Re: [Paddlewise] Good news from South Australia

Paul Hayward wrote:
> Briefly, a couple of months ago, South Australia (a large state in their
> Union) unexpectedly passed a silly law prohibiting kayaks from venturing
> more than 2 nm offshore. I reported on this a while back.
> 
> Peter Carter, a SA paddler, today reports success in having this nonsense
> changed: http://www.users.on.net/~pcarter/regulations2009.html
> 
> I mention this again, both to share the good news and to show that sensible
> efforts by the paddlesport world can achieve good outcomes. If it happens
> near you, take heart and get off your bum.
> 
> To extract from Peter's site:
> 
> "It was a productive meeting. We achieved the outcomes we wanted, and the
> regulations will be amended. The two nautical mile limit will not apply,
> replaced by a 400 metre limit for craft that are not sea kayaks. A
> definition of sea kayaks suitable for inclusion in the regulations needs to
> be finalised, but sea kayaks will be permitted on all waters, sheltered and
> unsheltered."
> 
> and
> 
> "Sea kayaks operated solo beyond 400m from shore will need to be equipped
> similarly to other small craft: PFD 2, bailing device, waterproof torch at
> night, flares (2 red, 2 smoke), V sheet, four litre water capacity, chart,
> compass, EPIRB. (There is some question as to whether PLBs meet the
> standards.) A VHF radio and/or a mobile phone is recommended. That means
> that some of us will have some shopping to do, but it brings us into line
> with other craft.
> 
> A pod of kayaks, such as a group under training with an instructor, must
> have all that equipment within the group, plus a towline. With club groups,
> there will usually be multiple items of equipment. A question to be resolved
> is the definition of a 'pod'.
> 
> An important outcome of the meeting was the opening up of communication
> between the department and organised canoeing. Thanks go to David Mausolf
> for his initiative, to Jim Hallion and his staff, and Ian Dewey for becoming
> the main point of contact with the department. "
> 
> Best Regards
> Paul Hayward, Auckland, New Zealand

Not only excellent news for Australian paddlers, but incentive and 
cheer for paddlers in other area where legislation threatens common 
sense. We do just need to get off our butts and make those "sensible 
efforts".

-- 
   Darryl
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