Posted this in the kiting forum as I am sure it applies to all.
The International collision regulations are in place and apply to kiters,windsurfers and yachties to avoid injuries and collisions. We are all out there to have fun and blaze around, however it should be done in a safe manner. Today I had 3 x kiters come at me on port tack whilst windsurfing at the speed spot at Botany Bay.
What part of "port tack gives way to starboard tack" don't you guy's understand.
All 3 occasions I was forced to take evasive action to avoid them. This isn't the first time this has happened and so far I have had restraint from saying anything and just avoiding them. With the speeds we are all doing when it gets fresh it is just a matter of time before someone gets injured if this sort of thing keeps happening. At 35kn's + taking evasive action might not be an option as it requires a split second reaction. When a kite just pivot gybes without looking first, just in front of you and then crosses your path a couple of seconds later, it is dangerous.
I am writing this to keep all of us enjoying the wind and water. Happy to share the water with anyone as long as everyone abides by the rules. Windsurfers included.
Note: All people on the water have a responsibility to avoid potential collisions and should familiarize themselves with the rules before venturing out there.
It would be a good idea if you are coming back from in the corner on port tack to sail below the 2 old timber posts, thus avoiding any starboard tack boards or kites on the speed run. Coming back on port is asking for potential trouble, as experienced numerous times to date.
If you know the rules then inform the ignorant!
Keep it safe
Give up dude. When you try to post about a certain spot and actual problems you saw, all posted politely in the name of getting along and avoiding injury you will find you are:
(1) a hater apparently
and
(2) will get responses from people who don't know the spot and try to tell you about how it should work.
then
(3) a debate about how right of way is irrelevant as they are special, then the comments about how "I will just boost over all of youse lolz fk off old windsurfer dudes"
(then the thread tomorrow about "poor us we are getting another kiting ban at spot XYZ boo hoo")
Maybe should talk to the guys that run the kite school nearby, they would be in a better position to spread the wisdom....
At least in Victoria we have laws in place to deal with it:
Flying kites or playing a game in public which annoys another person
Summary Offences Act, 1966 
Select to expand quotepowersloshin said..
Maybe should talk to the guys that run the kite school nearby, they would be in a better position to spread the wisdom....
I doubt it will do much good. Hoons had been taught to drive responsibly and to respect others, but still there are some out there. Those kiters who intermingled with windsurfers did it because they believe they are in full control. Perhaps they think they are very good as well.
Select to expand quoteFez said..
Posted this in the kiting forum as I am sure it applies to all.
The International collision regulations are in place and apply to kiters,windsurfers and yachties to avoid injuries and collisions. We are all out there to have fun and blaze around, however it should be done in a safe manner. Today I had 3 x kiters come at me on port tack whilst windsurfing at the speed spot at Botany Bay.
What part of "port tack gives way to starboard tack" don't you guy's understand.
All 3 occasions I was forced to take evasive action to avoid them. This isn't the first time this has happened and so far I have had restraint from saying anything and just avoiding them. With the speeds we are all doing when it gets fresh it is just a matter of time before someone gets injured if this sort of thing keeps happening. At 35kn's + taking evasive action might not be an option as it requires a split second reaction. When a kite just pivot gybes without looking first, just in front of you and then crosses your path a couple of seconds later, it is dangerous.
I am writing this to keep all of us enjoying the wind and water. Happy to share the water with anyone as long as everyone abides by the rules. Windsurfers included.
Note: All people on the water have a responsibility to avoid potential collisions and should familiarize themselves with the rules before venturing out there.
It would be a good idea if you are coming back from in the corner on port tack to sail below the 2 old timber posts, thus avoiding any starboard tack boards or kites on the speed run. Coming back on port is asking for potential trouble, as experienced numerous times to date.
If you know the rules then inform the ignorant!
Keep it safe
I think you might have missed the fine print
What part of "port tack gives way to starboard tack*" don't you guy's understand.
* unless there are three of them and one of you, in which case the rule is reversed. 
Select to expand quoteikw777 said..
First rule of staying safe at sea: Assume everyone else is a d***head.
Actually that applies on road too when I was riding motorbikes, ie all car drivers in their glorified lunch boxes are idiots.
To the OP, simpliest solution is being aware that it is easier to control your actions than others. If you change tack long before they get close, you'll never give them the opportunity to cause you grief.
Select to expand quoteFez said..
Posted this in the kiting forum as I am sure it applies to all.
The International collision regulations are in place and apply to kiters,windsurfers and yachties to avoid injuries and collisions. We are all out there to have fun and blaze around, however it should be done in a safe manner. Today I had 3 x kiters come at me on port tack whilst windsurfing at the speed spot at Botany Bay.
What part of "port tack gives way to starboard tack" don't you guy's understand.
All 3 occasions I was forced to take evasive action to avoid them. This isn't the first time this has happened and so far I have had restraint from saying anything and just avoiding them. With the speeds we are all doing when it gets fresh it is just a matter of time before someone gets injured if this sort of thing keeps happening. At 35kn's + taking evasive action might not be an option as it requires a split second reaction. When a kite just pivot gybes without looking first, just in front of you and then crosses your path a couple of seconds later, it is dangerous.
I am writing this to keep all of us enjoying the wind and water. Happy to share the water with anyone as long as everyone abides by the rules. Windsurfers included.
Note: All people on the water have a responsibility to avoid potential collisions and should familiarize themselves with the rules before venturing out there.
It would be a good idea if you are coming back from in the corner on port tack to sail below the 2 old timber posts, thus avoiding any starboard tack boards or kites on the speed run. Coming back on port is asking for potential trouble, as experienced numerous times to date.
If you know the rules then inform the ignorant!
Keep it safe
This post is fully retarted. ^^^
lol.
They've probably watched the PWA slalom where there is no rules and think that is the same in real life...
Select to expand quotewaveslave said..Fez said..
snip
This post is fully retarted. ^^^
lol.
And that is ironic as fk
lol back at ya Mr Slave
Select to expand quoteMark _australia said..waveslave said..Fez said..
snip
This post is fully retarted. ^^^
lol.
And that is ironic as fk
lol back at ya Mr Slave
It was a joke, Captain Obvious.
OH
MY
GOD
lol.
So..is retarted when someone returns to prostitution after leaving another profession?
Select to expand quoteikw777 said..
First rule of staying safe at sea: Assume everyone else is a d***head.
Or on the road- Last week in a 90 zone I had a car pull out to overtake as we passed each other! ( coming towards me) His front came into my lane .Luckily I was well over to the left - 1/2 sec difference and I would have been toast..I swear he mustn't have seen me.. No one could be that stupid??? 
+ 1 for motorbikes - defensive riding...
Select to expand quotewaveslave said..
Mark _australia said..
waveslave said..
Fez said..
snip
This post is fully retarted. ^^^
lol.
And that is ironic as fk
lol back at ya Mr Slave
It was a joke, Captain Obvious.
OH
MY
GOD
lol.
It's no joking matter, the rule is imposed to prevent collisions, injuries and damage to equipment.
Select to expand quotewaveslave said..
This post is fully retarted. ^^^
lol.
From Urban Dictionary, we have:Select to expand quote
TOP DEFINITION
retarted
One who has been given additional tarts.
Tartmobile vendor: Here is your extra tart sir. Consider yourself retarted.
Tartmobile customer: Yes thank you I am certainly retarted and happy!
by underdogFromLux August 18, 2006
Here's a tip for some self reflection hopefully leading to changing your inner self talk in a positive way, creating positve changes to your personality... Probably not a joke if no one finds it funny
Select to expand quotepowersloshin said..
Maybe should talk to the guys that run the kite school nearby, they would be in a better position to spread the wisdom....
Hopefully they'll follow the Brisbane store 
as this is a windsurf forum ...
perhaps we should just ensure we follow the "rules" ??
and ride defensively
not all windsurfers follow the "rules" either !!
Select to expand quotejoe windsurf said..
as this is a windsurf forum ...
perhaps we should just ensure we follow the "rules" ??
and ride defensively
not all windsurfers follow the "rules" either !!
Possibly, but I don't believe that was the point raised?
The issue highlighted was foolish and or dangerous action while on the water in an area frequented by both sports, by a particular group, who really should know better.
Topic gets ugly when a fellow water user who think its funny, start with the bullcrap, as highlighted by Mark.
nuf said 
Joe windsurf... it was mentioned in my post that all water users should comply including windsurfers. Please read before making a comment.
Waveslave.... definition of "retard" is not being able to spell retard. Sums it all up really!
Good on ya Fez for trying to make your local safer and inform all water uses, not just one type.
Your best bet would be to have a friendly chat to the other local windsurfers and kiter on the beach, some may not realise there is even a problem, unfortunately.
That way you are getting to the root of the problem and not wasting your breath on posting here where they probly dont read, and where the usual couple of negative haters will immediately try and troll it into a "I hate kites" thread. And not actually give you any advise or help the problem.
Try the "have a friendly chat" on the beach thing, you may be surprised how most will cooperate making the session more enjoyable for all and your stress level lower, all from a quick chat.
Remember, a stranger is just a friend you havent met. lol
Select to expand quotealbers said..waveslave said..
This post is fully retarted. ^^^
lol.
From Urban Dictionary, we have:
TOP DEFINITION
retarted
One who has been given additional tarts.
Tartmobile vendor: Here is your extra tart sir. Consider yourself retarted.
Tartmobile customer: Yes thank you I am certainly retarted and happy!
by underdogFromLux August 18, 2006
Well, that's one definition of retarted. ^^^
I was thinking it could mean when a poler puts a whole lot of new sponsors stickers on his sail.
As in; "Tart something up".
What do you reckon ?
lol.
Think we have uncovered a big problem with lack of knowledge of basic rules on the water in the kitesurfing fraternity.
Read some of the replies to this post in kite forum NSWKBA.
If ever there was a case for a 'sticky' thread at the top of each forum this is it.
Kiters need a right of way article at the top of their forum permanently. Time and again they are dumbfounded when we mention it, some take it on board but many get argumentative about how it is dumb, or hard to know, or why should I....?
Unbelievable.
It is directed at all water users. If you read this post in the NSWKBA forum as it has more directed there. I have mentioned all types of craft. It seems there is more kites that are not aware of their responsibilities than other types of users. Although jetski's are right up there in the dangerous category. There are some windsurfers that don't know either, but seem to be fewer and less dangerous.
This is not a kite vs windsurfer battle for any knobheads that think it is.
There are rules in place and if we all conform them it is for a safer approach. When it gets to 30-35knots of wind and higher in board speed then the margins of error have been too close for comfort when trying to take evasive action for someone not conforming to the rules. This explains the rules for kites clearer than me.http://www.mauikiteboardingassociation.com/kiteboarding_right-of-way_rules.html
I've just read them, they are comprehensive, consistent with sailing rules and easy to understand. They should form part of any instruction to kitesurf
A point so subtle that many overlook it, is that the COLREGs DO NOT GIVE ANYONE THE RIGHT OF WAY OVER SOMEONE ELSE. The rules don't talk about someone having right of way over someone else, but unfortunately that seems to be the mindset. The ultimate rule is that you must do everything to avoid a collision, even if someone else is supposed to be giving way to you. Having someone meant to give way to you DOES NOT give you right of way. It imposes an obligation on a "burdened" or "give way" vessel, not a RIGHT to the "privileged" or "stand on" vessel.
I won't be wasting billable time by arguing this with anyone.
The truth is easy to see. Watercraft have been following the same basic rules for ages, then the new guy/girl (kite boarding) turns up, and seems to have created rules that are all about themselves with no regards to the rules that had already been in place between other watercraft for ages
The problem with rules, especially recreational watercraft, is nobody enforces them,
Has there ever been a collision between windsurfers or kite boarders where people have been charged with not giving way???????
At the end of the day both parties have to avoid collision as much as their skill set and experience will allow
Fez you are a great sailor at Botany. I would suggest there would be very few situations on the water that you couldn't foresee coming with your level of experience and very few situations that you wouldn't have been unable to avoid with your great sailing prowess, so if you were to have a collision, it would be fair to say, 95% of the time, you had the ability and experience to avoid it, which is the only fundamental rule
Yes, I agree there is situations that could happen so quickly, blind spots, that wouldn't have been easy to avoid
One could easily say it aint real safe to a have guys perform high slalom around a lot of less experienced people that go to the water with very little understanding......
In my opinion, Botany, is not just for windsurfers, and the experienced sailors should not expect the same commitment to the water/rules from others that play at Bot
You got the skill, awareness to create clean lines and a bit of circuit around the others who are just cruising, including the worlds most obtrusive thing, the kite boarder
For the record, the only couple of collisions I've seen after ten yrs of sailing in Syd, is Windsurfers, GPS guys, bearing off and crashing into guys who run a more cross wind approach
