From the ABC Website :31-3-20
Under the latest rules about public gatherings, surfing fits into the category of an outdoor, non-essential gathering which is limited to two people.
A statement provided to the ABC said "surfing, like any other recreational activity or gathering . should not be done in any more than groups of two with the rules of 1.5 metres social distancing being followed at all times".
Newcastle council has said it is OK to surf from the "closed" beaches.
So if surfing is OK then I do not see a problem with windsurfing , providing you keep your distance.
I think the main issue is that the rules are open to 'police interpretation'. If you look at the official gazette it say that exercise is allowed full stop, it does not say only around your home, but then you need a policeman to agree that windsurfing is exercise and not selfish entertainment.
Maybe, but I don't think its "police interpretation" but more peoples interpretation to bend it to suit themselves .
I think the nsw health minister summed it up the best, you could see the frustration in his face lol
He said today,
" Guys, We are in lock down, STAY HOME, don't go out unless you ABSOLUTLY need to, I cant make it any simpler for you than that"
Well, it's about the least windy time of year for the next 3-5 months anyway. You'd be lucky to average 1 session a week until the late winter westerlies arrive, if they haven't been cancelled by climate change.
MSQ (Maritime Safety Qld) has updated essential activities to include sailing in the exercise activities.
www.vision6.com.au/v/63604/1031240/email.html?k=JtIsPJzns1OgbBjJV534E-4w9GeYbV1t3RMNFlJDUhQ
^^ ... have you ever wondered why each state has their own driving-license? .... it doesn't make any sense given the laws across Australia are *almost* uniform. [ So just make them uniform. ]
There needs to be local delegations such as state-gov and local-gov because that is effective management of resources.
But some/lots of laws should be nationalised, so that they are consistent across the continent.
[ And laws need sunset clauses - so that they are reviewed for relevancy. ]
And never more relevant than now.
make the rules for stopping the virus a federal affair and put everyone on the same page.
Australian Sailing is currently working to seek clarity from Maritime agencies and Governments in each State. Whilst we do, we are advising sailors to stay at home and stay safe, which means staying off the water for the time being.
www.sailing.org.au/news/can-i-go-sailing-guidance-for-the-sailing-community/
And yet in WA (for the moment) we have this :
So i dunno. Could change at any stage. I plan to sail as long as i can.
I wonder if the emergency services or marine rescue would see it as essential to put themselves at risk to come and save you if you get injured while windsurfing.
Or would it be the headlines in your local newspaper " Local selfish windsurfer put marine rescue and emergency services at risk, whilst having to rescue him after near drowning from dislocated shoulder, when he should have been staying at home due to corona virus "
Its not me saying these things its marine rescue/emergency services and sailing Aust. you should be complaining to.
Just think its time to think of others, help those that are there to help us. That's the message the emergency services and sailing aust. are pleading for you to follow.
But, if you don't feel any need to support them, that's your choice.
The guy below probably thought the same as you before he went out " Naaaa, will never happen to someone like me"
Great sail today on Waterloo bay. Cops came down to the beach, had no problem with kites or windsurfers or people walking dogs etc doing their essential exercise.
No emergency service professionals or volunteers were put at risk. Everyone respecting social distance guidelines and each other's rights to pursue lawful activities that don't hurt anyone else.
Ok lotowind did you get last bit about respecting other peoples rights to pursue lawful activities.
Hey Loto,
How was your kite session Friday afternoon ?
Oh, and any chance you could do something useful - like judge the caption comp ?
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/Caption-Comp-514-covid-19?page=1#21
cammd, thats Qld isn't it ?, they haven't had marine rescue/emergency services/sailing Aust etc. plead not to, have they ?? Don't know if they have up there yet ?? Or do you just ignore them up there ?
Qld are always a bit behind but daylight saving finishes today so they might catch up.
Yeah don't know, but its what they are saying, " please don't put our workers and our volunteers at risk " , I guess its up to peoples own conscience in nsw, vic etc. where its what they are asking from the community.
Fk it , if I'm allowed , next time it's windy I'm going sailing . As much as I want to , I'm not going to hug anyone . I will talk to people I cross at a distance . I will not spread the virus . If I trip over my sail and break my wrist and need air rescue help , I'll be the only one in million that need this . I'll take one for the team and be poster boy for sad unhappy people lotto.
I will ease back on my double forwards next time l go for a sail. Double check all my rigging for breakage.l wouldnt want to hurt myself or breakdown out on the water & of course keep my distance from other people on the water.