International Right of Way Rules

Before you fly, you have to grow the wings ! Learn some basic right way rules.

1.ON THE BEACH

The outgoing rider has right of way over the incoming rider. As the wind is sometimes gusty on land, the rider who is on the beach is the one more at risk, so he has the priority.

2. HEAD ON

When two riders converge: the rider going starboard (kite right-hand side) has right of way and the rider going port tack (kite left-hand side) must give right of way and pass downwind with his kite as low as possible. There is no particular reason for this rule, but it is already applied in all other sports and nautical activities.

3. OVERTAKING

The rider going faster than another in the same direction must give way to the slowest rider. The one going faster is the one who has a global vision of the situation since he arrives from behind.

 
4. UPWIND Vs. DOWNWIND

The rider passing upwind (windward) from another kiteboarder must fly his kite overhead: the kiteboarder downwind (leeward) must pilot his kite as low as possible.

If you are passing upwind, keep your kite HIGH.
If you are passing downwind, keep your kite LOW.

 

5. WAVERIDING

The rider surfing a wave has the right of way over the one who is jumping or going in the opposite direction: when surfing a wave, the kite is less easy to pilot so there is less room for manoeuvres. Nevertheless, the rule for the outgoing rider (mentioned above) is still applicable when the waves are close to the shore (shore break). In this case, the rider who is surfing will have to give way to the rider who is going out.

Golden Rule – A rider surfing a wave towards the shore must give way to riders entering the water (Ref Rule 1).

6. JUMPING

A rider must have a clear safety zone of 50m downwind because he moves downwind when he jumps.

7. RESPECT

Right of way must be given to all other beach users !

Why? Regular ocean and beach users may not understand the behaviour and dangers of kiteboarding.

Golden Rule – Remember to use common sense when applying the rules and stay clear from other riders whenever possible !

For further information, visit the Australian Kitesurfing Association website www.aksa.com.au or the International Kitesurfing website www.ikorg.com

There are also our own Four Mile Beach Safe Kiting Guidelines – checkout the sign at the kite beach for launching and landing areas etc.

Good winds !

Bretto