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Definition of Port and Starboard
When applying navigation rules to kitesurfing, it is important to clearly define when a kiter is on a starboard tack. Since kitesurfing differs from sailing, the kiter’s tack is determined based on the kite’s position in the wind window.
Starboard tack (B)
When the kite is positioned to the right of the rider’s wind window (between 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock), it is said to be on a “starboard tack”. The starboard side is typically identified by the green color.
Port tack (A)
When the kite is positioned to the left of the rider’s wind window (between 12 o’clock and 9 o’clock), it is said to be on a “port tack”. The port side is typically represented by the red color.
Following some basic safety rules helps prevent accidents on the beach and on the water. Make sure that you and your fellow riders understand these universally recognized right-of-way rules. In the following pages, the rider with the green kite has priority over the rider with the orange kite.
Golden Rule! Avoid collisions at all costs
This is the most important rule in kitesurfing. Every kiter must always assess each situation, strive to avoid collisions with all beach users (not just other kiters), and give priority to anyone with less maneuverability.
When someone with less maneuverability is in your area, make sure to give them priority to avoid a collision and ensure everyone’s safety.
Below is a list of situations where all other right-of-way rules are overridden. When this happens to an independent kiter, they must give priority and avoid collisions at all costs.
THE GOLDEN RULE overrides all other rules when…
- When a lesson is being conducted with a student (wearing a helmet and flotation aid) and an instructor is following, riders must always stay at least 50 meters away from any beginner lessons.
- Anyone (even an experienced rider) is doing a body drag or water start.
- A kiter is in difficulty (the kite is in a death loop, a kiter is performing a self-rescue, a kite is broken, etc.). In these circumstances, it is also advised to ask for help whenever possible or to contact someone on land while keeping an eye on the situation.
- Less maneuverable beach users are in the area (kayakers, swimmers, surfers, SUP, divers, etc.).
If none of the situations (or similar situations) mentioned above occur, the following right-of-way rules apply.
Always make sure to look behind you before changing direction and keep the first 30 meters of the shore reserved for entry and exit only. You should also maintain a buffer zone of at least 30 meters upwind and downwind around your flying window.
Rule #1
Right-of-Way on Starboard
For reverse navigation (collision course).
The rider on starboard (kite on the right side) has the right of way over the rider on port. Having the right of way means the starboard rider must maintain their course, speed, and heading, allowing the port rider to avoid the collision.
Starboard riders lose the right of way when:
- They are about to jump or change direction. Always look behind you before changing direction.
- They are moving faster than another rider they are following.
- They are moving at the same speed as another rider they are following, and that rider is about to reach the shore, and is therefore likely to turn. The rider on port is surfing a wave.
- They are approaching the shore, and a kiter is walking to enter the water.
- They cross paths with a kiter of any level performing a body drag.
- They cross paths with a beginner’s lesson at any stage.
- They cross paths with a large boat.
- They cross paths with a rider of any level performing a waterstart, self-rescue, or in difficulty.
- They interact with other beach users such as surfers, SUP riders, swimmers, kayakers, etc. Another rider in front of them is on the same tack and downwind of them.
The rider on port (kite on the left) must yield to the rider on starboard by adjusting their course or speed, either by going upwind or downwind, depending on the situation, or by turning to avoid a collision without disrupting the starboard rider’s course.
Why?
This rule has its origins in traditional maritime customs and is also applied in other water sports and nautical activities.
The port tack rider must yield to the oncoming starboard tack rider. This means they must either change direction to go upwind or downwind, or make a U-turn. During this time, the starboard tack rider must maintain their course and speed; otherwise, they lose the right of way.
Rule No. 2
One rider on land, the other in the water
The rider entering the water from the beach has the right of way over the rider coming in.
Why?
The reasoning behind this rule is that the wind may sometimes gust on land, there can be wind shadows, the waves may be close, nearby obstacles may exist, and beach users may be in the vicinity, making the rider coming out of the water more at risk and thus deserving the right of way.
The rider entering the water has the right of way.
Always check behind you before changing direction.
Rule No. 3
2 riders in the same direction
When two riders are moving in the same direction, the faster rider must give way to the slower rider ahead.
Why?
The faster rider, having better visibility of the situation from behind, must yield to the other rider and adjust their course accordingly.
The faster rider adjusts their course.
Hydrofoil riders, being faster than regular riders, must be cautious when catching up to another rider. They must yield to the other rider.
Always check behind you before changing direction.
Rule No. 4
Rider riding a wave
The rider riding a wave has the right of way over a rider approaching or jumping toward them.
Why?
It is more challenging to control a kite while riding a wave, which limits maneuvering options.
One wave, one rider!
If a wave is already being ridden by another kiter, windsurfer, or wingfoiler, give them space and catch the next one. The rider closest to the peak has the right of way.
Shore break
However, the rule for the rider coming out (rule #2) applies when the waves are close to the shore (shore break). In this case, the rider riding the wave must yield to the rider entering the water (or just entering).
Always check behind you before changing direction.
Rule #5
Others
Priority should always be given to other water and beach users. Kites must move downwind of these users.
Why?
In many bodies of water, beach users typically have less maneuverability and cannot react as quickly as a kiter. Always be aware of any beach users in your vicinity and navigate downwind of them.
By staying downwind of regular beach users, you will protect them in case you lose control of your kite. Losing control of your kite while you are upwind of swimmers or surfers can lead to a dangerous collision. Always be aware of the people around you.
Kitesurfers do not have priority over surfers, stand-up paddleboarders (SUP), swimmers, walkers, kayakers, or other beach users.
Kitesurfers have priority over small motorboats* and jet skis.
The starboard priority rule also applies to windsurfers and small sailboats. Always consider maneuverability, as kitesurfers are often more agile than them.
* Cruise ships and merchant vessels have priority over kitesurfers, as they are less maneuverable compared to these large ships. Priority is determined based on maneuverability.
The beach user with the least maneuverability has priority. Always check behind you before changing direction.
Rule #6
Jumps
Before jumping, a kiter must have a clear safety zone of at least 50 meters downwind and 30 meters upwind.
Why?
A safety zone downwind is important because the rider moves in that direction when jumping. An upwind safety zone is crucial to prevent the rider’s lines from touching their kite or the lines of another rider nearby.
This rule applies to most “normal” jumps by kiters. For larger jumps in strong wind or megaloops, the rider must assess the distance and keep a much larger safety zone downwind, up to 100 meters.
When jumping, you lose your priority.
Rule #7
Upwind Rider and Downwind Rider
When passing upwind of another rider, keep your kite HIGH.
When passing downwind of another rider, keep your kite LOW.
Why?
This helps to maximize the distance between kites and prevent the lines from tangling.
It also allows kiters to enjoy their sport even when riding on crowded spots.
The downwind rider should lower their kite as much as possible, while the upwind rider should keep their kite as high as possible.
Rule #8
Two Kiters on the Beach at the Same Time
When two kiters are on the beach at the same time, with one rider preparing to enter the water and the other preparing to land, both should continue on their way and keep a safe distance from each other.
Remember, the most important rule in kitesurfing is to avoid collisions at all costs and give way to anyone with less maneuverability than you. Be courteous and share this valuable knowledge with your fellow kiters.
