kiting vs surfing etiquette

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pharro
pharro
WA
89 posts
WA, 89 posts
21 Nov 2008 2:32pm
Im a long time surfer and Im only just getting into kiting now to relieve the bordom of small waves in the summer. Was just wondering if someone can explain the etiquette of riding waves with your kite on popular surf spots, ie Strickland, Yallingup, Margarets (even Trigg) etc. Amazingly Ive never had to share a spot with a kiter (just a thousand other surfers) and with the ability of a kiter to be up and riding so much quicker than those paddling do the usual "right of way" rules apply, or would I just be told to F...Off and have my tyres slashed. Im really keen on getting some good waves, but being a big fan of both sports I don't want to aggrevate either party!

similation
similation
5 posts
5 posts
22 Nov 2008 3:41am
most basic rule is the person on the wave has right of way over everyone else, regardless of what you or they are doing. then all the usual kitesurfing right of way rules apply (ie right hand forward=right of way, give way to less experienced etc etc)
TOAD
TOAD
NSW
305 posts
NSW, 305 posts
22 Nov 2008 11:50am
Don't kite arround surfers , give them there space .
spot1
spot1
WA
1588 posts
WA, 1588 posts
22 Nov 2008 1:37pm
TOAD said...

Don't kite arround surfers , give them there space .


right on toad
Hunter S
Hunter S
WA
516 posts
WA, 516 posts
22 Nov 2008 2:45pm
I'm a surfer, who now kites.

Check out the faces of the surfers as you kite toward them. The closer you get the more terrified they look - I give them a wide berth.

To me paddle surfers have priority on a wave. If they paddle for it and catch it, I'm out of there. After all I've got wind power to scoot off somewhere else and get another wave or ride in places that a paddle surfer couldn't or wouldn't - so why crowd them at the already crowded and few places where they can paddle surf.

We're lucky to have a huge uncrowded coast to move around in. At the moment there's space for everyone - so make the most of it and leave the surfers to the few waves they've got.
pharro
pharro
WA
89 posts
WA, 89 posts
25 Nov 2008 2:00pm
Hunter S

Cheers for the advice.
I know what you're saying about the uncrowded coast, but as you would know the Perth Metro area has never been one to produce a decent wave and the ones it does produce ie Trigg, Strickland are always packed. (But I agree with you and will stay clear of these areas.)
Ive seen guys on kites having fun in the waves off Scarboro/Brighton but the wave quality is pretty poor, espeacially when the wind is up.
Any tips on a good place to get a decent wave, (anywhere in WA) without upsetting the surfers?
I would have thought there would be plenty of breaks that still hold a wave in the wind but are too choppy to paddle into and therefore ideal for kiting. Though beacause of my lack of kiting experience Ive never been at any breaks when the wind is up, only when its light & offshore.
Mistral
Mistral
WA
31 posts
WA, 31 posts
5 Dec 2008 5:59pm
have a look at lancelin, won t be disapointed, but there that s with windsurfer (some really extreme...) and kitesurfer that you ll have to share
TurtleHunter
TurtleHunter
WA
1675 posts
WA, 1675 posts
7 Dec 2008 6:41pm
Well said hunter S. BUT if you kite when surfer's are out (where waves are surfable well over 25 knots) remember your wake will piss a surfer off. Remember we are lower on the totem pole than goatboaters but I think we are slightly above a jetski.
jackal
jackal
WA
20 posts
WA, 20 posts
17 Dec 2008 8:27am
I live in the South West of Wa and its not as easy as just sailing down the coast somewhere. If you want to kite in waves, you we be going to spots where surfers are, except it with be 20knts onshore, surely they have had there fun in the offshore and light winds. Due to the full nature of the spots down here there are only a few that are safe to kitesurf in.
weeman
weeman
WA
2 posts
WA, 2 posts
26 Dec 2008 8:25pm
OK,
I have been riding pole ski's for 7 years and i am bottom of the food chain. I am a menace and an environmental villain apparently.
Started kiting lessons last week, thought i was progressing up the food chain. But you guys are still hated?
I should just top myself myself know and give in the fact that, I will alsways belong to the wrong crowd
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