WATERSKIING on the estuary continues to cause friction as Sal-combe and Kingsbridge Estuary Waterskiing Association asks for permission to use Wide-gates, with Harbour Master Adam Parnell saying 'this is about what's best for the area'. Many people support Skewa, with just as many against it. James McIntosh said he uses Starehole Bay 'infrequently' due to it being too busy and the water 'isn't flat enough', adding that he usually goes to Torcross. 'A controlled zone within the estuary for waterskiing and wakeboarding would be fantastic,' he continued. 'Flat water is essential for learners and experienced skiers/boarders.' Jim Hartley, founder of Quba & Co Sail Loft, said: 'This will benefit Salcombe as a tourist destination while also overcoming a safety hazard, with unsupervised skiing in more dangerous waters.' Cdr Parnell said: 'I've had quite a few people contact me both for and against, but mostly against. But it's not a numbers issue, it's about what's right for the area.' The main issues people are having appear to be the impact on the environment. Local naturalist Gordon Waterhouse said: 'I have seen evidence of the disturbance that sudden noise can bring for the birds that use the estuary. Waterskiing is not an appropriate activity.' James Heaven in response cites the waterskiing handbook's rules for good practice governing waste management, engine maintenance and mitigating ecological issues. With concerns over the disruption to smaller vessels, John Cooke of Banana Shark Racing and Skewa, said: 'The area we've outlined is only 1 per cent of the estuary and will be outlined by buoys separating it. The wake will cause no more disruption than any other craft moving along the main channel at a legal eight knots.' However, local estuary users are not convinced. Peter Howard, Salcombe mayor between 1993 and 1995, wrote to the Gazette to say: 'My family, full-time residents of Salcombe 1973-2011, have always believed in peaceful enjoyment of this beautiful asset. 'It would be a disaster if waterskiing were allowed. As the town council representative on the harbour committee for nearly 20 years and the district council vice-chairman of that committee, I would like to remind your readers that this is not the first time someone has attempted to alter the way of life for the majority of estuary users. 'Each time there has been rejection by the committee. Please don't let our generation be the one that takes this harmful step.' A spokesman for Salcombe Town Council said: 'It was felt by the council that no waterskiing should be allowed within the harbour boundaries. 'How can we expect other estuary users to keep to the speed limits if we have power boats travelling at speed? This always comes up when there's a new harbour master – timing is everything.' If you would like to read the Q&A Mr Heaven wrote by interviewing himself, it can be found on Skewa's Facebook page at /salcombekingsbridge waterskiingassociation.