The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said in separate statements that permission was needed because kite surfing can obstruct low flying aircraft and sea traffic.

"Under the Singapore Port Regulations, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has the authority to regulate sea activities, including sea sports and any organised sea activity," the maritime authority said.

The aviation body said it will work together with its maritime counterpart to consider each request based on criteria such as the location and amount of sea space used.

Kite surfers use large kites flying up to 30 metres (99 feet) in the air, to pull them through the water on their surfboards or wakeboards.