Kitesurfing Rules, How to Kitesurf

Sail the waves with responsibility and respect

Kitesurfing is a sport that overflows with emotion and allows you to surf on the waves propelled by the wind! But, as in any exciting adventure, safety is paramount. To enjoy it to the fullest, you need to know the priority rules in kitesurfing. And to start, there are a couple of concepts that are key: ‘port’ and ‘starboard’. Unlike traditional sailing, in kitesurfing, we do not look north or south, but rather towards the kite and the wind window. In this article, we’re going to dive into these rules in simple, friendly language. In addition, we will tell you about the ‘Golden Rule‘ that will help you maintain a safe distance from other kitesurfers and avoid messing up lines. So, get ready to enter the exciting world of kitesurfing with confidence and security.

Right of way rules in Kitesurfing

Right of way rules are very important for any ryder as they make kitesurfing a safer sport.

There are three main rules and their origin comes from the navigation rules.

First Navigation rule “Riders in opposite directions”

The first rule applies when two riders are converging in opposite directions. Going to port is when the wind comes from the left side while you are looking in the direction you are going.

You are sailing starboard or when the wind is coming from your right side when you are sailing port you have your left hand forward when you are sailing starboard your right hand is forward.

Now we are ready to understand the first rule which says that:

When you are sailing to port with your left hand in front you have to give way when you are sailing to starboard with your right hand in front you have the right of way and you must maintain your direction.

In this example the rider with the red (dark) kite has the wind from his left side with his left hand in front which means he has to give way the rider with the yellow (light) kite has the wind from your right side and must maintain your course.

The upwind rider who has the right of way must fly his kite high and the downwind rider who must give way must fly the kite low then to summarize when you are sailing with your left hand in front you must give way to the other rider who has his right hand in front giving way means drifting a little.

Second rule “Sailing in the same direction”

The second rule says that when two riders are sailing in the same direction the upwind rider has to give way to the downwind rider the idea behind that rule is that he who navigate upwind you can better see the one coming downwind.

So to summarize when you are sailing in the same direction you must give way to whoever is in the downwind position.

Third navigation rule “Reach”

The third rule says thatthe rider who is trying to pass another must stay away while the slower rider must maintain his course.

Finally we also tell you some common rules and tips for a safe session whenever you have the right of way you should maintain your direction to prevent both riders from stepping to the same side, which could end in a crash however if our riders do not give way even though they have to do so, they try to avoid the crash.

“Entering the water with the Kite”

The rider who is entering the water has the right of way over the one who is heading to the beach so if you are sailing towards the shore and you see that a rider is entering the water you have to turn back to inside and wait for the other rider to enter the water.

“The rider who goes upwind”

In any situation the upwind rider should fly his kite high and the downwind rider should fly his kite low to avoid kites if the lines collide.

When you give way you must do it clearly in time and with a safe distance from the other rider, do not wait until you are close.

To do this we remember the key elements.

You must yield in the following situations:

1. When sailing to port with your left hand forward.
2. To the rider who is in the downwind direction.
3. To the rider who is trying to pass.
4. When other riders are entering the water from the beach.

Remember to fly the kite…

• Fly the kite high when sailing upwind.
• Fly the kite low when sailing downwind.

These rules are valid in all the countries and places we know anyway when you go to a new spot (we hope to see you doing kitesurfing in Tarifa) confirm with local schools that there are no different rules.

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