Kiteboarding: Who Has Right of Way?

In this weeks episode I’ll be going to my sisters bachelorette party in vegas, then I’ll be making my way to interview my good friend Kara Mulder. Kara is a kiteboarder, the author of the flight attendant life and a digital nomad like myself. She has some amazing insights behind the community to be found in kiteboarding and travel.

Before we get into the rules:

A quick reminder, like driving it's always your responsibility to avoid a collision, even if you have the right of way. You can not take it. It must be given to you. Be cautious, know the rules but don’t assume the riders around you do. It's always better to be safer than sorry 

Rule 1:

The rider on the starboard tack has the right of way. Starboard tack means your right hand is forward. When your left hand is forward that is port tack. There are some things that will affect this, for example a slower moving vessel will have the right of way regardless of tack. This can be sailboats, windsurfers or even slower kiteboarders. Keep this in mind and yield to them.

Right hand forward has the right of way. 

Rule 2:

Downwind rider has the right of way. I have a few sailing terms for you to learn. Windward and leeward. Windward is the vessel closest to the source of wind, or upwind. Leeward is further away from the source of wind, or downwind. Now, the upwind rider must yield to the downwind rider so remember, the downwind rider has the right of way.

If you’re riding with people who might not be aware of the rules, you can signal your intentions to them with your kite. If you plan on riding upwind, keep your kite up high around noon. If you plan on going downwind, get that kite nice and low. Keep an eye on the other rider and follow in suit. 

if you see a rider downwind of you, give them the right of way. 

Rule 3:

Yield to riders who have fallen or are body dragging for their board. They always have the right of way. It’s also important to note that beginners have the right of way by default. Always give new riders a wide berth and be respectful. If you're a new rider, take comfort in the fact that experienced riders are going to be able to spot you quite easily and will likely give you plenty of room to figure things out.

Yield to fallen riders. 

Rule 4:

Riders leaving the beach will have right of way over riders who are tacking back in. Keep this in mind when you're heading back to the beach. If you see someone heading out, tack back the other way and let them get on the water first.

Riders leaving the beach have the right of way. 

Rule 5:

Be cognizant of your surroundings before executing a maneuver such as a tack or a trick. Always look upwind and downwind of you first. Make sure you have about 50 meters clearance upwind and 100 meters downwind. Kite lines are around 24 meters long and you can cover that distance quite quickly.

Jake Mitchel from the shop always looks before a jump, you should too. 

Rule 6:

What about wave riding? If you see a kiteboarder surfing a wave, they have the right of way. If there are multiple riders on the same wave, the rider closest to the crest or breaking point of the wave has the right of way. Be respectful and give them room. We’re very fortunate to be so mobile on the water with our kites. Give them room and find your break.That covers it for the most part. Be respectful and most importantly have fun out there!

Bryan Elkus knows how to make the most of blown out wind swell.

Crystal Veness

Originally from Canada, she now calls the entire world her playground and simultaneously her workplace. Whether that's an impromptu office in the back of a rental car on top of a mountain or a hut on kite beach Cabarete, she is a true embodiment of the work-life balance movement.

Website: CrystalVeness.com

Instagram: @crystalintl

Facebook: CrystalVeness

Twitter: crystalintl