Kitesurfers up in arms over Guadalmar beach ban

SINCE kitesurfing was provisionally banned on Guadalmar beach, near Torremolinos and Malaga-Costa del Sol airport, Malaga City Council has acted fast and given kitesurfers a new area to practice their sport. But complaints are multiplying following their banishment from the area by the air authority because of flight safety concerns.
Aena has had the sport banned from the area, where about 1,000 kitesurfers flock on windy days and seven schools give lessons, while investigations are carried out on a recent accident involving a publicity plane.
Yet Costa del Sol Nautical Sports Association spokeswoman Marta Olea said: “There’s no way it could have been a kitesurfer, we only go up 30 metres at the most and that type of plane flies at 1,000 metres in the area.”
The city council has given permission for kitesurfing in the area between Sacaba beach and the Guadalhorce river mouth, yet experts complain the size and conditions of the area are no good for novices.
A petition on change.org digital platform asking to be allowed back to Guadalmar has already been signed by more than 1,000 people. The sport, the petition stresses, attracts tourists, boosts commerce and gives a touch of colour to the coast.