Kite right of way rules and communication

ronp · Since 05 Jul 2007 79 Posts west linn Â

There are some basic kiting right of way rules and guidelines but there are often times that people aren’t aware of them. Someone was a bit upset with me yesterday so I figured I would mention my understanding of a few important right of way situations and let others correct or debate.
One general comment is that it is always a good idea to discuss right of way with anyone that seemed confused. Many people haven’t learned them and appreciate when people help them understand. Sometimes people just make a mistake and realize it. Its worth bringing up the topic just to keep people educated. There are also lots of existing good postings on right of way.

Basic Rules
• Beginner: if there is a beginner in the water, then just work around them and be ready for them to accidentally crash the kite. Beginners should try to stay out of heavy traffic areas (the best they can).
• basic right of way: starboard tack (right hand up wind) has the right of way
• upwind: If a rider is clearly able to pass upwind then they can assume the right of way. They should keep the kite high. Downwind rider keep the kite low.
• Jumping: never jump if you are upwind and close to crossing upwind of someone without lots of distance. (except for Ruben who can clear the rider and the kite).

Exceptions
• wave riding: If someone is on a wave then they get the right of way.
• launching: the person launching always has the right of way
• jump zone: if there is a shoreline spot that riders jump in then a type of oval rotation forms. The riders approaching the jump get the right of way and leaving the jump they concede the right of way. So at Stevenson, port tack has the right of way for the people circling and jumping near the launch.

Other Comments
• Cutting people off: always look before transitioning. Watch out for slightly downwind riders behind you. Please please please don’t transition just behind a crossing rider such that you are following a little downwind behind them or you end up a little upwind in front of them.
• Take responsibility: if you put yourself in a situation where you are a little down wind and a little behind a rider going in the same direction then you essentially cut them off and make it difficult for them to do anything. Expect to be ready to transition really fast in case they have a problem or forget your tailgate and jump. If you try to follow them this way into a jump zone or shore then you need to transition prior to the zone or you essentially trap them.
• Communicate: one way to communicate is that if you are expecting the crossing rider to pass upwind then keep your kite low early so it is clear you are passing downwind.

Bonetti · Since 29 Apr 2007 411 Posts So. Cal./Oregon Obsessed

Basic Rules......? WTF

There is no "Rules" in Kiteboarding!!!!!!!
(I guess just don't hurt anyone)

Alien

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Starboard!!!!

Bonetti · Since 29 Apr 2007 411 Posts So. Cal./Oregon Obsessed

J/K

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon May 04, 09 10:53 am

http://www.moviesoundclips.net/movies1/ironman/both.wav

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

you should add an exception to the right of way rules...
during KB4C.. it doesn't matter which way you're kiting, starboard or not, there's always someone yelling at you...or at least giving you the evil eye.

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

For those of you not familiar with nautical terms, just remember that LEFT and PORT both have four letters.

Also, even though you have the right of way does not mean that you should always demand the right of way.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

How about the rule of greater gross tonnage?

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

right of way doesnt mean you can do whatever the f**k you want to do, it means hold your course so the other can maneuver or change course to avoid. If you don't hold course on right of way, you can be responsible for any collision or damage.

By the way, we're not boats. Look around, be aware, and don't throw your lame ass trick in a crowd, epecially when you blow it most of the time.

Kiting is purely recreational. If your kiting is wrecking someones recreation, get a clue.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

jump zone: if there is a shoreline spot that riders jump in then a type of oval rotation forms. The riders approaching the jump get the right of way and leaving the jump they concede the right of way. So at Stevenson, port tack has the right of way for the people circling and jumping near the launch.

DID YOU JUST MAKE THAT SHITE UP???

Chooch · Tue May 05, 09 11:24 am

I have never bought into the whole "rule set" for kiteboarding. Most sail boats don't jump 30' high and 75' down wind.

The only thing you can do on the water is use COMMON SENSE...that should get you pretty far.

eli_anderson · Since 04 Jun 2007 507 Posts Addicted

they're more like guidelines.
There are some common sense rules not to forget though!

Example: Rule 5-123.4, says " have plenty of beer with you to pass out for free if; you're constantly being rescued or you can't self land your kite."

Self Landing => Bladder Punctures => Good Kite Repair Industry => Jobs and ect.

ronp · Since 05 Jul 2007 79 Posts west linn Â

The jump zone thing is something that I read on several discussion boards like this and it makes a lot of sense. I think that is what often causes confusing at Stevenson because some people aren't aware of the concept.

Mark, I really didn't mean to cause any issues and appreciate you (even if you think my kiting is laim). One of the times that there was an issue was when I was approaching shore and was being trapped in even if I just wanted to transition. I do crash a lot but I thought you wanted to see my attempt and that is why you were following so close behind Smile

My main point of the original post was to ask people to try transition at a time that causes them not to tailgate.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

no problem Ron, sometimes the Irish dominates the Norwegian blood. I don't think you're lame, but I NEVER see you look first. (I do occasionally)

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

it doesn't matter how much common sense you use or how many rules you abide by. some dumbass at the sandbar is going to yell at you.

forrest · Tue May 05, 09 3:37 pm

You should see the look on people's face down here in SPI when I thread the needle between two people approaching me... Guess they've never kited anywhere busy.