I believe there is a discussion on this topic elsewhere but probably needs some focussed attention so here goes:

1) Kiters (and windsurfers) ARE subject to boating rules - so the more we ignore the 50m (from shore. swimmers and obstacles) clearance rule the more likely we will be banned from some of our favourite locations - in general councils will find it simpler to ban than negotiate a compromise - luckily there are some notable exceptions.

One current point of contention is the 5 knot rule - have yet to see a kiter on a board at 5 knots so this is one point which is under much discussion with "the authorities".

2) Starboard Rule DOES apply - the essentials are: When vessels (= kiters) approach from opposite directions the kiter who has the wind on the starboard (ie hitting their right side, where right leg/arm are leading in the direction of travel, heelside with back to wind of-course) has right of way. The kiter who has the wind on the port side (ie left side, where left leg/arm are leading in the direction of travel) shall keep out of the way of the other.

In sailing terms, a sailor or kiter with right of way is entitled to "insist" on exercising that right (warning opposing kiters) by shouting "starboard" very clearly and in good time. Swearing at each other is not considered a good alternative.

3) Kite High Rule (this is kiting-specific but is part of the general safe practice guidelines) - A kiter who is upwind (closest to the wind) must keep their kite high in the wind window so as to avoid their lines crossing those of a kiter who is downwind of them. Similarly, the downwind kiter must keep their kite low in the wind window so as to avoid their lines crossing the upwind kite. This applies regardless of whether the kiters are on the same, or opposing courses.

4) Clearance Rule (another kiting-specific one) - A kiter must have a clear safety zone of at least 50m downwind because he moves downwind when he jumps; a rider must also have a clear safety zone of 30m upwind to jump as his lines could touch the kite or the lines of another rider kiteboarding close by (see Kite High rule).

None of the above supercede the standard boating rules about distances from other vessels (kiters, windsurfers) etc. Also, in general, the "more agile" vessel must give way to the "less agile" so in the same way a yacht must give way to a tanker, so a kiter and windsurfer must consider agility when determining who has right of way - and depending on the wind and ability this is not always an obvious distinction which is why kiters and windsurfers tend to keep to their own areas.

While we have yet to see standard kiting legislation (hopefully we will behave enough to avoid this becoming necessary) the default to resolve any uncertainty/debate is "whatever applies to yachts applies to us". When in doubt give way gracefully - the simplest policy.

I know this is mostly "preaching to the converted" but I have seen that there are many amongst us that still need to be converted...
So, having aired that - lets start the free-for-all......
:)

let me guess you sit in an office ,because every thing sounds good on paper,but its the real world out there ,and people don't think back to the rules they read at the start of their kiting adventure . i also thought we came under the classification of a sailing vessel so this is were the boating rules change some what

How about this as a rule:

Being able to throw an S-Bend or a Mobe doesn't suddenly mean that everyone has to get out of your way and you can act like as much of a wa**er as you want.

D

TurtleHunter said...

John 23rd said...

Give way to a kiter or anyone riding a breaking wave is a good rule to go by if your kiting in the surf

So what is surf? Knee high closeout shorebreak? I'd much prefer to hit it on the way out.(starboard tack even).

True that.

How about people wearing shorts over wetsuits have to give way to any one in shorts or wetsuits.....aaaah the law of the sea

D_Meredith79 said...

How about this as a rule:

Being able to throw an S-Bend or a Mobe doesn't suddenly mean that everyone has to get out of your way and you can act like as much of a wa**er as you want.

D

Wot ee sed

I would also like to add:

Being on a surfboard does not mean you can snake in and steal the run on a wave that a twin-tip rider is already riding and clearly has priority on. If ANY rider is in the zone then kn bugger orf and wait ya turn.

sir ROWDY said...

TurtleHunter said...

John 23rd said...

Give way to a kiter or anyone riding a breaking wave is a good rule to go by if your kiting in the surf

So what is surf? Knee high closeout shorebreak? I'd much prefer to hit it on the way out.(starboard tack even).

True that.

He said "Give way". Fair call. Go for a hit heading out if you want to, just don't do it on the same wave that someone else is on. Even doing it to the wave in front of someone else can be cheeky.