I know this topic may have been covered here many times but I would like to get the opinions of people out there on one aspect of the right of way rules.

When approaching someone on the opposite tack as you the rider on the starboard tack has right of way and the rider on the port tack must pass downwind (or change tack).

Whats not clear to me (and may be a preference thing) is how far upwind of the starboard rider must the port rider be before they are not expected to pass downwind.

I'm expecting most people to say either,

1) Far enough upwind so the starboard rider does not have to change course, or
2) a Lines length away (in which case obviously the starboard rider doesn't have to change course)

however I'm interested to see peoples opinions.

Yer - when it comes down to it,

If you knowingly cause an accident (because you have the stoopid R.O.W), by not trying to avoid someone else - then legally, just as on the road... YOU are responsible for it !!!!!!

If still unsure, just stick your neck in front of someones lines at full speed then with a lacerated face & severed windpipe, blood spurting - gurgle out

"but I had the right of way"

I think youve got it now

Ps Its a valid question & we know what your saying (read rules on r/hand side of wind graph page...)

Cheers

Cheers for the last two posts. As a noob just trying be conscientious and get a feeling for the etiquette to avoid pissing fellow kiters off. Guess that makes me a dick a Gorgo.

Basically like Gorgo said (in a more polite way) Is to try and avoid each other. Don`t assume the other kiter knows the rules. Some kiters I can tell they know what the deal is and we can pass just metres of each other but others I see comming I just switch direction and get as far from them as possible. For me the basic etiquette that should be used to keep things safe are: If you are crossing each other, the down wind kiter keeps their kite low and the up wind kiter gets their kite high. That`s how some of us show offs can high five each other while passing (not recommended by the state goverment.) I know this might seem obvious to some but you will be suprised how many people don`t do this.
Also: The kiter just entering the water ready to head out has right of way and the kiter coming in should avoid him. But If I was the kiter about to head out I would just wait a few seconds to see what the other guy, gal is up to.
And: Do not tail gate, for obvious reasons again. The kiter in front WILL switch direction in a split second!
How many kiter even know what port and starboard is? Just give each other a bit of space. It`s not hard to change direction or quickly head down wind for a bit. It`s all good fun.

Hey i just use the whole kite up up wind and kite down when passing down wind but it's important to know the starboard rule if you're kiting where other boats and windsurfers are because that is the rules that they will usually be following.

TheChad said...

phrase said...


How many kiter even know what port and starboard is?

I can never remember port and starboard!

For me right of way is just goofy

I cannot comment from kiting experience cause I'm not experienced yet....but marine rules, I can.

Mostly what has been commented on is correct.(apart from the poor personal comment by Gorgo)

The BEST method, is to AVOID a savaging before it happens.

Equally as important as the rules is to signal your intent EARLY & OBVIOUS.

If it is any help to those who are marine directionally challenged or who are actually interested, the menomic I was shown at an early age was:

"there is no RED PORT LEFT"........(and that was before I was a drinker).

It may become a little more confused when referring to give way "tacks".

This from the Web: "define:starboard tack"

* Sailing with the wind coming over the starboard side.
* When the wind is blowing from the right hand side when looking forward.

regards
Fossil

You shouldnt push for boating rulesd in kitesurfing, its much more dynamic, if your a chess player coming up against a poker player you may just end up second best.

Use some common sense.

As above.

Make it as obvious as poss - i.e. tap your head then point to where YOU are intending on going to go - and keep your kite high for upwind down for downwind of the oponent er.. fellow kiter.

The last bit about keep kite high/low is sadly neglected by a lot of experienced kiters I find. Maybe they are comfy/complacent in their own skill levels but it sure cramps the other dude more than neccesary - spesh if they are a noob or underpowered.

If you can try to read the other kiters body language/skill level and if they look past their comfort zone (poo stancing or white knuckling) then err on the side of caution.

Also the most debatable zone for ROW is in and around the surf. Personally i try to give way to anyone heading out from the zone (in Perf this generally means port tack) until they are well past the breakers then i assume starboard ROW. **Not everyone does this and plenty of nongs follow you into the breakers right upya clacker then get angsty when you turn and have nowhere to go. This is unneccesary and stacking the odds for a bingle.

Hope that is clear as mud mate - and no you are not a dick. Best to ask than end up with smegma all over yaself.

I would like to add....

In my humble opinion there should be another rule that all kitesurfers should obey:

The better the rider, the greater his or her responsibility to give less able riders clearance

On this, just because you can nail some fancy wake-style tricks doesn't mean that you can ride like you own the beach flying your kite too close to others, failing to raise or lower your kite when passing or follow people in leaving them nowhere to go (ESPECIALLY at Woodies off-shore). As said in a prior post in this tread, the more experienced you are the greater your resposibility (not "the more permission you have to act like a tosser").

Rant Over.

D