How to renew your membership
Log into the AKSA website (top right of this page) using the email and password you used to join. Then click the 'View Profile' link (top right of this page).
Once your membership profile loads you will be able to click on the 'renew' link in the membership section. If you have any problems please email http://www.aksa.com.au/contact
Membership fee increase from 1 January 2011
Unfortunately due to some large claims over the past few years the cost of maintaining the excellent public liability insurance policy that AKSA members enjoy has increased considerably. AKSA members have been lucky to enjoy a level of cover that other Australian sports do not at a very minimal cost. From 1 January 2011 the individual AKSA membership will be:
Adult $125
Youth $95 (under 18 at start of calendar year)
The increase covers the cost of the new insurance policy, and still provide operating funds for each of the State Associations. The adult membership fee is split in the following manner:
$65 Insurance premium
$30 AKSA operating funds
$30 State Association operating funds
The AKSA board (made up of state association representatives) did not want to take this action, but there was no other way to pay the additional cost. Please see the insurance details under membership benefits for more information.
What does AKSA do?
AKSA works for all kiteboarders, not just its members.
AKSA works with its state affiliates and local kite groups to ensure access to beaches and waterways across Australia are protected; wherever possible; for all kiteboarders.
AKSA provides local, regional and national authorities a point of contact to gain accurate information necessary for decision making and regulation regarding our sport.
AKSA ensures our sport is well represented to the media to promote goodwill and understanding between kiters & other beach users.
AKSA provides safety information and accident prevention measures for all kiters.
AKSA gives both the Australian and overseas public a point of contact for information, news and queries relating to kiteboarding in Australia.
AKSA provides a conduit of communication between the state KSAs so that all can benefit through cooperative action, sharing of ideas and the promotion of a unified national team throughout the whole of Australia.
Non-members are all benefitting in some way even though they are not directly supporting the AKSA federation. We encourage non-members to embrace the opportunity to join and support the commitment of AKSA; its affiliated associations; their committees and volunteers along with enjoying all the direct and indirect benefits AKSA membership offers. Membership itself, and the insurance it provides, is our greatest asset in presenting a strong pro-active voice in favour of kiting. Every uninsured kiter is both a real and potential liability.
What AKSA does for Members
When you join or re-enrol with AKSA you will receive a National ID Tag and membership card. Tags were introduced in 2004 and from 2009 on will be become 'numbered' tags. These provide proof of current membership by having a new colour issued each year - 2011/12 will be yellow. They allow fellow kiters and local authorities; including councils and surf lifesaving clubs etc.; to identify our members. The AKSA ID Tag is to be attached to your harness at all times. Replacement Tags are available for a $15 charge, so please secure your tag correctly. It has become a necessary prerequisite to kitesurf in a number of key locations across Australia where restrictions have been imposed. Check your state location guides for details.
Your card and tag both have your tag number and the expiry date when your membership is due for renewal.
Membership gives you $10m in Third Party Public Liability Insurance 24 hours a day, every day of the year whilst kiting anywhere within Australia and overseas (excluding USA & Canada). Combine this with the development of our Safe Kiting Guidelines and other regulatory initiatives gives the sport valuable recognition and safety assurance in the eyes of councils, government bodies and local authorities.
Membership of any one state affiliate is also direct membership of AKSA. It allows you reciprocal right of entry to any state or national competition and/or promotional activity organised by any KSA around the country.
The claims that were paid in during the 2009-10 season were:
WA 2007 - Third party hit in head by kite bar being operated by an AKSA member - $30,000 paid
NSW 2009 - Third party property damaged after AKSA member lofted into vehicle (AKSA member was seriously injured but is recovering well from all reports) - $12,000 paid
QLD 2008 - Surfing third party seriously injured during collision with AKSA member – $95,000 paid
WA 2008 - Swimming third party injured during collision with AKSA member – $77,000 paid
