Right of way

The kiter with the green kite has right of way.
• The outgoing kiter has right of way over the incoming kiter : the wind is often more turbulent on land than on the water. The kiter who is on land is the one more at risk, which is why he has the priority.

• When two kiters converge : the kiter going starboard (kite right-hand side) has right of way and the kiter going port tack (kite left-hand side) must give right of way and pass downwind with his kite as low as possible.

• The kiter going faster than another in the same direction must give way to the slower kiter : the one going faster is the one who has a global vision of the situation since he arrives from behind.

• The kiter passing upwind (windward) from another kiteboarder must fly his kite overhead.
The kiteboarder or kitesurfer passing downwind (leeward) must pilot his kite as low as possible.

• The kiter surfing a wave has the right of way over the one who is jumping or going in the opposite direction: when surfing a wave, the kite is less easy to pilot so there is less room for maneuvers. Nevertheless, the rule for the outgoing kiter is applicable when the waves are close to the shore (shore break). In this case, the kiter who is surfing will have to give way to the kiter who is going out.

• Right of way must be given to other ocean users : kiteboarding or kitesurfing is the latest nautical sport. It is not always well accepted and known by other ocean users. Always kiteboard or kitesurf downwind to ocean users.

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