avoiding collisions

Windsurfers don't still exist do they....????

hey there Windxtasy, hear what your saying! We can never excuse ignorance for poor form in regard to water saftey. If water user dont know normal giveway rules then they should get off the water until they do! In saying that newbs out on the water on kites some time find it hard to kill speed and they are unpredictable, best to give them wide berth. Easier for a kiter to bear off the wind to avoid passing to close to a fellow sailor and all sailors of differing disciplines should make sure we dont put other water users at risk !!

I've had this issue a few times. When kiters first came on the scene I would bear off to give them room. Now I just play chicken and invariably they lift their kite up. They have much more to lose :) especially when they are a bit further out to sea. Just hold your line WindXstacy, they'll move out of your way. I would say in general 90% of kiters are respectful of others on the water. There are just a small minority who f_uck it up for others. It's certainly better than it was 2 - 3 years ago. Maybe the sharks have scared off all the try hards?

Hey Windxtasy.

Anyone beyond total beginner kiter can turn around and change direction much more easily than a windsurfer (from what I can tell watching windsurfers!!) Ignorance isn't limited to dry land and people who don't give a toss on the road etc will behave the same on the water no matter if they are kiting or poleboarding. There are some first class wankers turning up to ride here no doubt. Having said that, the biggest risk of serious collision at Safety Bay comes from $#@%heads doing speed runs (I think broad reach is the proper sailing term) straight through the dozens of kites and windsurfers happily riding east/west in and out of the pond and on the outer shallows.

I've seen lots of close calls and no doubt there's been some good crashes due to this. If 40 or 50 other water users are tacking back and forth at a relatively similar angle to the wind and 4 or 5 people want to do warp speed diagonally through the pack.....expect to have problems. Again, not saying this was the cause of your issues, probably just some ignorant punks or maybe inexperienced riders, but the 'speed sailors' thing is rather annoying/dangerous.

Competent kiters can do all of the things you ask about.

However, many kiters don't have much idea about right-of-way rules and need education in the form of simple information (general rules as well as guidelines specific to given locations - and I believe Safety Bay has pretty clear guidelines). Such kiters are often glad to be informed and happy to co-operate in sharing the water.

There are many other kiters who are show-ponies and/or selfish wankers and changing their behaviour is rarely a matter of simple information. Of course, there are such people in every group, but kiting, as more of an obvious spectacle than windsurfing, tends perhaps to attract more than its share. Also, as kites (with lines) take up a lot more real estate than sailboards, the ignorant/selfish kiter's actions are more conspicuous and problematic.

What's to be done about this is as much a concern for many of us kiters as for other beachgoers. We want access and a good reputation. We want to self-regulate as a group. We are doing our best to work out how to keep kiting fun, accessible, and compatible with other beach/water recreations.

Hopefully some Safety Bay locals can chip in too with their local knowledge beyond this general spiel.

Good summary djdojo. Like any fringe activity (motorcycling, Cycling, etc.) the majority are passionate and enjoy the experience without the need to put lives at risk.

But with all these activities, you only notice the 2-3% that act like tossers.

As a newbie to kitesurfing, I generally have two speeds: Fast and slightly out of control downwind, or stop. Stopping is a very simple task, infact, it's the default position for any kitesurfer, so there are no excuses

I try and stay out of everyone's way and only try and take off when I see the coast is clear so to speak.

So my summary is that anyone that's holding their line and not yielding to you on your windsurf, or another kitesurfer or a boat etc. is probably choosing not to yield, as opposed to cannot.

I completed my lessons end of last year with a reputable school (I know some people think that is an oxymoron, I'm undecided, but I do like the word oxymoron which is why I added this bit) and the subject or right of way wasn't even mentioned. I've had to learn this myself (which is academic at the moment, given said lack of control, but one day I'll master this sport).

My take is if you are sailing off the wind you would be the overtaking vessel and should give way while others hold their line. I know when everyone is running the same line it is hard to notice someone coming from further upwind at full speed.
Everything else though is just ignorance as kiters have way more maneuverability than windsurfers (it may also be that kiters can comfortably go closer than you would think comfortable). Only other thing is learners sometimes have absolutely no control.

I've put this up before and I'll keep doing it until everyone has read it.

All you guys who are new and you instructor did not bother to teach you there is a Kiteboarding Code of Conduct. It was developed several years ago with consultation with many kiting interest groups and we feel it is of value.

Please read it and learn

http://www.nswkba.com.au/coc

copy and paste

The following Right of Way guidelines should be adhered to when Kite Surfing: (courtesy of WAKSA)

There is no absolute right of way - All parties should take any action necessary to avoid a collision.

When two riders are on opposite tacks and there is a need to alter course to avoid collision, the port tack rider (left shoulder forward) shall alter course and/or kite position in order to keep clear of the starboard tack rider (right shoulder forward) who should maintain the same course and speed.

When two or more riders are on the same tack with kite lines overlapped, the upwind rider(s) shall keep their kite high and the downwind rider(s) keep their kite low.

When two riders are on the same tack and are not overlapped, the rider behind shall ensure the rider ahead is aware of the rider approaching from behind.

Never deliberately manoeuvre into a right of way position so that it interferes with another water user. If you are behind another kite heading into the beach, turn early to allow the lead rider plenty of room to turn. Always check for other water users before water-starting, jibing, relaunching a kite or recovering a board.

A rider shall not jump if there is any danger of possible collision with another rider.

When wave riding, the first rider on the face of a wave has right of way. This may override the starboard tack rule. Give way to surfers even if they drop in on your wave.

Give way to surfers and other water users when in the surf, at all times.

Do not tack out through a surf break that is occupied by surfers.

All riders should be aware of and abide by all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

I can't believe this topic is still going. If you know what you are doing you make a general assessment of everyones ability on the water and steer well clear of erratic sailors of all crafts, especially newbies. I have been on the water all of my life and never hit anyone else or been hit, its all just common sense.....

^^^^^^ I suspect that'll be what happens to Poletroll if he keeps up his mischievious posts