Proposal

Here are some notes to accompany the map produced to propose a beach zoning scheme at Gwithian/Godrevy. They should not be taken as anything more than an explanation of the map and how the beach already works, and is in essence a draft document not a final proposal.

We acknowledge that beach use is growing and needs some form of control. We also feel it has to be acknowledged that an integrated approach to the issues on the beach needs to be taken. Further research into beach needs is required, more information as to incident records is required, discussion with local service providers residents schools and businesses is required, before anything is set in stone.

This beach is one of the prime assets to the area, and trying to operate it in such a way as to curtail activities will kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Managing it to enable activities will require time and ‘give’ on all sides, but is essential to help maintain a beautiful useful place for the country.

Zoning the Beach

Over past 5 years an increasing number of activities have been taking place on the beach between Godrevy and Peters Point. This was forseen by some of the operators as leading to the requirement for some sort of beach control to avoid problems and a natural loose zoning has occurred, which has been working in an unofficial way. Based on this, the map reflects an effort to work with what happens naturally and should therefore have lowest impact. A more formal approach to the existing plan will only serve to help all beach users understand fully how the beach can work safely and simply.

It is suggested that the zoning system is flexible dependent on wind, tide, numbers on the beach, and time of the year. We would point out that a late Easter may be as busy as the normally accepted peak months of July and August and zoning could be operated ‘out of season’.

The land based activities have used generally quieter sections for the beach that have the right sand conditions for the activities to take place. Again it should be pointed out that the newer area in use alongside Red River is due to the changeable nature of the beach and the newly opened access via the Sandsfiter. In fact as more people have used the Sandsifter for general access a problem has arisen with bathers using the dangerous waters at the mouth of Red River. It is felt that any restrictions in this area could be used to reduce the number of bathers entering the water at this point which is outside the lifeguard areas and direct them left or right to the lifeguard areas.

The other sand sailing area West of Strap Rocks towards Peters Point is a generally quieter area and is primarily frequented by kite users. You will see from the map that each area has a suitable buffer zone as well as walking access clear of the zones. It is proposed that these areas when zoned will be marked by either the activity providers or activity participants using the internationally recognised yellow flags with both the word ‘Caution’ and the caution triangle with an exclamation mark and a suitable description of the activity taking place. This will be black on yellow.

On the map the water based activities starting at the North Eastern Godrevy end, gives priority to the lifeguarded bathing areas. Again, between each area would be a suitable buffer zone. The recognised surfing area has been from East of Red River to just East of Gillick Rock, then leaving a large area for bathing to just in front of the Gwithian Lifeguard station. The surfing area is big enough for all surf associated sports including boogie boarders with fins and surf skis. Boogie boarders without fins would be within the bathing areas as per lifeguarding recommendations. Both the bathing and surfing areas would use the internationally recognised red and yellow flags and black and white chequered flags. It is suggested that recognised surf schools would again use the yellow ‘Caution’ flag indicating the surf school underneath.

From Strap Rock West to Ceres Rock (locally known as Mussel Rock) has been used by kite- and windsurfers alike. These can co-exist using the code of conduct operating between craft – i.e. windsurfers keep to windward. This of course does depend on the national bodies having a code of conduct and exponents knowing it.

To the west of Ceres Rock, a small surf area has been allowed to cater for surf schools needing smaller surf. In front of Peters Point would be another bathing area, and West of the buffer zone would be an area for powered surf craft.