Gabriele Steindl: Professional Kitesurfer & Freelance Writer - Action, Lifestyle & Travels
28
Jul 08
Right of way rules
Respecting a few priority rules helps prevent accidents on the beach and on the water. Please ensure you and your fellow riders understand them.
The outgoing rider has right of way over the incoming rider: the wind is sometimes gusty on land. The rider who is on the beach is the one more at risk, so he has the priority.
When two riders converge: the rider going starboard (kite right-hand side) has right of way and the rider going port tack (kite left-hand side) must give right of way and pass downwind with his kite as low as possible. There is no particular reason for this rule, but it is already applied in all other sports and nautical activities.
The rider going faster than another in the same direction must give way to the slowest rider: the one going faster is the one who has a global vision of the situation since he arrives from behind.
The rider passing upwind (windward) from another kiteboarder must fly his kite overhead: the kiteboarder downwind (leeward) must pilot his kite as low as possible.
The rider surfing a wave has the right of way over the one who is jumping or going in the opposite direction: when surfing a wave, the kite is less easy to pilot so there is less room for maneuvers. Nevertheless, the rule for the outgoing rider is applicable when the waves are close to the shore (shore break). In this case, the rider who is surfing will have to give way to the rider who is going out.
Right of way must be given to other ocean users: kiteboarding is the latest nautical sport. Kiteboard downwind to them.
A rider must have a clear safety zone of 50m downwind because he moves downwind when he jumps: a rider must have a clear safety zone of 30m upwind to jump because the lines could touch the kite of the lines of another rider kiteboarding close by.
In the SURF (!!!), i.e. in WAVES:
Kitesurfing in waves, the rules look slightly different.Most importantly is to a l w a y s keep in mind that it’s much harder and more time consuming for surfers and windsurfers to catch a wave!! Many kitesurfers are not aware of that and behave rather rude in waves. Please respect that fact.
Don’t drop in: always make sure that you are not taking anyone else’s wave. Before taking off on a wave make sure no one is on your inside. The person closest to the breaking part of the wave (the inside of the peak) or the first surfer to their feet has the right of way/priority. If a surfer is paddling or a windsurfer pumping for a a wave or already on a wave then the wave is taken and you’ll have to wait for the next one. And guys, when you as the much faster turning kitesurfer catch one after the next, please share the joy and be generous in the line up !!!
Don’t kite back out straight through the break: obviously us kitesurfers, we always can jump over a wave, however, by circumkiting the breaking or surfable part of the wave you will not interfere with another surfers ride and will also reduce the risk of collisions, tangling, and especially the likeliness of windsurfers and surfers animosity to kitesurfers. No one likes having their ride ruined and non-kiters often fear the lines of our kites!
Don’t hog the waves: Don’t try to catch every single wave that comes through. You will only create animosity amongst the others in the line up and will be seen as a wave pig or kazi (I heard this term in Australia a LOT for kitesurfers…I take it you can make out the meaning and its origin by yourself, yeah!?). Once again, kitesurfers are much faster in turning and can get in a wave at way more different stages than a surfer, learn to give and you will receive. Share the waves around and learn to give a few to the other crew. Respect gets respect.
Keep control of your equipment: Never stir a kite too close to windsurfers and surfers, please avoid scaring them with your lines by all means!! Never attempt a move, manoeuvre, turn or arial that will cause you to tangle, land or smash into some one else and always keep an eye on crew paddling out. Please avoid hassle or possible scares and injury to you or the others and just wait for another wave.
Don’t snake: Don’t sneak in on someone as they are trying to catch the wave. Trying to to steal the wave from the one at the peak is an absolute no, no! Surfers out the back waiting ages for that sick-o-wave whilst you’re doing your circles, catching lots-a-waves, has the right of way to everyone else is on the inside . It’s just common sense and courtesy.
Give a yell: If it looks like someone is going to drop in on you, let them know you are on the inside or have right of way by calling out and letting them know you are taking off or already on the wave – it goes without saying: in a friendly way.
Use common sense where crowds are an issue. If you turn up to a break that is heavily crowded with surfers or windsurfers, perhaps best to consider kitesurfing somewhere else. Adding to a most probably already frustrated and aggressive crowd, very likely with a feriocous and hostile attitude towards kitesurfers, won’t help you or them. If you still decide to join the party, please surprise the crowd with 1st class kitesurfer-etiquette and courtesy!
Share and respect: Share the ocean, not only with other watersport-enthusiasts, but also the marine life which lives in it. The sea is there for everyone to use and share.
International rules apply between kiteboarders and other water users, unless defined differently by local county or government. See more at Wikipedia to the topic!
Kite safely folks & have fun !! Yours Gabi