Do you believe it is important for car and motorcycle drivers to know the driving rules? If the answer is yes then would you believe it is also important for kiteboarders to know the rules of kiteboarding on and off the water? Unfortunately, many of us might agree with this logic though many individuals have never taken the time to learn and understand the rules.
Rule #1: The rider entering the water from the beach has right of way over the incoming rider.
Rule #2: Starboard rider (kite on the right-hand side) has priority over the oncoming rider and should keep his course, speed and heading to allow the other rider to avoid him.
Rule #3: When two riders are traveling in the same direction, the faster rider must give way to the slower rider in front.
Rule #4: The rider surfing a wave has priority over the one who is jumping or going in the opposite direction.
Rule #5: Right of way must be given to other ocean and beach users. Kiteboarder must travel downwind of them.
Rule #6: To jump, a kiteboarder must have a clear safety zone of 50m downwind and 30m upwind.
Rule #7: When two kiteboarder are on land at the same time, one kiter is preparing to enter in the water and the other one is ready to land, both proceed and keep clear from each other.
Golden Rule:
If you are passing upwind, keep your kite HIGH.
If you are passing downwind, keep your kite LOW.
These 8 rules will keep you and others safe during sessions. It is always important to be as sensible and educated as you can be in anything you are doing.