I'm hoping one of you bright cyber-kiters out there can help me with who gets priority on a wave.

I spent a couple of days at Margeret River- the main break by the main carpark. We had a huge swell running, some sick waves and cross/ cross offshore winds. There were no other kiters out, just truck loads o windsurfers. And it seems that they have a priority system of whoever catches the swell first has priority. Is that the way it works?

If you were surfing the guy on the inside would have the wave, so I figured the same should go for windsports, as the dude catching the wave in the most critical section should get the goods.

Or is it the dude who is furthest upwind? Or is it that pole-boarders just have priority when they outnumber you?

Just want to know so I don't piss off any wind wackers, and so I don't miss out on the choice sets!!

Technically who ever gets on the swell, (and stays on it) from the most upwind position and furthest out the back has priority. These rules are the same where ever you go, even Hookipa. However you do find that a lot of people let the locals take the better waves, some don't, some do, it is all about respect for the people that know the place best, especially when it is big.

Margarets is a some what unique spot in that if your aren't behind the peak lining up a smack then you are on a fat useless shoulder. So if you don't position your take off just right for the particular swell you may as well pull out and let some one else have a crack at it.