So you have just had your last lesson, and have spent all your hard earned coin on a brand new kite,board and harness. Its practice time, and you will be venturing out on the beaches without supervision, but who is looking out for you?

Or…maybe it’s “just another season”? Are you sure you haven’t forgotten anything? Wetsuit,boardies,towel?

What about your KA/KSA Membership?
We occasionally get the question,“What does KSA, as part of KA actually do?” The committee’s work is not always obvious as much of it is done behind the scenes. First and foremost KSA is a group of active kiters who volunteer their time to ensure beaches remain accessible for kiters throughout the state since 2002. KSA also works to promote safe kiting and grow the sport in SA.

Insurance

KA provides the most comprehensive and well regarded insurance coverage for kiteboarders in Australia.

  • KA membership encompasses $20m third party liability and extensive personal accident cover.
  • The insurance is for a full 12 month period, regardless of what month you join in.

The questions ‘why don’t we all just self-insure?’ or ‘Do I really need $20,000,000 liability coverage?’ are often raised. The councils have all specified that they require minimum $20,000,000 liability insurance. $20mil for $125 is good value. Registered individual members receive a KA card and a harness ‘Tag’ in recognition of their membership of KA. The harness tag identifies to people and authorities that the member is both a safe kiteboarder and has appropriate insurance coverage whilst undertaking kiteboarding activities.

Going through KSA means you’re insured by an Australian insurer (not a dodgy backyarder overseas insurer) and you’re backed nationwide by KA and its other affiliate state associations. For more information about insurance cover under KA click here.

Maintain and increase beach access

KSA actively works with councils,the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Marine and Harbours (M&H) to keep beaches open and safe for kiters. The metro beaches that are open for kiting now, are a direct result of KSA negotiating with the respective councils before any action was taken to ban kite boarding within certain council areas. Access to these areas is thus conditional,as the council wanted to ensure that all kiters were covered by insurance. See where to kite for more information on locations.

Organisation of State Competitions

Besides beach access and insurance,  KSA loves to give something back to you in the community. Each year, we work hard to run both:

  • the South Australian Freestyle Titlesand
  • the South Australian Wave titles

We aim to make these competitions professional and fun for competitors,spectators and local residents. The events are aimed at everyone from newbies who just want to have some fun, to the pros who aim to throw down some mind-blowing tricks and place for the Nationals. KSA/KA membership will allow you to sign up for these titles.

Having a state body coordinating these events has enabled the committee to get support from local shops and distributors so that at each comp we have a huge range of amazing prizes to give away.

Organisation of Social Events

KSA is aware that not everyone is into competitions, so each year we also run a host of events aimed at giving something back to the entire community. Being a KSA member you will be able to sign up for, and participate in these events. Generally the events have included

  • Start of Season Opener
  • Safety Night
  • KSA AGM
  • Robe Easter Classic
  • Charity Down winder
  • Social events and pizza nights
  • BBQs

Being part of a kiteboarding Community

The South Australian kite boarding community is unique compared to other states;overall we are a cohesive mob all in the sport for the same reason, because we love it. This shared attitude has meant that many of us have built
friendships that we’ll have for the rest of our lives. Kite boarding takes us back to the fundamental basics of enjoying life.
So next time you’re heading out kiting,remember to check if your KSA Membership is up to date.

Kiteboarding Australia will send you a reminder email to your registered email address 4 weeks prior to expiry, but make sure to check it yourself. Also, when you’re talking your mate into learning to kite,or even talking to fellow kiters on the beach who aren’t KSA members, take a second to clue them in on who KSA is, and what we do for the kiting community,that the combined voice of as many kiters as possible behind the one body gives us more negotiating strength to ensure the beaches remain open for the sport we love.