kooks!.......In fact don't bother coming here at all with your PWC's.
Absolute bravo for SN and all the commenters, properly acting as a 4th estate. In the space of an afternoon the regulations have been discovered, understood, and the weekend measured against them. And then the people have even woken the sleeping 'real' 4th estate (ABC) and the just-as-asleep regulator. The internet is a powerful thing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Estate
So far the scabby surface has barely been scratched as the current 'rules' while they appear to be merely unpoliced 'guidelines' are designed mainly for the recreational PWC user. Commercial activities OTOH are a much bigger can of worms my friends. Now, would any of these pro-surfing, label bragging, sponsored or camera wielding LIFE-ENDANGERING MAGGOTS be considered to be engaged in commercial activities that they can derive income from, I wonder? Check with the ATO what was declared last year, fuel, accomodation etc etc. Oh yes, commercial activities and flouting THOSE rules is a way bigger deal! Open THAT can of worms with your go-pro rego number photos my humble paddling friends doing the RIGHT thing. A mere ski on the head is the last of the problems for an unregistered, unlicensed cowboy carrying a photog or pro shoulder hopper, better get a lawyer son, better get a real good one....
On reading the code I found some more appropriate rules that are in play. Looking at the clips that have been posted we can see the PWC are operating without an observer. This changes everything Stu has noted especially regards the 60 mtr distance rule.
Chapt 2 of the code is very clear.
"The operator must give right of way to all other boating or ocean recreation activities."
"The personal watercraft operator must not operate the watercraft at a speed of more than six knots within 200 metres of:
all persons in the water other than the skier (the person who is being towed)
all paddle surfers in the water
all other ships or watercraft in the water."
Based on this information I don't believe there was a single operator of a PWC who did not breach multiple times on the weekend. Clearly the education part has failed so that excuse of it being "preferred" holds no water. Time for infringement.
This is on par with the policing of no helmets on bikes in Byron, its a free for all.
The only time I thought jet ski assist was reasonable was a code black day about 10 years ago when some young locals were jumping off - on to 20ft+ faces on our back bank. Only one other surfer was in the water and he paddled out and was nowhere near them. All our old local crew paddled out into one of our notoriously heavy breaks on all days of the Gita swell. A fair few of us are over 60 - I'm 64 - and we took plenty on the head including some really hard low tide beatings. The only skis in the line up were shooting video of some pros, albeit right in the most draining section. We've got a huge break and they stayed (mostly) at a pretty respectful distance on the shoulder. Ski jump offs and tow ins in a crowded line up like Snapper or Kirra is a tragedy waiting to happen and lazy surfing. All our sons and daughters paddle unless its 15ft+. Then they're welcome to it.
No helmet while riding a bike around Byron is your choice and your risk. An illegally operating PWC landing on your head or back in 6ft surf is a wayyy different issue. Not on par in any way at all, go back to golf and cycling.
Haha..
....zing
Both are not enforced that was my point, maybe comprehension is not your best asset :)
It’s pretty obvious who the repeat offenders are, Harrington’s, dorringtons, parko, dingo etc, and the entourage of sycophant kirra, dbah and snapper boardriders..... all been taught by the generation before hand to not give a shit. if you’re not a member you don’t matter.
If you call them out, your not a local (even though you’ve lived there all you’re life)
Not going to change unless the cops get involved. And Local law won’t do anything to the instagram stars..... only thing will be mainstram media to hit them up. ACA ambush at the Handley factory to call out micks shaper for being an arrogant asshole
Right on the money mate
That would be hilarious Dazza H getting interviewed by ACA at the factory then round to Parkos place camped outside waiting for him to come out ,hang on how about while the quicky pros on,boys wont be able to hide....Tracy....hahahaha gonna happen.
The guys you mentioned aren't locals, they're the local dickheads. Doesn't anyone remember what one of those asses and his pro buddies did to a couple of young guys out the mouth of the Tweed about a year ago, on there jet skis? They should be in jail. I wont be buying their beer.
The guys you mentioned aren't locals, they're the local dickheads. Doesn't anyone remember what one of those asses and his pro buddies did to a couple of young guys out the mouth of the Tweed about a year ago, on there jet skis? They should be in jail. I wont be buying their beer.
A lot of quiet jet ski riders reading this page. No comment from the guilty.
So Stu,
"When a surfer paddles out at Currumbin all towing must stop".
The word "towing" in the code is interesting considering most people, ski assisted, are doing step-offs.
Ignoring all of the other area's of the code they are breaking is this section now a massive grey area? "I wasn't towing I was stepping off" defence.
Police and other enforcement agencies like Maritime work under and enforce Acts/Legislation. When you are charged or given an expiation for something you have done illegally it is because you breached a part of an act.
So if you breach a code of conduct how does that tie in with enforceable legislation for authorities to act on that breach?
Btw I have no idea!
I am not into jet skis in surf zones buttt.... Be careful what you wish for in regards to in water policing by authorities.
dim, not looking for enforcement etc. just stating the difference between tow and step-off in the code(or lack of) and breaches of a code v breaches of actual laws.
The debate is far far bigger than these small things but just something to add to the mix.
The code defines what tow in surfing is and includes step offs mate
No, technically it is different.
With tow legally you need first aid license and jet ski license for ski operator AND surfer.
With step off only the ski driver needs licences - so anyone can jump off the back
So I get in the code it doesn't differentate or explains that tow and step-off are same same but Deck makes a good point. Interwoven codes with legislation = grey area's.
No wonder no one gets pulled up or fined etc.
yes, its definitely a loop hole which is why i assume most of these guys are "stepping off" instead of "towing"
specifics can be found on page 13 here - http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/maritime/licence/personal-watercraft...
"Both the driver of the PWC and the surfboard rider must have a current PWC licence, current First Aid certificate, wear an appropriate lifejacket when the activity is being carried out, and have attended any course or passed any examination required by Roads and Maritime"
Much harder to get fully accredited to "tow" but anyone can jump off the back!
None of those guys were wearing lifejackets on the Goldy which is breach in itself.
Hi Deck. I agree that the Qld code says all persons on the ski need to wear life jackets. Who could forget that year they “enforced” this rule at the quikky pro!
Regarding tow-in and step offs, I agree that they are different but what I was saying is that the Qld code clearly covers all forms of “Vessel assisted surfing” for want of a better phrase. The link you posted is for the NSW rules so don’t apply at Kirra.
Ah ok Andrew P, yes, I am more familiar with NSW laws as I have a ski - but I NEVER EVER go near another surfer or person in the water. And don't behave like a dick! Amazed what those guys on the GC do on the points. A taxi service is one thing, but they take it too far IMO
99% of the time I use my ski for fishing! Its an amazing rig. Caught a 105kg marlin off it last wk!
Gee mate that’d get to the marlin grounds a bit quicker than a 12ft tinny! Great effort!
cheers bud, fish of a lifetime i reckon
Those jet skis at kirra was like someone defacing van goph's 'starry night' with a black texta.
Haven’t seen any of the footage other tha what was posted by Ben. Was it way too big to paddle or was the sweep ridiculous? We don’t seem to have that issue in Victoria luckily and Winki and bells at size are a serious paddle.
I own ski and enjoy a good tow session. When a person is paddling we dont go near them. If we are towing and a person paddles out we move down he beach so we dont affect their surf. No one rule is no towing if people are paddling.
"Tempers are fraying, with Tugun surfer Sam Yoon telling the Gold Coast Bulletin: “Someone’s life is not worth a six foot wave.”
Concerns mounted this week after an unprecedented number of jetski tow-in surfers powered perilously close to paddle-surfers in 2m waves."
http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/beaches-and-fishing/gold-c...
We know who the criminals are! (Stars of egotistical self sponsored TV News clips )
We know the very days they strike.(Govt BOM alerts the world a week ahead of time)
We know the locations where they strike.(Because they shit in their own lineup)
We know their entry/exit points.(Because GCCC bill us to build these mobster's jetski ramps)
Spare a GCCC inspector who sits, eats pies drinks beers to film Jetski crims from Kirra Hill.
His mate who also drinks pies & eats beers receives videos at GCCC Ramp. Huh!... He's Fine!
Ring Police to fine/jail grubz. Stomp on the Jet Skis.One afternoon,town's rubbish taken out.
W.R. Easiest/Cheapest/Fastest arrest of mobsters ever. 2 Pies for dinner + 2 Beers' overtime!
Next day two inspectors back on the beat slapping us with fines. Not as hard as it sounds!
I'm no fool...We Aussies 'd dream up a million excuses as to why dumb plan is way too tricky.
Yes! Yes!! Let's get organised!
Ego fuelled fun - enjoy u bunch of of "A" lister spoilt twats
Dont seem to have this kind of problem down here in Vicco. Your jetskiis are our paddle boarders, yes this opens up another can of worms, but I’ve copped a couple of those barges on the head at reeef breaks. But I do feel for you punters up there on QLD’s points. Time for line-up self enforcement me thinks.
As sent to Darren and DHD...
Dear Darren and DHD surf,
Surfing means a lot to me. It’s always been the foundation of my life. It’s something I share with my three children, a love and lifestyle I can pass onto them. I teach them respect of the environment and other people, and through surfing they have seen and experienced so much from a young age. Pretty simple.
That being said, surfing is clearly changing. Changing from a way of life, a means of cleansing, a backbone of stability, a bond for friendships. Changing to dominating, conquering, bullying, ownership - driven by ego, and fostered by narcissists, sociopaths and sycophants. Pathetic primitive desires. I don’t like the way it’s changing, particularly the way in which it will impact those much younger than me.
I am terribly disappointed at the antics of you and others close to you - specifically towing into waves amongst those paddling, ferrying others in the lineup to the inside of others, all for your gluttonous benefit. Self absorbed illegal and dangerous behaviour. I don’t have an issue with PWCs, but I do when used in this way.
I don’t know you, or your friends, and don’t know if you care. I don’t know if you care about the stewardship of surfing, or more largely the attitudes and feelings that emanate and breed from your behaviour. Surfing might be something very different for you than it is for me. I don’t know if you or your friends care about what others think, or understand the role you are playing in the much larger slippery slope changing surfing.
I wonder if somewhere in your head or heart, maybe just a little bit, you feel any guilt, regret, embarrassment or shame. I see an opportunity for contrition and leadership, on a grand scale, but I can’t control what you do, or what others around you do. I can control what I do. I have two of your boards, and whilst I have nothing but good things to say about them, they will be the last.
Kind regards, Damon Scoffern.
It's a nice letter Damon, just a little too long. Here's a slightly more efficient one.
Dear Darren,
Pull your fucking head in and stop fucking towing around paddle surfers.
Yours in disgust.
Vic Local.
That was funny. Seems that bigger city folk need more of an elaborate explanation.
Excellent letter. His hip pocket nerve seems to be working better than his spatial cognitive function, this might sink in.
fuck, that's good.
If he doesn't reply in a meaningful way to that he's got no heart, no balls and no brains.
agree FR76, good on you & well written Damon, let us know his reply. I was thinking of getting a DHD myself..wont be now (my little protest for whats its worth)
Cheers guys. Will let you know.
It’s been a week and confirm no response, which isn’t unexpected.
Observation 1 - it seems you need to keep your head down for only 4-5 days and the topic exhausts itself and the media cycle moves on. Probably demonstrates the need to get straight onto it the next time it occurs, which it will.
Observation 2 - Swellnet was one of very few who covered the matter, with many other media outlets either being slow, reluctant, silent, neutral or supportive. By supportive I mean some promoted videos or content of those involved, with the manner in which they behaved or caught waves removed - what drives this might be obvious, or maybe not, but it’s an interesting question of relationships and dependency.
I'm following up with a few people Damon. It's tricky, as you'd imagine, but if anything comes of it you'll read it here.
Good on you Stu. Certainly an interesting study of behaviour, on a lot of levels.
ah so you know him !
I have nothing against PWC in lineups as long as there are no guys padding. IE the surf is too big or to sucky to paddle into.
Kirra did not look either of these things in the videos. If you cant paddle the sweep or paddle into the waves, grab a bigger board. If you are on your biggest board and still can not get into the waves then it is beer o'clock.
Where I live the skis only come out when the surf is absolutely not able to be paddled at all. Any sooner and you have yourself a label you'd rather not have around Newcastle!
Paddle it! If you can't, watch the guys who can. If nobody can, get the ski out and whip in.
On a slightly different angle, what kinds of things get sucked into the intakes that could be taken out by the pocket load and spread to make a field of JetSki stopping flotsam
cut up pieces of rope 18" long , that will fuck them, but rather than go to that length , try getting all the videos of the last couple of days , take them to the police tell them you were threatened by Jetski , take a mate pretend to be a media reporter , and get DHD charged with , attempted murder , assault , then lets see the next swell .....
I looked to individuals ferried to the outer Dolphin Point launch pad, Granite Bay, Noosa, with envy, if anything. The long awaited juice, too good to be wallowing in any sort of negative vibe. An hour into each session, my arms felt like they were twisting off at the shoulders, barely tethered by threads of gnarled sinew and sunburned skin. But, point surfing is all about paddling, isn't it?
It's cheating a bit getting a lift, queue jumping, stepping off onto set waves - especially with a relatively benign sweep running - and let's face it, even at the swell peak it wasn't THAT BIG, and definitely not top to bottom akin the Gold Coast Points. Apart from the boils and wakes created by skis tampering with the wave surface at times, and the abrasive sounds and smell of engines, what bothered me was one of the drivers spooking a local Dolphin pod.
There are few, if any, sublime surfing experiences greater than a majestic scene when the elements combine. Dolphins riding wide bombs or torpedoing the line-up makes the experience extra special. Watching a bloke on a stinky ski disregard their space is not cool. I'm sure it's a thrill burning down the fat face of a rouge set, but not at the expense of the local pod's pleasure.
DB.
Well put. No aggro just the truth and what surfing should be.
When did jet ski's become part of a line up? Sitting out the back, dreaming of a hot rendezvous with that hot chick from the local Bi-Lo while watching the horizon for the next set.
Shit I am old. Bi-Lo Ha.
Well put. No aggro just the truth and what surfing should be.
When did jet ski's become part of a line up? Sitting out the back, dreaming of a hot rendezvous with that hot chick from the local Bi-Lo while watching the horizon for the next set.
Shit I am old. Bi-Lo Ha.
Message sent to the WSL
I am writing to you as a concerned surfer who loves surfing for the enjoyment and pleasure it brings to my life.
However during the recent swell event on the Gold Coast many of your WSL competitors and there crew were not only disrespectful of their fellow surfers but in actual breach of the law, by using Jet ski’s for tow ins and step off's. It appears that the WSL condones this behaviour as you are posting video your surfers on waves they have caught using Jet Ski assist.
There were many paddle surfers in the water a lot less capable than the Professional surfers. Your surfers used the Jet Ski to snake their way back to top of the line up and take more than their fair share of the set waves. I find this highly disrespectful and against all surf etiquette and sullies the reputation of your surfer and the WSL. These surfers can paddle into Pipeline and Chopes but can not paddle into 6-8ft Kirra; it is greed, self promotion and disrespect of the surf community.
Yours sincerely
David Wilkinson
Like it. These guys need to start setting standards...
I know it looks obscure, but the law is really clear, sufficient and basically corresponds to the vast majority of comments/opinions on the subject:
PWCs cannot exceed 6 knots while within 60 metres of a surfer or swimmer.
If no-one's out make a pig of yourself. If other surfers are in the line-up (not just trying to get out) but actually successfully in the line-up (i.e. within 60m), you can no longer have jet ski's there. Its that simple. Most of these guys are fantastic competitive surfers, many of us cannot begin to emulate in skill, but frankly when other guys are in the line up (in big surf) paddling, they should be looking to match or better those true watermen.
The surf media has a lot to answer for and has inadvertently encouraged this behavior with their clearly unquestioned and unscrupulous adulation. I don't read Tracks anymore, once they started chuckling about one of their favourites 'dropping in at Snapper as usual' etc.
Thanks to Swellnet you all now know where to report and if enough of you do, it will be stopped.
Send Letters to WSL / Billabong/ Gov Agencies.
Put replies on the swellnet site.
I sent a letter to surfing world suggesting they do an article on the issue.....
Poetic justice would be DHD walking into his factory one morning to find the order book down by 50%.
That, or half a dozen teenage scumbags on monkey bikes doing donuts out the front of DHD while customers and staff are trying to use the footpath.
I put the below on the WSL facebook page below the clip of DHD going over the handlebars; almost all of the surfers involved would want to compete in WSL events so protecting their brand may encourage them to take action. They don't seem to have an issue overreaching in other areas...
This is encouraging reckless and dangerous behaviour from an entitled minority of surfers, including some current and former WCT stars. Aside from the ridiculous entitlement that it suggests your athletes have, helping themselves to waves ahead of others in the lineup, it's only a matter of time before someone is hurt or killed. What would be the brand impact if one of your tour surfers were up on a vehicular manslaughter charge, whilst performing acts that you have glamourised in your FB feed? Perhaps this sort of behaviour should be actively discouraged by your organisation.
Why is the GC the big sticking point here? There are mixed (paddle/tow ) lineups all around the country with nary a complaint.
I'd have absolutely no qualms about burning anyone using a jetski. Doubly so for pros. Christ, I'm middle aged and paddle into waves much bigger than those. Young pros using jet skis are just selfish pricks.
Bring that shit down our way and a burning is the least of your worries ya farken c$%nts.
Darren Handley has made Kook Life on FB
Is there a 'hoon' law for watercraft?
Confiscate PWC for 30 days for hooning in the lineup ... three offences and the PWC goes to the crusher.
Everyone whom has evidence (clear footage of a breach and of rego) has an obligation to provide that footage to the authorities so that recalcitrance can be addressed.
Serious question Swellnet. These pros using skis crave exposure. Your readership has sent a very strong message that this type of towing is totally unacceptable.
Any chance you would put a boycott on footage containing this offensive behaviour? Are you going to give the fuckers what they want or side with your readership?
Been asked this already: if it's a vid composed of stepoffs and such, then yeah. In fact we've already declined content because of that. But if, as is more common, it's mixed or if it's inconclusive then we'll make up our mind on each video.
That said, a boycott won't do a thing, social media outnumbers us by several orders and we're already speaking to the converted - if you know what I'm saying.
Reckon you might need to re-assess the judging criteria. IMHO the videos you are sharing are glorifying selfish arseholes and give their sponsors exposure. It's a vicious circle and the poor recreational surfer who invests a heap of time so they can surf the points at size are getting screwed.
Maybe listen to your audience to see what they want to watch.
Right, so a platform for dissent isn't enough? We've gotta be the lineup policeman too?
Plenty of pro surfing sycophants will do their master's bidding. Remember you're anonymous here and I'm not.
You don't need to be the lineup police at all and congrats for allowing criticism of the industry side of surfing.
I'm just suggesting that giving pros exposure when they jetski through paddle surfers just encourages them and makes things worse with copycat behaviour. The commercial news are way more guilty than you guys too.
The question everyone has to ask is, where does this end if people don't take a stand now? We could well be looking at 50-60 skis in the water creating a situation where no paddle surfer stands a chance of getting a wave, or the worst case scenario where some poor sod just paddling out gets killed.
Suggestion to all.
Don’t miss the opportunity to have your voice heard. It’s not swellnet’s role in life to fight this on everyone’s behalf, and they should be commended on raising the issue and creating a platform for discussion. It’s well known that bad things happen only when good people do nothing. Anyone commenting here, or having an opinion, should match it with a direct letter aimed somewhere else. Put your name on it, stand behind it. Be smart, considered and respectful and you’ll get more traction, and hopefully avoid the defensive/aggressive rejection/response. Good luck, it’s in your hands.
Channel 9 GC lead with footage of DH going over the handlebars . Played it a few times on Sunday to illustrate the spectacle of the surf
Not one comment or thought to what they were celebrating or promoting !
It would be easy for Stu or someone with big resolution monitors to take the rego details from each videos and supply them to authorities
Here’s a couple to get started
https://instagram.com/p/Bfafj5TnzQE/
https://instagram.com/p/BfZPwDIgy8N/
Thanks Damon.
I posted the above article to set straight the rules so others can take action if they so wish. By doing this I've already put Swellnet on the outer - see any other media covering it? - with typical reverberations underway.
If you feel strongly then hit up Maritime Safety Queensland, call Warren Young (head of lifeguards) or email him at [email protected], or how about phoning up Surfing Australia and find out why they spend taxpayer money to film surfers breaking the law (MySurf TV is funded by the public purse), and while you're there ask why they don't do anything about said surfers as they're breaking at least four clauses in Surfing Australia's constitution.
You want action? You have to make it happen.
Nic work stunet.
Another course of action is to write to the relevant government minister, show them evidence of the PWC breaking the laws and then threaten the said minister with vicarious negligence if they do not act. Its worked for me in the past when action/changes are needed urgently.
Yep its got ridiculous, there is a simple answer though. When a step off or tow in happens in front of you paddling drop in & burn em hard every time, it doesn't matter who they are they will soon get it! I had a particular problem @ Currumbin 2 years ago....approx. 10 paddling & about 15 skis...just crap
I got into a barney with a couple of ignorant, weird, jet-skiers out Butterbox, Longreef. Damn fools weren't even surfing, just jumping waves and zooming around. When I paddled out there were two surfers already getting burnt by them. The smell, the choppy wake, the noise, the frustration - so upsetting. Longreef is a sacred place for the local Aboriginals, a place for birthing women. I was very offended (and may or may not have shirt-fronted them in the carpark). Jet skis are odd.
Heres Magic Seaweed saying the same ...
https://magicseaweed.com/news/watch-darren-handleys-jet-ski-carnage-at-k...
Surfline has a full 2 hour reply online. 5 x ski's sitting on the peak within 5 metres of paddle surfers.
http://www.surfline.com/video/webisodes/cam-rewind-of-the-day-kirra-feb-...
Does anyone remember the story about a big swell last May at Bells? It was twice the size of this Queensland swell that pro surfers were towing into. If you do remember the Bells story, you'd remember it included a few paragraphs about two 14 year old girls paddling in to some chunky waves.
Hey you selfish pros using jet skis, what have you got to say about 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS paddling into waves twice the size of your feeble efforts?
I would have said four times as big , as I am yet to see any wave over 4' at Kirra etc...a couple of waves were towed at Winki , but there's the difference with surfers from the Southern Oceans compared to the East Coast HyperBowls!
This has been a very long string on tow-ins. I'm sure it has reflected a long-stewing pot of resentment and one that I share. I live in WA now but lived for 15 years on North Straddie. I remember well having to bloody well paddle against the sweep at big Cylinder aged 65 (I'm 72 now) while visiting pros and 2 or 3 locals (they and we know who they were) "cheated" by being ferried up the line on jet skis set after set. On one occasion Mick Fanning came up one time with a crew of young hotties. But his behaviour was of a different order. He did a fair share of paddling & wasn't blatant. Even so, after holding against the sweep for ten or fifteen minutes waiting for a go at a good set, it burns your arse to have someone 40 years younger than you dropped 15 metres upon-current by a jetski. I remember one local some days before this particular swell reprimanding me for "frothing". ( As I paddled away from him and possibly toward an incoming set.) He led the charge with his jet ski on a perfectly paddle-able day from - did anyone think to use the word? "greed".
Thanks for airing this subject so comprehensively. I look forward to the time it is universally accepted to be illegal behaviour. It is ironic isn't it? that the guys on skis are often perfectly capable of paddling, in many cases more so than the average, let alone the geriatric! They're just too damned idle and self-entitled.
In the interests of honesty & transparency, I have been on a jetski. It worked like this: the lifeguard - a lovely guy, more than competent waterman and a surfer - would, on some occasions, where there was a big (by my standards) swell take the jetski out (perfectly valid practice in the use of a vehicle used for rescue purposes) and, one by one, pick up those surfers who had actually made it out there under paddle power. He'd give them a lift up the point and share the treatment among those who had shown competency and the energy to get out. He did not tow people into the line-up if they could not paddle out in the first instance. I don't know the SuperBank at all but I imagine that there are days when getting out is an issue. There certainly are at Cylinder. There is a jump-off-the-rocks option at Cylinder, too, but I know people who have broken bones on that one.
Cheers, Rob
Hey Rob, your not that demented Pommie bugger are you? ;-)
Hi Rob,
I actually surfed cyclinder on Sunday & Monday & there was some ski's out. I was not upset in this case as the behavior of these guys was generally exceptional i.e. no step offs where people were paddling, only saw 1 or 2 drop off's back up the point. Surfed Kirra on Saturday & the behaviour was totally different yet people in the line up just accept it because these guys were typically pro's or C**Kheads...... that's the same thing on the GC
Big Cylinders must be the most intense sweep I've ever tried to negotiate. The line-up is so shallow and so long it feels like paddling uphill against a raging river. I'd go as far to say the sweep is 'impossible.' In the 90's I recall some Hell-Man in a 16ft tinny ferrying select locals back up the point. How and where he launched his boat I'll never know!
Hey, I should add that I am in awe of those fellows being towed into those awe-ful 20 foot waves that break in 3 feet of water. It seems lunacy to me but they won't hear me saying I paddled out and it's not fair!
Mark you, when guys ARE paddling in (cf Shipstern) perhaps the skis should pull back. But it seems to me at a distance that there is respect all round in such exceptional waves. Unlike Queensland point breaks.
Ha!
Rob
Been into this surfing caper for more than 40 years now.
When I was a young bloke working out what's what in the line up it was made obvious that you paid respect to those who where bigger, better, older or those that had done more time in the line up and paid their dues.
As I got older and bigger and better I worked my way up the pecking order and respect was shown. In turn from having paid my dues I might have been a bit better than others in the line up in my heyday and it was never a problem to call others who had shown patience and respect into set waves I could have taken (there's always another set!!). Makes for a great vibe in the water and everybody has a good session.
These clowns with jet skis seem to have a sense of entitlement that they can do whatever they want with no concern for anyone else eg absolute lack of respect for others in the line up. The fact that most of these guys get to surf some of the best and most challenging waves on the planet without a jet ski just highlights their greed and lack of respect as shown on the Goldy this past weekend.
Hang your heads in shame, the lot of you, you are teaching the upcoming generation of surfers that it's fine to take what you want however you can get it with no mind for anyone else. This is called lack of respect as I have noted above and it will turn what has been a fantastic way of life into a shit fight.
Also interesting that there hasn't been a word from any of the perpetrators from what I've seen online. Says it all really.
I hate too be cynical but i mean, even if the offenders were reading this, would they give two shits.
Somehow it remind me of politics were the top dogs scratch each others back and couldnt care less when the majority kick up a fuss cause they have all the power.
You're more than likely right NB they probably don't give a shit, their behaviour indicates that.
Still needs to be put out there that what they are doing is not in the spirit of surfing (at least as I see it) and hopefully someone with some stick takes note of the overall feeling from the general surfing population on this topic.
I bet those tow wanker would give a shit if a paddle surfer shifted their nose underneath an eye. That's where this is heading unless the police step in. That's a prediction by the way, not a personal threat.
It would appear that at least some of the actions on the weekend could subject the drivers to criminal charges, even exposing them to jail terms (all hell will break lose when someone gets seriously maimed or killed). I hope commonsense will ultimate prevail, but the way it is going the cops will need to get involved.
From the Queensland Criminal Code:
Dangerous operation of a vehicle
328A DANGEROUS OPERATION OF A VEHICLE
(1) A person who operates, or in any way interferes with the operation of, a vehicle dangerously in any place commits a misdemeanour.
Penalty: Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 3 years imprisonment.
(2) If the offender—
(a) at the time of committing the offence is adversely affected by an intoxicating substance; or
(b) at the time of committing the offence is excessively speeding or taking part in an unlawful race or unlawful speed trial; or
(c) has been previously convicted either upon indictment or summarily of an offence against this section;
the person commits a crime.
Penalty: Maximum penalty—400 penalty units or 5 years imprisonment.
(3) If the offender has been—
(a) previously convicted either upon indictment or summarily of an offence against this section committed while the offender was adversely affected by an intoxicating substance; or
(b) twice previously convicted either upon indictment or summarily (or once upon indictment and once summarily) of the same prescribed offence or different prescribed offences;
the court or justices shall, upon conviction, impose as the whole or part of the punishment, imprisonment.
(4) A person who operates, or in any way interferes with the operation of, a vehicle dangerously in any place and causes the death of or grievous bodily harm to another person commits a crime and is liable on conviction on indictment—
(a) to imprisonment for 10 years, if neither paragraph (b) nor (c) applies; or
(b) to imprisonment for 14 years if, at the time of committing the offence, the offender is—
(i) adversely affected by an intoxicating substance; or
(ii) excessively speeding; or
(iii) taking part in an unlawful race or unlawful speed trial; or
(c) to imprisonment for 14 years, if the offender knows, or ought reasonably know, the other person has been killed or injured, and the offender leaves the scene of the incident, other than to obtain medical or other help for the other person, before a police officer arrives.
(5) The offender may be arrested without warrant.
(6) In this section—
"excessively speeding" means driving or operating a vehicle at a speed more than 40km/h over the speed limit applying to the driver under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.
"operates, or in any way interferes with the operation of, a vehicle dangerously" means operate, or in any way interfere with the operation of, a vehicle at a speed or in a way that is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances, including—
(a) the nature, condition and use of the place; and
(b) the nature and condition of the vehicle; and
(c) the number of persons, vehicles or other objects that are, or might reasonably be expected to be, in the place; and
(d) the concentration of alcohol in the operator’s blood or breath; and
(e) the presence of any other substance in the operator’s body.
"place" does not include a place being lawfully used to race or test vehicles under a licence or another authority under an Act and from which other traffic is excluded at the time.
"prescribed offence" means—
(a) an offence against this section; or
(b) an offence charged on indictment involving the driving or operation of a vehicle at a speed causing or likely to cause injury to anyone; or
(c) an offence against the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 , section 79 (1) , (1F), (2), (2AA), (2A), (2B), (2D) or (2J).
"the public" includes passengers in a vehicle whether in a public or private place.
From the definitions section (section 1):
"vehicle" includes—
(a) a motor vehicle, train, aircraft, or vessel; or
(b) anything else used or to be used to carry persons or goods from place to place.
Sunday Jet skis at Granite and Tea Tree Noosa, not as blatant as the Gold coast but still in contravention of both speed and safety rules. One jet ski driver so incompetent that his ski is now in pieces polluting the National Park. He lost contact with the ski outside Dolphin point and various parts now washed up on the jump rock and Tea Tree beach. Water stank from the fuel leak and pieces were washing down the point into the take-off zone. Surely some charges have to be forthcoming, if not perhaps a large donation to Noosa biosphere to offset the pollution caused. BTW Police and ambulance called so even more cost to the taxpayer!
bilbo2000. That my friend is the perfect example why judges should be able to invoke a discretionary dickhead tax on offenders. It should be large enough to cover the cost of a rescue and make sure the dickhead can't afford a new jet ski.
Yep 5-6ft Ti tree and these guys need a jetski to jump the queue, poor snowflakes can't be bothered paddling,,,,,,,,,well known locals who I wont name but respect lost.
Landers was one of the anti-paddling culprits at Granite. He pulled-back from a couple of bombs, too. Some respect also lost, but I don't pass judgement. He may have been nursing an injury - who knows?
Flex is ok, top bloke.
This is true, BBBlitz. He's a legend. A part of Sunny Coast surfing folklore. In a good way.
That's what you get for being a bully to dolphins.
Their not private on their social media, give it to them on there. At least it’s seen by 100’s.
Here’s a question, if you did drop in on someone who’d done a step off, if you landed on them and caused an injury, who’d be in the wrong?
The one breaking the law and stepping off a machine in the zone of paddle surfers
I'm afraid that's not as simple as that, shoredump. By dropping into someone, you're exposing the surfer who is already on the wave to a risk. If the person gets injured, if you do it negligently, you're liable for civil damages. If you hurt the guy intentionally (or recklessly), you may even be criminally liable. Surfers' unwritten rules don't necessarily apply in the courtroom.
That’s a bit different to dropping in on the wave
We have been tow surfing for over 15 years on the Gold Coast and always been very respectful to paddle surfers as that’s our game until it gets big. Breaks our Hearts to see these idiots rune it for us on the weekend.Kirra Point just wasn’t a option on the weekend jet ski wise and to those including the pros “thanks you idiots”
You had over 50km of Coast with no one in the water and your out at Kirra giving everyone the shits.
We love to tow it’s bloody awesome, had some of the best waves in my life all over the world. I would recommend some clear fair rules like they have had in Maui for many years. More than 10 people paddling it’s a no go zone regardless of waterways rules.
1 paddler it'a no go zone, regardless of your greed
Ring the water police. That was the advice I got from Marine Safety Vic after nearly getting killed/maimed by a bunch of jet ski peanuts on a small day at Quarantine some years back. These weren’t surf-related skis, they just rolled up and started launching airs off the end section and landing real close, not giving a fark about any of us. After heated words they finally pissed off. MSV tried to track them down but we weren’t able to provide enough details. It happened not long after a couple of swimmers had been killed on the bay beaches and they were pretty hot on it.
Easy solution for GC paddlers next swell:
Take back the lineup with a half dozen “Anti Jetski devices” made of standard house bricks for sinkers, ties with long ropes and floats attached. This backyard device gave the line up back to paddlers at Todos Santos. Fixed it real easy.
I just can’t get over it was only 6ft and they are towing. Imagine how many PWC would be out if they started this crap in Indo or North Shore Hawaii and got away with it.
problem is every seems to have way too much money, the cause of many problems in the surf, no respect, no one hardly says giday any more, its all about i, i, i, .
i have the biggest jet ski, i am a legend, i have way too much money
Rusty Moran has possibly the most practical (and effective??) solution yet!
Otherwise, it's time for some solid evidence-gathering and consolidating, well though-out letters, and a petition. Group paddle-out/blockade at the Quicky pro?? Who's game?
P.S. there is an encrypted messenger system, easy to download as an app, called "Keybase". This way we can talk in private. My name is "apeclownfish". Let's start a forum there so Stu doesn't have to take the blame for ... well let's not talk about it in this space.
Let's get this documented properly so the authorities and the PWC users are held accountable for their actions!
First and foremost:
"PWCs cannot exceed 6 knots while within 60 metres of a surfer or swimmer."
This is written in statute, this is not a 'code of conduct' or some airy-fairy obtuse mission statement. This is literally the letter of the law and clearly many people have broken this law and they have been caught on camera doing so.
These are not weekend warriors, they are highly paid and highly experienced surfers who know the sentiment around what they are doing. This discussion has been going on for years and no one can argue that Parko, Taj, DH et al. are in any way unaware of the complaints that have been aired here.
They know what they are doing is illegal, they know that their own 'community', ie surfers, think that they are a bunch of shitcunts for doing it and yet they persist.
They are the poster boys for that made up PC buzz word 'entitlement'.
And yet, incredibly, ranting online will get us nowhere. Post a comment on the WSL fakebook and Instagram, post the footage on the Queensland Police fb page. If the V8 Supercars shared footage of bogans doing illegal burnouts there would be a media shit storm of epic proportions. Get on it NOW or the next swell will roll in and we'll all go round again (as per the run-sheet provided at the top this article!).
The MSQ want the final say on the PWC imbroglio. GIve 'em 40 seconds of your time:
Let's see... hmmm... they will fine some drivers, say, $400. You're sharing the ski with three of your mates and each chucks in $100. You caught 10 of the best barrels of your life for $10 each. Next time you do it all over again.
Haha. Thats a bit of hot air isnt it?
Maybe if they said they will be out to enforce on the next swell, that would have a bit more weight too it.
11,000 views and rising
view and share ....yew
He looks like DHD’s brother!
So I'm guessing they think this is covering their duty of care?? Right they have educated so now it's time for enforcement and penalities to be applied.
Maybe they will be 50young but you wont find out about unless the perpetrator says something themselves. The Department can't publicise it.
More important is the groundswell of protest. Keep in mind the Code was written by three groups: MSQ, Council, and Surfing QLD. Recreational surfers had no say, but now that we're united in opposition something might happen. At the very least, PWCs know they're being watched and videoed by a public ready to act.
F**k jet skiis. Except if I owned one.
Govt's inviting endless vehicles to invade our space.
Most hated deadly noisiest footpath pests...Motorized Skateboards
Most hated deadly noisiest aerial pests... Drone Divebomberz
Most hated deadly noisiest ocean pests...Jetski Jumperz
Bombs in the hands of crims..$$$$ Govt sponsored hitmen maiming the innocent
Despite 99.99% public begging these projectiles/Bombs out of their lives.Govt says No! $$$$
Know your rights! (Handy version) Stu/Ben have covered laws well...(Some fine tuning!)
This is merely a guide...Laws change and bend with each new bank note.
Just so you know! Drones can't fly over any line up or beach goers at all.
Jetski (PWC)
Firstly it could be argued that Tow-ins fall under Vessel Wake Category (erosion beastie)
Headland/Creek Mouths are prohibited zones
Only Govt/Rescue/Marine animal teams are permitted to jump from a moving vessels.
Failure to report (Man overboard) (Jetski Jumper) is a crime. Capt' faces ahead..So our fault!
Qld Operating distance from( swimmers/paddlers)
Jetty....30m
Still water...60m or reduce to 6 kts
From shore 200m or [CLOSED] = 100m (standard)
Beyond Partially Smooth waters...We're talking Surf Now. (Speed/Distances increase)
"Tow- in" Basically ads on 140m extra distance to Paddler/Swimmer. eg( speed/rope length).
Once the rider let's go off rope- Jetski powers down to standard speed reverting to 60m rule.
Jetski "Tow-ins"...(During) Incoming = 200m + '10m' from any Surf paddler/Surf swimmer
Jetski (post-Tow -Retrieval) reverts back to (6kt/60m standard) despite Cyclonic ocean swell
6 kt Jump off milks 200m > 60m for full suite of Jetski wave selection/Also fits more Jetskis
Howard harpooned law of Sea .New Qld Govt man overboardgame .$$$ Saves on Rescues.
Open Bathing Reserve- 400m if Paddler + 200m + 10m = 610m out from low tide mark
[BEACH CLOSED]= 100m closed shore rule + paddler 200m +'10m' tow-rope = 310 m > ltm.
Reporting a "Marine Incident"
Rego is 7'digit display on front flanks buried under heavy surf (Jumperz rego?) Good Luck!
GCCC co/drafted the code and will act to prosecute.
eg: Jetski encroaches Bathing Area- Lifeguards will radio coastguard - Police to Apprehend.
Fairly! Paddler/Swimmer must alert Lifeguard to Marine Incident on Patrolled beach.
Jetski Speeding (ONLY?)
Police 13 HOON (132533)
Fisheries Qld " (132533)
"Marine Safety Qld" ...Deals with all Jetski complaints.
Marine Incident Report Form F 3071 (4 convoluted pages) designed to make one toss it in!
Surfers self regulation
WSR waved a white flag declaring no Jetski involvement/overrule in dedicating reserve.
Surfrider Foundation are elsewhere active mediators on Jetski misuse... Perhaps!
Qld Surfing also Co/Drafted Tow-In code
Qld club members are known Jetski operators...
Failure to operate within rules of the sport....(Their own Tow In rules)
Damage to Surf Image by missbehaviour
Harassment of other surfers
Respect the rights of others.
Qld Surfing can suspend Operators/Jumpers/Towies from ALL Competitions. (Yes Please!)
No Comps' = No Sponsor = No boards = No Stickers = No Chix = No ride = YSHBH Yesterday!
New sport DHD should take up
www.garage.com.au/jetski-hooligans-vs-raging-river-rapids
Cheers for the education swellnet and those contributing.
Good article gets people talking and as long as justified naming and shaming the culprits may have more effect than the council.
Well done Stu/Swellnet on airing this. Be interesting to hear the spin from the offenders?
When is Darren Handley going to comment ? Surely he has something to say.
great article guys. a total contrast to the 18seconds article who seemed a little more on the pro surfer side!
first draft out of anger ,but probably , sorry definately not helping!
I say we all get mad huey shirts, get drunk and/or high and tow 3 ft bah and embarrass Australia with further retarded examples of hoollaganism .
draft 2- calmer state
The Wsl, surf industry leaders, pro surfers and elders must set the example.
this has been going on for years! it just that we don't get big swells as frequently for it to be a constant talking point. 14 years ago there was a tow surfing education night on the gold coast organised by Rod Morgan and co and water police . some respected surfers attended ,no pro or industry leader did.
Its no wonder the surf retail economy continues to plummet, the core market finds the once aspirational brands largely redundant as they don't seem to inspire so much anymore or relate that much to the' art that is surfing'. going by the comments lots of fathers won't be buying a DHD board for themselves or the kiddies next xmas.
I don't know Darren well besides a casual hello but this is a real opportunity for him to embrace and reflect and potentially be a positive influencer in how he and the other culprits manage the coming days/weeks. We all make mistakes however this is an opportunity to help save a life in the future.
He has done a lot for surfing and it seems most of us surfers may have drawn the line in the sand this time. I sincerely hope a public statement comes from DHD and team pro surfers and things change in time for next swell. Some of us responsible teams may just be out next swell with the Go pro doing 6 knots recording and reporting as I feel its a community responsibility if the authorities can't be bothered.
wishing you all fun times in the waves...
I emailed Joel P via his website and politely asked him his thoughts on this link, ensured him to put his view forward. I also asked Billabong via instagram what they thought of PWC in the line up. silence.....
Did you expect any different.
go around to their fucking house..you all know where they live..stop whinging on fucking swellnet being pussies and go straight at them, mano el mano.. all this whinging gunna do fuck all.
We all know the gov. Is bureaucratic bullshit, its not what you know etc..wouldnt cop that in soz, his boards are flimsy chinese weak as piss machined shit anyway....used to be all the rage in my state until everyone realised they snap at any sign of a chop!!
Hypothetical for you; if the prez of the local sth oz arm of your board riders club and a bunch of others members, buzzed around the local point on a 4-6’ day. You would be the man they’d listen to and say “ aw sorry mate, we won’t do it ever again”?
Just asking!
Would never happen in my neck of the woods for a start, we have a surf culture built alot on respect..but i do see your point
I think you'll find there was an incident out west, involing a well known jetski rider surfer & female local surfer & it got dealt with in the courts. dont think there has been an incident since.
Not out my way there wasn't, an never will be..streaky yes but we all know about that.
"Hasnt been an incident since" thats not really true Amb !
He didnt get charged for it did he......?
Theres often incidences with these Bullocks..........
Like the Fat canetoad guy in a bright blue camouflage wetty driver drowning after he fell off the ski in front of granites.... couldnt swim and hold his breath under a wave......pleading for help from the paddle surfers just after he run past them with oversized ski wake as he tow boated past.........Then washed onto the rocks....without acknowledging the surfers rights ever.......
Thats the only funny story out of the many many more incidents involving the oversized tow team........there will be more no doubt too...they dont give up!
https://www.tracksmag.com.au/video/ion-the-barrel-monthly-grind-episode-...
With sincerity, it's time to organise this mob. All we got right now is Anarchy. We need organisation. If our letters are written to a high enough quality, they will reach the right people. If we speak with the right legal jargon, we will see action. If we organise ourselves effectively, we have a foundation.
How are we going to organise ourselves? Keybase?? It's encrypted and private, no one will see it coming.
Key base huh....?...ok.......ýeah
Morgs64 is in. Time for some Keybase communication. It's private - new and improved way of talking online.
Just Ban Jetski's altogether from Kirra to Snapper , because the rules actually mean you cannot do step off or tow as it is impossible to catch a wave at 6knts!
So make it simple, "Ban the Jet Ski"
And they can't claim they're there for safety reasons.
A bloke breaks a couple of vertebra out at Kirra with all the skis around and
"As soon as my breath came back so did the pain. I was screaming in agony. No one was around to help as I was getting washed way up the beach."
Rule 1056 - I have just caught a wave, it is my fiftieth, I wipeouted, if your near, can you pick me up?
Great to see this discussion taking place and not before time. This issue has been festering for well over ten years now on the Gold Coast.
This issue highlights the arrogance and disrespect of the certain minority to fuel their ego's, bank balances and social media profiles. Instead of being positive role models within our community and improving the image of surfers and surfing within the wider community, these intellectual inept's do everything within their ability to destroy any positive stance already attained.
Both Maritime Safety and the Qld Police have been negligent through their absence and their disinterest to enforce the laws.
I find it astonishing that the sponsors of these individuals haven't been proactive in informing the surfers of their contractual obligations. and offer to release them should they continue to misrepresent their sponsor. It would seem though that the sponsors are as desperate for exposure as the surfers and subscribe to the ethos of, any exposure is good exposure. Hmmm, sounds a lot like our A list of politicians.
Then there is the WSL who are also struggling for relevance and sponsorship dollars, who were warned of this trend just prior to last year's Quiky Pro. It would seem that they also fail to recognise the importance of this issue and the direct ramifications to their business model.
Another major dissapointment is the silence of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve. This Reserve was established to help protect our surf breaks from elitism and greed. Well maybe not if that involves friends it would seem.
So where to from here ? Well nothing will change unless we drive it.
1. Make informed choices when buying surf related products.
2. Be vocal and let these fahkaz know that their illegal actions are negatively impacting our right to enjoy the surf.
3. Write emails to the authorities, the WSL, and the sponsors and let them know that this behaviour is illegal and unacceptable.
Stand up for your rights !!!
Besides DH’ brain fart, Kirra was greedily being navigated by experienced watermen and pwc operators. And it’s very unlikely we would of seen the same quality footage or as many good waves ridden without the use of pwc’s. It’s a selfish attitude however the Gold Coast see’s more blow ins and one minute locals than arguably any other Australia wide surf town or city. And the (some) locals are taking what they think is rightly theirs. Currumbin alley was much more dangerous with guys towing in on FOIL BOARDS!! Through the throng of guys paddling and other inexperienced kooks on 15 year old pieces of crap with 20metres of rope. Much more dangerous than doing a step off and puts a sheet load more wake through the wave. I forwarded a few registrations to local law officers with council, awaiting reply. If MSQ and water police don’t act now the issue will get worse and I think the first major incident will be at the alley before the superbank which has copped all the heat.
"And it’s very unlikely we would of seen the same quality footage or as many good waves ridden without the use of pwc’s. It’s a selfish attitude however the Gold Coast see’s more blow ins and one minute locals than arguably any other Australia wide surf town or city. And the (some) locals are taking what they think is rightly theirs."
Don't think those surfing are worried about the quality footage and many here couldn't give a crap about it either. It's a bit rich complaining about blow ins and the locals taking what they think is rightly theirs. Don't these folk travel Australia or the World to surf and when they do do they graciously check the postcode of those in the lineup to ensure they don't take whats rightfully belongs to someone else? Don't think so. The matter of the skis is not a local v blow in issue its a safety issue and a respect thing the local card is a cop out.
All of the footage amplified the drama, the very same surfers would of still got the better waves at Kirra if they were paddling without the skis, leaving even less waves for everyone else. It is very much a safety issue, and the point I was trying to make was that the level of danger was much higher at Currumbin Alley. I can’t speak on behalf of the traveling pros, but if you have a problem with any showing disrespect at your local. Pull them up on it! Someone did pull Parko up on it the other day and he apologised and went and had a breather.
"...the very same surfers would of still got the better waves at Kirra if they were paddling without the skis, leaving even less waves for everyone else."
????
So your saying they'll get more waves if they paddle?
Far fewer waves when paddling. I’m saying that hundreds of good waves would of been wasted without the skis. And that the offenders in the videos would of made their way to the inside or manipulated themselves onto the best ones. Watched it happen time again out there. I cannot amend the ‘local’ mentality but that is simply how it is. Seen it much worse in many other places. I will also say I do not condone the use of pwc for step offs or tow ins if anyone is paddling in the lineup. And unless authorities penalise any of the operators in breach of MSQ or local council by-laws, the problem will only increase. And my initial point the guys doing it at the Alley were so incompetent in the ocean at six foot on a jet ski it made me fear for my well being.
Hundreds of good waves wasted without the skis??
Nah...they would have been gobbled up by everyone in the line up just like it was before.
No doubt the pros and locals will always get the best position and more waves but there's no such thing as a wasted wave at 6ft Kirra.
I can recall the odd time a wave snuck through without anyone on it the whole lineup hooting, arms in the air etc at the beauty of a perfect unmolested wave Huey decided to keep for himself.
Definitely no waste.
Agree with the rest of it...the Alley is the worst for sure.
It's good that he apologised shows humility. Imagine they would get the best waves step offs or none but more I doubt more paddling than using a ski. The footage here probably has helped highlight the problem for Currumbin Alley also.
The point I was making re Locals is these same "locals" must only surf the gold to label people blow ins. None of them are"travelling pros" none of them go to indo, Fiji, WA or anywhere else?
People sometimes misconstrue localism as a right to be a a hole to any no familiar faces in the line up.
Barclay tells us " And the (some) locals are taking what they think is rightly theirs"
So the wind blows across the ocean a few thousand kilometres away from Australia out Fiji way and creates waves. These waves travel those thousands of kilometres and just happen reach the shore when some dickhead local is somewhere in position to drop in on a one minute local . Suddenly that random wave that has travelled all that way transforms into what is rightfully theirs .
How is that again ?
I think there is an easy answer to all of this !
create a surf entity , like Stop the illegal Jets Skis , and then get a letter drawn up by a solicitor to explain the current situation , include footage of what's gone down , and challenge the current law , saying that the law is wrong as you cannot catch a wave at 6knts therefore No skis in the lineup at all.......send the legal letter and complaint to;
Local Councillors
Big Surf Brands
the Surfers themselves
the local police
The Maritime Police
Your State and Federal member
Surf Media
you have then put them all on notice that presently its the fucken wild west out there and when finally someone does get hurt....????
Totally.
I think I mentioned this somewhere else, but if officials were named and put on public record that they have repeatedly ignored the statute , in the event of somebody getting hurt (and it's gonna happen) they will be held personally and financially liable. Watch how fast they act then.
I'm kinda in two minds about skis and I reckon they have their place, just not at 6ft Kirra. When people are paddling it's a no-brainer. No skis, no exceptions- simple.
This is a fantastically pertinent set of points made by barclay! Currumbin was unapproachable for three days in this Gita Swell because of the PWC invasion. Insanely dangerous! There is a crew of psychopathic meat-heads that are barring the paddle crew whom have the ability to safely and confidently revel in this type of surf - if you can't paddle at Currumbin or Kirra, you need better/the right equipment! It's like trying to wank-off about surfing Margaret River on 6 ft board and missing all the best waves breaking another 200 m out - Kirra and Currumbin are, again, accessible for those that have the equipment and know-how. But, there is NO RESPECT, total disregard for others safety and in the process PWC operators are breaking the law that is consistently being overlooked by the authorities.
Am afraid that we are venting our frustration on-line instead of channelling (excuse the pun) it into action!?
Morgs64...Top shelf ! On your wavelength,love your work!
All 101 crim' authorities cite 101 rules demanding polite law abiding surfers- evacuate WSR.
Yet 101 authorities refuse to police just 1 of 101 laws as Biggy Rat breaks all 101 WSR rules.
So which side of their crafty laws do their crooked authorities answer to? Joke! We all wish!
Hey Ben
Snapper to burleigh is now a surfing reserve. How does this affect the debate if people are paddling?
I don’t think this has any ramifications (the presence of a surfing reserve doesn’t affect legislation around Jetski use).
Jet skis in the line up shit me, having said that tho, one of the best days of the last swell we had (not gita, the one before) there were about 5 of us paddling and about 4 jetskis and they were giving everyone lifts back out. It was a really good vibe even though they did chop the lineup a bit. There was only one occasion when I was going to take of on a bomb and this arsehole cut straight in front of me and stopped me from catching it. I got the one behind but it was a bit lumpy. He was the only one who didn't give lifts but the others did. And if it weren't for the skis I would've lasted 3 waves coz I was pretty well surfed out by then. All in all good day.
P.S As I've said before in a previous post skis welcome in a paddling lineup if they give lifts. Otherwise go somewhere people cant paddle. Snapper to Kirra was paddleable. I know I was there on the biggest days (sunday and monday) paddling
My apologies on random WSR Jetski quote above.
The source of my quote is from fellow well respected Swellnetonian...
(September 9,2015)
www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/
Sink or swim time for Gold Coast WSR proposal as councilors asked to vote.
WSR Swellnetonian said declared reserves were not marine parks or "surfers only" zones.
"They do not restrict,interfere,obstruct or exclude the general community or visitors alike - fishing,diving,boating,jetskis et cetera,"he said.
No smoking Gun but it's likely more than what WSR Charter reveals on the issue.
Saying that much you'd lose your head.( It's a starting point...Mix'n'match who knows?)
Still we deserve basic policing of endless contamination & terrorism destroying our WSR.
PS: Saved you all some time...( GC Surf Management Plan) is also amiss on Jetskis.
There were two cops on jet skis out at the alley this morning. They sent away a couple skis( and maybe fined them ) and apparently they fined Parko down at snapper earlier...
Ha...about time.......
Parkos bomb at snapper this morn was definetly a tow in.
Repeated BOM Hazardous Surf Warning relays to Council Lifeguards to shut beaches.
More often we local basherz are grounded...as again today.
WSL armless photographers least able to hold pants transform into cyclonic platinum men?
WSL shit on Govt/BOM/GCCC/WSR by laws... Pro circus by name & nature!
Parkos fine won't outweigh the exposure and stoke that him and others such as Hippo on wave of the day.