Sounds like the queueing system is still in operation.
I windsurfed the main break about 20 years ago. The windsurfer at the front of the queue had left some waves and when the wind picked up as I was on my way back out, I thought I could catch and ride one of the waves he had left. The wind died again just before I got over onto the face of the wave, so I had to wait for the next one.
I could have pumped the sail and got into the pocket but the guy at the front of the queue had taken the wave and was in the pocket so I put the sail across the white water and let it push me in, which was OK until the fin hit a rock and got pushed through the tail of the board, the mast got broken and the loop on the open back zip of my wetsuit snagged on a rock and was holding me underwater for a few waves. I had to rip the wetsuit right around the waist to the front to get free.
Its all part of sticking to the rules. I probably could have avoided that by ruining his wave, but I would take the same chance again.
People get pumped there every swell , the rules are the rules. I was out there around then and there was a lot of dropping in going on over those day's. I liken it how people behave on roads that time of year. If you pulled off every wave that some one wanted to drop in on you you would not get any waves, you have to hold your ground it's hard enough to get waves there as it is. We are not talking about windsurfers here, kites were just being dick's. As far as being near fatal you need to hospitalized for that claim. Near fatal what a joke, like I said people get pumped all the time. It was an amusing read in the local paper though, many laughs in the car park
This has happened to me a few times at Scarbz; while trying to get out/off the beach break, getting held in by a rider coming into shore over the top of me. One time I even had to pull an emergency loop from 12 down toward the beach to get out and under from one oblivious dudes lines as he was cruising straight in toward me while I had another guy coming out from behind me (no lube).
I know the rules say you have right of way if you are riding on "Starboard tack" (coming into Scarbz in a SW) and ?The outgoing Kiteboarder gives way to the incoming kiteboarder? but it would be really appreciated if you pulled off that monster 2ft wave to let someone out of a spot. Maybe the incoming Kiter gives way to the outgoing kiter who is launching rule could apply here?
Seems to be plenty of room for confusion out there with subjective rules such as:
- The first kiteboarder to catch a wave, has the wave.
- Where two kiteboarders catch the wave at the same time, the kiteboarder closest to the peak has the wave.
- When there is no distinct peak, the upwind kiteboarder has the wave.
- The outgoing Kiteboarder gives way to the incoming kiteboarder etc.
What?s the general consensus? My votes:
1) Give way to whoever is coming down the line (tack back up wind and take your turn) if they are on a wave.
2) Give way to riders coming out through the shore break/beach.
3) Share and play nice and safe.
