Who have right of way - kiteboarding rules

11. 11. 2023

Are you heading to a crowded kite spot? Remind yourself of the rights of way and avoid tangled spaghetti with another kiter ;-)

Kite spots are often quite busy. So, it's high time to clarify the rules of avoidance and meeting with kites above your head. These rules apply not only to kiteboarding but also to snowkiting and landkiting. More important than these rules, however, is consideration and respect for others, not just kiters! Ride hard, but ride safe!

Point 1

• Always keep an eye on your surroundings throughout your time on the beach.
• If you're kiting along the beach, be prepared for the fact that another kiter may be launching.
• If you're launching, wait for kiters who are landing, and only start when you have enough space and clean way into the water.

Point 2

• If you see another kiter walking into the water while you're kiting, give them space. Turning earlier won't hurt anyone but can be helpful.
• When walking into the water, give way to kiters already in the water and don't endanger them by positioning your kite over the water.
• Jumping often occurs near the shore, so be aware that a kiter preparing for a jump may not notice you.

Point 3

• We pass under a kiter who's bodydragging at the same level. The kite should be positioned at a lower level to avoid collisions with other kites and to prevent the bodydragging kiter from lifting the kite unnecessarily.
• Bodydragging kiters are usually beginners – keep that in mind.
• If you're bodydragging on your board and another kiter is passing under you, give them space and raise your kite.

Point 4

• In a situation with two kiters at the same level, the one on the left has the right of way.
• With experience, you can communicate your intentions well in advance in this situation. An experienced kiter resolves this situation by going downwind and keeping the kite low.
• If this happens, the kiter with the right of way should go to a higher level, and the kiters can pass each other even at a short distance. Both should not try to resolve this situation by changing their course.

Point 5

• If you see a kiter heading away from the shore, give them the right of way and turn, or you should already be turned.
• If you see a kiter clearly going downwind from you, give them the right of way well in advance. Such kiters can't see behind them and are often beginners who take up a lot of space.
• If it's an experienced rider, they often use loops, so it's wise to turn in advance.

Point 6

• When overtaking a kiter, it's better to use a downwind approach to get into the field of vision of the kiter you're passing. The kite should be at a lower position.
• If someone is overtaking you, don't brake or stop your kite but stably position your kite at a higher level.
• Overtaking is really only for excellent riders who can react to possible mistakes made by the kiter being passed.

Point 7

• When encountering other kiters, the kiter who is upwind should position the kite higher, and the kiter who is downwind should keep the kite at a lower position.
• The kiter who is upwind often doesn't need the kite and raising it would take wind from the other kiter, making the situation worse.

Point 8

• If a collision with more than two kiters in a small space is imminent, the best way is to turn early, preferably as soon as you realize such a situation. TURNING IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS.

Point 9

• A kiter on a wave always has the right of way. ALWAYS.

Translated and created for Slovak and Czech kiteboarding by Pučík.

You can learn more about right-of-way rules in kiteboarding courses.

Images taken from kiteteam.pl.