Kitesurfing rules
Kitesurfing rules are important for the kite surfer to know and to stick to. In addition to the kite surfing rules, there are also general water sports rules.
On this page you will find an overview of all applicable rules on the water. Read the rules and adhere to them Because Safety first!!
Priority rules for kite surfing
- Kite surfers approaching each other
When 2 kite surfers approach each other, the one who has the kite hovering over port has right of way. Here ‘s a little trick to help you remember:
- Right foot for is to have priority
- Left foot for is giving priority
The kite surfer with the kite on the port side keeps course and sends his kite up, so that the oncoming kite can sail underneath. This kiter makes a turn at the bottom and sends its kite down. That way you can safely pass each other. Show clearly that you give right of way.
Exceptions to this priority rule:
- Kite surfers who enter the water always have priority over those who are already in the water.
- A kite surfer who rides a wave at the moment of passing has priority over those who do not.
2. Kite surfer who enters the water.
A kite surfer who wants to go into the water always has priority. A kite surfer on the shore is much more vulnerable than a kite surfer on the water and must be able to enter the water as quickly as possible. If you are on your way to the shore and a kiter coming into the water, turn around and give him or her the space to get into the water.
3. A wave rider
A kiter riding a wave has priority over the kite surfer who doesn’t . Do you see a wave rider, give him or her the space to stay on the wave. The wave rider has less possibility of changing course, therefore he or she will be given priority.
4. Overtaking a kite surfer
If you ride faster than the kiter infront of you, you must give him or her priority. The faster kiter has a much better overview of the situation and can estimate whether he or she can take over or have to turn around. If you take over, make sure that your kite is higher or lower compared to the other kiter and take a wide turn.
5. Jump with your kite
If you want to make a jump you must take into account a “safe” zone. This means that you have at least 50 meters of downwind free space and 30 meters of upwind free space. With a jump you go downwind and you need space to float. The safety for upwind is slightly less, but it is important not to get in trouble with other kite surfers.
6. Upwind vs downwind.
When passing, the one who sails upwind has a kite high and the one who sails downwind has the kite low.
7. Kite surfers and other water sports enthusiasts
A kite surfer must always give right of way to other water sports enthusiasts. Kite surfers are generally faster and due to the long lines, others cannot properly estimate what to do. A kite surfer must always be alert to this. So you always give priority to:
- Swimmers
- Wave surfers
- Windsurfers
- SUPP
- Sailboats
- Motor boats
- Jet skis
- Sharks & dolphins
These are the general kite surfing rules that we must adhere to. Below are general rules that apply to every water sports enthusiast, including us.
Priority rules according to the watersports almanac
Big goes for small
Small ships (up to 20 meters in length) always give priority to large ships (longer than 20 meters). Ferries, passenger ships, tugs and pushers and fishing vessels that are in operation always have the rights of ‘large’. Even if they are shorter than 20 meters.
Starboard for port
Whoever sails in the concrete channel on the starboard side of the main waterway has priority over ships that want to sail on the main waterway. An exception to this are ships that come to sail from a concrete secondary waterway. In this situation, small ships on the main waterway must give priority to larger ships that come from the concrete secondary water.
Sailing ship goes for motor ship
A small motor ship * (up to 20 meters) must give right of way to a small sailing ship (up to 20 meters) or a rowing boat, if their rates cross and none of the ships sails starboard. In this situation, a large motor boat or a large sailing ship gives priority to the ship approaching from starboard. * Also a sailing ship that sails on the motor is considered a motor boat!
Motor boats themselves
The following applies to small motor vessels on open water: if their courses cross and none of the ships sail on starboard shore, the ship approaching from starboard will be given priority.
Sailing ships themselves
A small sailing ship with the sail over port has priority over a small sailing ship with the sail over starboard. If they sail with the sail over the same bow, windwardly makes way for lee, that is, the ship that sails the highest wind has right of way.
Main waterway – secondary water
Anyone who enters or crosses a main waterway from a port or ancillary water may not obstruct other waterway users. Small ships must always give priority to larger ships. NB. The sign B.9 means that ships on the main waterways always have priority. The following rule applies on the Waal, Nederrijn, Lek and the Pannerdensch Kanaal: big always comes first.
Good seamanship also applies to kite surfers. If you are not sure which kite surfing rules apply, give priority and show this clearly!
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