"Whilst the temptation to get up close and personal is strong we must also respect the rationale and protection around this endangered species."
An Australian kitesurfer from Old Reynella, Australia was arrested Saturday on two counts of “molesting a protected animal” after getting very close to a southern right whale and her baby calf. The 32-year-old man was in Adelaide, as were the whales, but where the wind blows, so the spirit goes.
Whales and dolphins are protected under South Australian law and molestation carries a criminal penalty.
The molester will appear before Christies Beach Magistrates Court on August 2, according to ABC News, though Kiteboarding South Australia (KSA) has said he is remorseful for his actions but also released a statement reading, “Whales are majestic creatures and whilst the temptation to get up close and personal is strong we must also respect the rationale and protection around this endangered species.”
A witness on the beach snapped photos of the molester and wrote, “Unfortunately, some wanted to get too close,” on Facebook.
Where do you rank kitesurfing amongst the wind-powered boardsports?
I put classic windsurfing number one and by far.
I think a classic windsurfer would never molest a soul.
Do you?