Before you go out on the water it is important that you know and understand the international rights of way for Kitesurfing. 

  • Avoid collisions at all costs. – The most important rule.
  • Give way to all other water users. – Kitesurfers have no priority.
  • A Kitesurfer who has launched their kite and is entering the sea has priority over Kitesurfers who are already kitesurfing on the water – This is because flying a Kitesurfing kite on the land can be dangerous. 
  • If two Kitesurfers are on a collision course, the rider who has their kite on their right has the right of way – This is the same as sailing, port gives way to starboard tack. 
  • When passing each other, the upwind Kitesurfers kite goes up and fly’s high in the sky and the downwind Kitesurfers kite goes down and fly’s low in the sky
  • The Kitesurfer who is upwind gives way to the Kitesurfer who is downwind – This is because the rider who is downwind has their back to the wind and cannot see the rider who is upwind. 
  • Give way to riders that look as if they have poor control over their equipment – Learner Kitesurfers are unpredictable
  • The Kitesurfer who is riding a wave has priority – This is because a Kitesurfer who is riding a wave cannot change their direction quickly. 

Most common International Kitesurfing hand signals

  • Tap on the head = Please help me launch or land my kite
  • Thumbs up = Let go of the kite, I am ready to launch.
  • Thumbs down = Do not let go of the kite. Abort launch.
  • Hand or both hands waving = Emergency please help
  • Hands together in stomach centre then moved up and out to the sides = Release your main safety.
  • Throat cut sign = Abort or release your final safety

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