This tutorial introduces some rights of way that are designed to help you avoid collisions
while on the water. If 2 skilled kiters are crossing paths - then
the downwind kiter should steer their kite lower - and the upwind kiter should steer
their kite higher. This ensures plenty of space between the kites
as you pass. Both kiters must adjust their kites to these
positions well before passing each other. This signals that the kiters understand the
rule and agrees who is upwind and who is downwind. Of course, this is only for people with good kite control.
If the other kiter shows signs of being beginner,
or being out of control, then it’s best to simply give them a wide berth.
If 2 skilled kiters are passing but their courses are very close, possibly a collision
course - then the kiter riding left of downwind, on a port tack, should adjust course to allow
adequate space. While the kiter riding right of the wind has
right of way and should maintain their course, while remaining vigilant.
Even when you have right of way it’s more important to stay vigilant and avoid a collision
than it is to enforce your right of way. Generally speaking, a kiter on land is at
more risk. Therefore if someone is entering the water,
or riding away from the launching area, then you should give them the space to do so.
This helps people get into the water quickly, and prevents the launching and landing area
from getting crowded. If you’re overtaking a slower rider, then
it’s your responsibility to manoeuvre around them leaving a safe distance.
Any kiters downwind of you may not have seen you.
Therefore, avoid closing in on a kiter who is downwind of you.
Also, if you need to head downwind, or if you’re doing a downwinder, it’s your responsibility
to find a safe course around the kiters in your way.
There are 2 rules that supersede or over-rule everything that we’ve looked at so far.
Kiters must always try to avoid a collision. Even if you have right of way, it’s more
important to avoid a collision. And the more skilled you become, the better
equipped you at avoiding a collision and then the more responsibility you take.
The other trump rule is that you must avoid a less manoeuvrable vessel.
Firstly, almost all other ocean users are significantly less manoeuvrable than a kiter,
such a boats, swimmers and windsurfers. Therefore kiters should maintain a safe distance
from other water users and help promote the professional reputation of kite sports.
Next, learner kiters or beginner kiters, are much less manoeuvrable than experienced kiters.
Therefore an experienced kiter must always give them space.
Beginners are easy to spot, so there’s no excuse. A collision between a beginner and
an experienced kiter is always the experienced kiter’s fault.
Next, a kiter who is compromised has less control. This could be a kiter that has crashed,
is bodydragging, has their kite is down, or is simply trying to ride away from the launch
area. If you’re in control, it’s your responsibility to leave enough space for a
compromised kiter. Next, it’s nice to give space to an experienced
kiter who is doing something technical that limits their manoeuvrability. An experienced
kiter riding a wave, or unhooked, or reaching the end of the riding area, has fewer options
over where they can ride, so it’s considerate to leave them space for these situations.
Of course, anyone trying technical tricks is skilled, so takes the responsibility to
ensure they have enough space before they begin.
Thanks for watching and safe kiting.