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Definition of Port and Starboard
When applying navigation rules to kitesurfing, it’s important to clearly define when a kiter is on the starboard tack. Since kitesurfing differs from sailing, the tack of a kiter is defined by the kite’s position in the wind window.
Starboard Tack (B)
When the kite flies on the right side of the rider’s wind window (between noon and 3:00), it’s considered “on starboard tack.” The starboard side is identified by the color green.
Port Tack (A)
When the kite flies on the left side of the rider’s wind window (between noon and 9:00), it’s considered “on port tack.” The port side is identified by the color red.
Following a few safety rules can help avoid accidents on the beach and in the water. Make sure you and your fellow riders understand these globally recognized right of way rules. In the following pages, the green rider has the right of way over the orange rider.
Golden Rule !
Avoid collisions at all costs
This is the most important rule in kitesurfing. Every kiter must always assess each situation and strive to avoid collisions with all beach users (not just kiters) and give priority to anyone with less maneuverability.
If someone with less maneuverability is in your zone, make sure to give them priority to avoid collisions and maintain everyone’s safety.
Below is a list of situations that override all other right of way rules. When any of these occur, an independent kiter must give way and avoid collisions at all costs.
THE GOLDEN RULE overrides all other rules when…
- There’s a lesson with a student (wearing a helmet and buoyancy aid) being followed by an instructor. Riders must always stay away from beginner lessons and maintain a 50m radius around them.
- Anyone (even a skilled rider) is body dragging or water starting.
- A kiter is in trouble (kite in a death loop, self-rescue, broken kite, etc.). In these situations, it’s advisable to ask for help whenever possible or alert someone onshore while keeping an eye on the situation.
- There are less maneuverable beach users in the area (kayakers, swimmers, surfers, SUPs, divers, etc.).
If none of the above situations (or similar ones) are occurring, the following right of way rules apply.
Always 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 30m upwind and downwind around your wind window.
Rule No. 1
Starboard has right of way
When riding in opposite directions (collision course).
The starboard rider (kite on the right side) has the right of way over the port rider. Having the right of way means the starboard rider must maintain their course, speed, and heading to allow the port rider to avoid them.
Starboard riders lose right of way when :
- They are about to jump or change direction. Always look behind you before changing direction.
- They are going faster than another rider in front of them.
- They are going the same speed as another rider in front and that rider is about to reach the shore, likely about to turn. The rider going to port is surfing a wave.
- They are approaching the shore, and a kiter is walking into the water.
- They cross the path of any rider doing a body drag.
- They cross the path of a beginner lesson at any stage.
- They cross the path of a large boat.
- They cross the path of any rider doing a water start, self-rescue, or in trouble.
- They interact with other beach users like surfers, SUPs, swimmers, kayakers, etc. A rider in front of them is on the same tack and downwind.
The port rider (kite on the left side) must yield to the starboard rider by altering their course or speed, passing upwind or downwind depending on the situation, or veering off to avoid a collision without disturbing the starboard rider’s course.
Why ?
This rule originates from old maritime traditions and applies to other water sports and nautical activities.
The port rider yields to the starboard rider approaching. This means they must either change direction to pass upwind or downwind or turn around. Meanwhile, the starboard rider must maintain their direction 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 approaching rider.
Why ?
This rule is justified because the wind on land can sometimes be gusty, there is wind shadow, waves nearby, possible obstacles, and other beach users in the vicinity. Therefore, the rider exiting is more at risk and should have the right of way.
The rider entering the water has the right of way.
Always look behind you before changing direction.
Rule No. 3
2 riders going the same direction
When two riders are moving in the same direction, the faster rider must yield to the slower one in front.
Why ?
The faster rider has a better view of the situation from behind, so they must yield to the other rider and adjust their course accordingly.
The faster rider must adjust their course.
Hydrofoilers, who are faster than most riders, must be cautious when overtaking others. They must give way.
Always look behind you before changing direction.
Rule No. 4
Rider surfing a wave
The rider surfing on a wave has priority over a rider approaching or jumping towards them.
Why ?
A kite is more difficult to handle when surfing on a wave, leaving fewer maneuvering options.
One wave, one surfer !
If a wave is already being ridden by another kiter / windsurfer / wingfoiler, give them space and catch the next one. The person closest to the peak has the right of way.
Shore break
However, the rule for the exiting rider (Rule No. 2) applies when waves are close to the shore (shore break). In this case, the surfer must give way to the rider entering the water (or just entering).
Always check behind you before changing direction.
Rule No. 5
Others
Priority must be given to other water and beach users. Kites should move downwind of them.
Why ?
On many water bodies, beachgoers usually have less maneuverability and cannot react as quickly as a kiter. Be aware of anyone in your vicinity and sail downwind of them.
By staying downwind of regular beach users, you’ll protect them if you lose control of your kite (losing control upwind of swimmers/surfers can lead to a dangerous collision). Be mindful of everyone in the area.
Kitesurfers do not have priority over surfers, SUP, swimmers, beach walkers, kayakers, or other beach users.
Kitesurfers have priority over small motorboats* and jet skis.
Starboard priority applies to both windsurfers and small sailboats. Always keep maneuverability in mind, as kiters are often more maneuverable than them.
* Cruise ships and merchant ships will have priority over kiters as they have less maneuverability. Priority is defined based on maneuverability.
The beach user with the least maneuverability has priority. Always look behind you before changing direction.
Rule No. 6
Jumps
To jump, a kiter must have a clear safety zone of at least 50 meters downwind and 30 meters upwind.
Why ?
A downwind safety zone is important because the rider moves downwind when jumping. An upwind safety zone is important because without it, the rider’s lines can hit their kite or the lines of another rider nearby.
This rule applies to most “normal” kitesurf jumps. For bigger 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 you jump, you lose your priority.
Rule No. 7
Upwind and downwind rider
If you pass upwind of a rider, keep your kite HIGH.
If you pass downwind of a rider, keep your kite LOW.
Why ?
This maximizes the distance between kites, reducing the risk of entanglement.
This also allows kiters to enjoy their sport even when the spot is crowded.
The downwind rider lowers their kite as much as possible, while the upwind rider flies their kite as high as possible.
Rule No. 8
Two kiters on land at the same time
When two kiters are on the beach at the same time, with one preparing to enter the water and the other preparing to land, both should continue and keep clear of each other.
Remember that the most important rule in kitesurfing is to avoid collisions at all costs and to give way to anyone with less maneuverability than you. Be courteous and share this important knowledge with your fellow kiters.
