Right of way on kitesurfing

The right of way on kitesurfing are regulated by N.I.P.A.M. (International Regulations for Preventing the collision on the sea) that determine the actions that boats should take to prevent the collisions: whenever the routes of two boats will meet, who has right of way has to maintain its way and the other boat has to change its way. However, both boats have to act in order to avoid any possibility of collision.

The following are the general right of way and rules to be followed by boats and kitesurfs (the kitesurf is considered like a sailing boat).

Special thanks for support to Mirco Babini and CKI (Classe Kiteboarding Italia).

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.1: Motor boats must give the way to the sailing units, with exception for public transport boats, boats in distress and fishing units.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.2: The kiteboarder on port tack gives way to the kiteboarder on starboard tack.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.3: The upwind kiteboarder gives way to the downwind kiteboarder.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.4: In case of units that are sailing in the same side with different speeds, the unit that passes must give way to the slow unit.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.5: In case of any obstacles or units in trouble, keep away and give the possibility the easily maneuver.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.6: Keep away from races and training courses, as well as dedicated bathing areas and harbors.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.7: When crossing close to another kiteboarder, the upwind kiteboarder keeps his kite high and the downwind kiteboarder keeps his kite low. This rule applies both for kitesurfs sailing in the same sides and in the opposite sides.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.8: Kiteboarder that is changing side, jumping, that goes proceeds with postures different from those of normal navigation (blind, toe side), performs loop, loses the right of way. Do not jump when you are upwind of another kiteboarder. Look in all directions (including up) before you jump.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.9: Close to the kitesurf lanes, the outgoing kiteboarder who is launching gives way to the incoming Kiteboarder. The kiteboarder that is launching the kite, before launching it, must be sure that the kitesurf lane is free from other kiteboarders.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.10: It is forbidden to jump, looping the kite and ride the waves in the kite lanes.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.11: The launching and landing operations must be done carefully, avoiding to keep the kite flying on the beach longer than it is necessary. It’s absolutely dangerous and forbidden to jump and loop the kite in the beach.

Kitesurfing Right of Way N.12: The kiteboarder that is surfing a wave has the right of way, independently of the side. If more kiteboarders are surfing the same wave, the kiteboarder close to breaker point has the right of way.