stehsegler said..




2 sets? Isn't maritime rule for wind powered craft simply "wind from the right (starboard) has right of way" and when both craft are on the same tack the upwind has to give way to downwind?

AusMoz said..




KBghost-

One of my.mates who kitesurfs at GB/ Navy Cadets- he has been through some extremely rough times- I mean extremely rough. To give you some perspective on it - basically he speaks to 1 to 2 people a week and that's all he can handle, being on the water helps him and his health battles- he is slowly coming to reasonable health.

You think sometimes saying hello is ok- Hey I don't disagree there. But usually it's the unknown that gets us off on the wrong thought process. It's happen to my mate and he does his best to say G'day but he gets severe anxiety and doesn't cope until he has been on the water and comes back in. Don't go judging too early - I've been guilty of it so as I said- bit more thought process required by us all.

boardsurfr said..




You forgot to mention the one rule that rules them all: an overtaking craft always has to give way. It take precedence over the other right of way rules, even the rule that sail boats generally (but not always) have right of way over motor boats.

The two sets of right of way rules I was referring to are motorboat rules and sail boat rules. For power boats, the rule is "right before left". If someone started on power boats, and later learned a wind based water sport on their own, there is a good chance that they do not know the rules for sail boats (or kites and windsurfers), or even that there are different rules. They may assume that "right before left" applies regardless of sail position or angle to the wind. A few years ago, I was in a windsurf instructor course where one of the instructors had an advanced powerboat license. When he was asked to explain the right-of-way rules, he explained the motor boat rules, and was very surprised that there were different rules for sail boats.

If you are approaching a motor boat from the left, there is always a good chance that the motor boater thinks he has the right of way, especially in places where driving a motor boat does not require any license (like the US). In windsurfing classes I've taken, right-of-way rules have always been taught, but I've still seen more than enough examples of windsurfers not knowing them. I have heard from friends who took beginner kite lessons that right of way rules never came up at all.

Of course, there are also different rules in waves, and there can be different rules on inland waters. Then there's the courtesy and common sense rule to give way to beginners (although one could argue that this can be seen as a variation of exception that vehicles having problems have right of way).

I tried to stay out but this is directed at me and wrong.
My 2020 kite did not have worn or neglected bridal lines. They are tough lines permanently on the kite, rolled up and safe between sessions. They were cut by someone at GB.
Gentle souls don't threaten to 'Fuxxxxx run right through you', nor gesture or comment every time they pass you, even when I'm sitting in my car. I've acknowledged my angry defensive response. I can apologise to anyone, even old mate, if it's constructive. I've already done so here. I know why, but fully accept I could have done better and I've now become part of the problem for others. My post was an alternative route even if it may have been risky. However, I won't be demonized by the cheer leaders of a so called 'gentle soul'. Even normally 'gentle souls' can get it wrong. My Grandma had her moments.

When the bicycle was invented, pedestrians were alarmed by the speed and said they were unsafe.
When the car arrived, those on horses etc expressed alarm and discomfort at the invasion of their space by those 'new fangled demon machines'.
Users in kayaks and hire boats at GB most likely express alarm at windsurfers hurtling along at high speeds, HIDDEN behind sails on a straight line speed track. 'Can they even see me?'. (Could the relatively poor vision of a windsurfer contribute to a sense of vulnerability for some?)
When a swimmer, kayak, jet ski or boat passes by, we all accommodate them. If it's a bigger boat needing more space, no one says they shouldn't be there. Difference is acknowledged and accommodated.
Kiters go out in large numbers together in restricted spaces, share the space, jump, slash etc on strapless surfboards and twin tips. Do they hit each other or complain? No. They have 360 degree vision. But put a couple of kites in at the lighthouse and a few 'grumpy oul fellas' are out of sorts. Makes me think of the tv series 'One foot in the grave'.
The odd windsurfer comes up to the cadet area with many kites out and I haven't experienced them being made overtly unwelcome.
It's a few old grumps at GB who sometimes create an unwelcome vibe and a couple have now taken it too far. They need to get over themselves and get on with it, like most of the other windsurfers and wingers who accommodate each other's chosen vice and can even enjoy and laugh at each other's developing skill and tenacity.

I'm going to be more aware for sure after this thread. I intend to maintain my normally agreeable demeanour with everyone. I enjoy the interaction with all users as most people at GB will already know. I love the sports and place. I've enthusiastically surfed, windsurfed, canoed, dived, kited, foiling now and winging will be next year. But I won't be bullied or hassled nor have my gear damaged. I'd be happy to shake and put this behind me with anyone involved if someone wants to facilitate that but I won't risk a direct approach. I tried that earlier.

I'm a decent kiter who had lessons to begin with, not an out of control beginner as some have suggested. I'm going to ensure I go out when it's quieter as I have already been trying to do. BUT
Will the few 'grumpy' windsurfers do the same or just pile in until they make it so busy that they feel threatened. It's not your spot, even if you've 'been going there for '30 years'. The area has changed and the lighthouse now serves as the deep water 'learn foiling area' for many many people on windsurfers, wings and kites. Maybe it will require regulation or formal management in time but that's not there yet. If you're so experienced and feel at risk or intolerant why not use your skills in open water. I'll certainly expand as I improve.

If you read this post then you were interested for some reason - you could have ignored it if it had no relevance to you. Please don't contribute meaningless rubbish about it wasting your time or similar. The thread may be useful to some.

MarkSSC said..
Maybe this is the one who is responsible for cutting the lines...



...don't upset the locals

philn said..
The only useful information I got out of this thread are that (drunk) jet skiers and fishermen are the worst.

stehsegler said..




You forgot "followed by people that jibe without looking over the should first and people jumping upwind with people downwind in their direct flight path."

Reach said..
When I swapped kites and left one on the grass, the bridal line was cut.

John, weren't you paying attention? Unlike us windsurfers, he's got 360 degree vision.

Imax1 said..
Now I know how I'm going to get rich . I'm going to make rear view mirrors that clip onto the boom. PM me for orders .