NSW
451 posts
Cmon mods, let get this togeather and gather some helpful information (even post some yourself) and then you guys can organise it and make one big sticky. This site is quite publically recognised so undoubtedly I think it will reduce the amount of incidents that happen. Being new at the sport I wanted to know what to do before I got out there. There are a couple of posts here on Seabreeze which were really helpful in teaching me about the safety side of kiting. I'm gonna post the complete posts, but I think at first we should all gather and input any helpful information reply here (try not to post duplicate pointers!). Maybe then the mods can organise it all and put it into one big sticky ;D
I'll start with these two posts:
posted by spw2000:
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.
posted by corduroy
This beach has already had a fair share of kite entanglement, and confrontation – one kiter punched out by a very irate public. Whatever the reason or cause we have to share or otherwise risk losing this spot so please consider….
• keep a safe distance from swimmers – I think the law is 60 metres. The groyne length is about 30 metres at Brighton so if there are swimmers in the corner don’t even go in beyond the end of the groyne – in any dispute the council will favour the swimmers position.
• kite in an anti-clockwise circuit – and with enough arc to allow incoming riders some room to manoeuvre or trick
• don’t downwind shadow a rider – keep at least 2 line lengths downwind so that if the rider fails in a manoeuvre they won’t hit you – also turning in front of an inward rider and then shadowing so that they can’t do a manoeuvre is inconsiderate
• don’t ride up someone’s a#se
• look around before you jump, turn etc.
• don’t jump within 2 line lengths of the beach
• don’t stand on the beach (chatting) with your kite over the water or above your head
• if you’re a newbee or honing your skills why not ride out of the high traffic zone a little further downwind. The wind is the same, you can body drag for your board in safety and won’t frustrate the more advanced riders – you’ll find that you’ll progress quickly when not being worried about crashing into someone
• and finally for those who insist on doing their trick in 2ml of water between swimmers and other kiters please wear your LOOKATMEE shirt available at the fence in English and many touro languages
I’m not a kite cop or saint just someone interested in keeping our sport OPEN
VIC
1159 posts
On the Seabreeze Kitesurfing thread page, look to the right of the screen, there are links to safety, right of way rules etc etc.
The problem with having a sticky thread is that incorrect information can be posted on it, misleading members of the forum community, creating more work for the mods.
I'm not opposed to discussion about safety, but you don't have to look hard to find more info about it on Seabreeze!
