Safety Bay could be kitesurfing mecca

Safety Bay beach could become Perth’s premier kitesurfing destination after a complete ban on the sport was issued for Woodman Point.

WA Surf School manager Drew Malcolm hopes the ban, issued by the City of Cockburn following safety concerns, would bring an influx of thrill-seekers to Rockingham.

“Safety Bay is one of the best kite-surfing areas in WA,” he said.

“Good conditions and constant sea breezes make the beach here the perfect place to practise the sport.”

“We have a good reputation within the kite-surfing community and have had some amazing kite surfers come here to practise.”

Mr Malcolm said on a good weekend there may be up to 40 riders in the water, many of whom come from all over the Perth area, and he would like to see the numbers increase.

“Riders regularly come from as far away as Joondalup,” he said. “International visitors are frequent too, this is the easiest place to learn.”

Mr Malcolm said visitors enjoyed Safety Bay because waters were shallow and waves were scarce.

“The water is only about chest deep,” he said. “It’s really safe and the waves aren’t an issue.”

Safety is paramount, he said, and regular safety assessments are carried out throughout the day when riders are out on the water.

“We always check the forecast before going out on the water,” he said. “We carry out regular safety assessments and instructors know to keep an eye on things.”

“We stick to the council’s rules as well. This spot is really good and we don’t want to lose it.”

Every care is taken to protect wildlife at the beach too, Mr Malcolm said, and fences have been put into place to prevent patrons from wondering into bushland where birds are nesting.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said WA Surf and West Oz Kiteboarding were licensed to teach and train at the beach.

He said the City had not received any safety complaints.