Licensed for activities

 Licensed for activities

Although there are signs at the Changi beach area that explicitly forbid kitesurfing, the Kitesurfing Association Singapore (KAS) has acquired a permit to carry out its activities in the area between Nov 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014, provided proper procedures are followed.

Rules on the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) website state that kitesurfing should not be conducted within 5km of any airports or airbases, or no higher than 200 feet or about 60m above sea level if within the flight funnels of Tengah and Paya Lebar airbases.

Elsewhere, kitesurfers are not allowed to go more than 500 feet or about 150m above sea level.

Kitesurfing instructor Vincent Lam believes that the height and space limits given are "not ideal", as on a day with a high volume of kitesurfing activity, "lines can be crossed and it could be dangerous".

However, although he hopes for more leeway from the authorities, he is thankful for the progress so far.

A CAAS spokesman emphasised the need for KAS to take measures and precautions to maintain aviation safety, and reiterated the right to revoke its permit should anyone break the rules.

The spokesman also said that enforcement officers engaged by CAAS patrol regularly to prevent unauthorised aerial activities.

Those guilty of such an offence may be fined up to $20,000, while repeat offenders may be fined up to $40,000, jailed for up to 15 months, or both.


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