Hi all
It’s been mentioned kiters are very unpredictable so to help, here’s the idiots guide to understanding kiting.
1. Kiter in water, feet in straps, kite in air. Any second he will dive his kite 12o'clock to 3 (or 9) to waterstart and take off.
2. Kiter in water looking lost means he’s lost his board. Our boards are very thin and even small chop can obscure it when your head is at water level. Even worse if it's upside down. If you see his board point it out (you're much higher up) or if you're really nice take it back to him. He'll be most grateful and totally amazed a "pole dancer" helped him out.
3. Kiter in water body dragging - He's trying to get back to his board (or still looking for it)
4. Kiter scanning around him – he’s either checkout the scenery or seeing if it’s all clear for him to transition (gybe/tack) or jump.
5. Kiter yanks his kite from 3o'clock to 12, he's started his jump. He should have checked no one is down wind but just in case keep an eye on this trajectory. Sometimes a gust can take him higher/longer than anticipated.
6. Kite spinning uncontrollably - a line has caught on something (eg the kite bar), stay well away. He’s got enough problems without people abusing him.
7. Kiter kiting with only one hand – no he’s not being a tosser and showing off. It can actually be easier this way.
8. Kiter smashes his kite in your path – trust me on this one, he hasn’t done it on purpose to piss you off. Kites are a LOT more fragile than sails so he’s probably more pissed with himself than you are with him anyway. He’s probably a learner so take a note of the colour of his kite and just give him a wide berth next time.
9. Kiter walking up the beach with kite in hand - either the Walk of Shame (hasn't learnt to edge/kite to windward yet) or something failed - either way point and laugh. Just kidding - every kiter goes through this, it's a rite of passage.
10. Kiter getting dragged up the beach – grab either the leading edge of the kite (the fat bladder bit) or grab the person. Either could save his life.
If you want any strange kiter behaviour explained, I'll try my best.
Ex-windsurfer who has gone over to the dark side.....
FF
Nice one Freddo.
11. Kiter suddenly railing upwind - either loading up the pressure to jump or if they're slowing down then about to switch direction (i.e. come to a dead stop and go back the way they came). Should have checked that no-one is around, but just in case keep an eye on them.
12. Kiter on port tack coming towards a windsurfer on Starboard tack and the kiter goes slightly to windward with the kite low. This seems to happen fairly often to a few of us and when we tell them nicely not to do that as it is dangerous when we are doing 30+ knots ...they give you a very dumb look. It could all turn ugly very quickly.
Maybe the answer is to educate every kiter somehow.
Select to expand quoteFez said..
12. Kiter on port tack coming towards a windsurfer on Starboard tack and the kiter goes slightly to windward with the kite low. This seems to happen fairly often to a few of us and when we tell them nicely not to do that as it is dangerous when we are doing 30+ knots ...they give you a very dumb look. It could all turn ugly very quickly.
Maybe the answer is to educate every kiter somehow.
I was surprised that when doing a number of kiting lessons (yes, I admit it), not once did they talk about right of way and how to handle approaching another sailor, whether a kiter or windsurfer. This was about 7 or so lessons over a few years with different instructors.
Maybe they go over this on later lessons, but I expect most people don't do more lessons and teach themselves the rest, so maybe this is why they never learn it?
Windsurfer or kitesurfer, it does not matter. When I am on the water it is my responsibility to use my equipment in a way that is safe and respectful of other water users. It is not someone else's responsibility to get out of my way or work out why I am unpredictable. When I get on the plane my board is a missile that I need to operate with respect to other water users. I don't think that it is funny or witty to think that the unpredictable manoeuvres of some kiters need to be understood. Neither do I think it is funny when a kiter decides to track through an area being used by windsurfers. Usually there is plenty of room on the water for each to have their own spot. This should be especially so for novices and those who don't know their port from starboard. Take a lesson from the jet skiers...when enough was enough they got relegated to the waters beyond everyone else. They are a mighty watercraft but people just don't tolerate dangerous behaviour for long. Why don't we preserve the longevity of kiting and windsurfing by doing the right thing. This means that individual kiters take responsibility by operating in suitable conditions and with plenty of space between them and other users. I would respect that.
Select to expand quoteFez said..
12. Kiter on port tack coming towards a windsurfer on Starboard tack and the kiter goes slightly to windward with the kite low. This seems to happen fairly often to a few of us and when we tell them nicely not to do that as it is dangerous when we are doing 30+ knots ...they give you a very dumb look. It could all turn ugly very quickly.
Maybe the answer is to educate every kiter somehow.
Yes the according to the regs you should pass by the right. This is the opposite of what we do on the roads.
On the water you see both behaviours so you can't count on either.
Notwal... read the colregs properly...passing on the right is for powerboats .... port and starboard applies to ALL sailing craft whether racing or NOT. Recreational situations are the same and it is an international regulation. Just remember this when an incident occurs...'IGNORANCE is NOT a DEFENCE'.
Good luck.
Please pass my comments on to every Kiter you come across before something happens that could have been avoided by respecting others.
I understand all craft, not just power boats should pass on the right. In the event of an imminent collision starboard tack craft must maintain heading and port tack has responsibility to manoeuvre to avoid collision.
I think you are dreaming if you think you can ever rely on sailboards and kites following the regs. In fact blasting around in a manner that depends on everybody following the regs is asking for trouble. Satisfaction in court is not as satisfactory as avoiding a collision in the first place.
Kite racers know and respect the right of way rules. I was on a collision course with a kiter on the weekend, both of us going to windward me on starboard. I held my course and he passed just below me very close ie less than a metre at high speed. I had full confidence there would be no collision because we both knew the rules and therefore could predict each others behavior.
The guys just blasting around are a different story. I keep my distance from them and make sure we have eye contact if we get close. Bit like riding a motorbike even if you have right of way its still better to be cautious.
Select to expand quoteNotWal said..
I understand all craft, not just power boats should pass on the right. In the event of an imminent collision starboard tack craft must maintain heading and port tack has responsibility to manoeuvre to avoid collision.
I think you are dreaming if you think you can ever rely on sailboards and kites following the regs. In fact blasting around in a manner that depends on everybody following the regs is asking for trouble. Satisfaction in court is not as satisfactory as avoiding a collision in the first place.
Your understanding is wrong. The "pass on the right rule" applies only to two power boats. If a power boat and a sailboat (or windsurfer or kite surfer) meet, the sailboat has the right of way, unless the powerboat is a commercial vessel. For two sailboats (or windsurfers) on opposite tacks, the starboard sailor keeps course, and the port sailor changes course, always applies, not just for an imminent collision. If a collision is imminent, both sailors have the obligation to do whatever they can to avoid it. When changing course as the port sailor, changing to a downwind course if preferred (but not absolutely required).
For sailors on the same tack on a collision course, the leeward sailor keeps the course, and the windward sailor needs to evade. Passing sailors need to stay clear of sailors being passed.
These rules apply to sailboats, windsurfers, and kiters all over the world. I have learned them first more than 30 years ago in Germany; they are outlined in the British RYA manuals, and in the US windsurfing instructor manuals.
Problems arise when someone first learned the right-of-way rules for powerboats. Chances are that they will not learn that rules for sailboats are different. I've seen this in a windsurf instructor certification class, where one of the candidates explained the powerboat rules when he was asked to explain the right-of-way rules. He had not bothered to read the parts of the manual since he already "knew" the correct answer (he had a something like a captain's license for powerboats). He almost failed the instructor class. More bothersome, the guy had actually been teaching windsurfing for many years, so there will be hundreds of his students around that have the wrong ideas about right-of-way.
The starboard / port tack rule is simple.
If you are on port tack then you should give way to anyone on starboard tack. You can pass upwind or downwind as long as long as you don't cause them to change course.
If you are on starboard tack then you can maintain course and expect to have right of way. However you must avoid collision if for some reason circumstances dictate
What about when you are on a starboard tack and a kiter heads straight towards you then does a jump out of the way at the last few seconds just when you are about to take evasive action. Happens regularly - is this just a smart a_se kiter showing off that he can jump?? What is the recommended course of action following this apart from an abusive or physical confrontation - Just ignore it??
Select to expand quotegregwed said..
What about when you are on a starboard tack and a kiter heads straight towards you then does a jump out of the way at the last few seconds just when you are about to take evasive action. Happens regularly - is this just a smart a_se kiter showing off that he can jump?? What is the recommended course of action following this apart from an abusive or physical confrontation - Just ignore it??
Then don't go windsurfing with any kind of camera like a GoPro, they look for those, cameras attract kiters like moths to a flame.
All kidding aside, to the OP, being a kiter and former windsurfer, have you made a similar list for the kiters, so they know what to expect from us?
Surely we're not the only ones who you may think need some education.
Predicting windsurfers behaviour.
1. If a windsurfer is coming towards you at 30 knots + stare in awe and wish you could do that.
2. If a windsurfer is cruising along minding his own business go as close as possible to make sure he knows you are there.
3. If a windsurfer crashes in front of you he will stay where he is, no need to worry about him getting blown downwind out of control.
4. If a windsurfer is getting rag dolled and blown along the beach he has tried to grab a kite with a person attached.
5. If a windsurfer is water starting drop your lines on top of him so that he knows to wait.
6. Just mucking around, we all have to be aware of whats happening on the water. Just a few examples of what Ive seen and experienced 
Select to expand quoteFreddofrog said..
Hi all
It’s been mentioned kiters are very unpredictable so to help, here’s the idiots guide to understanding kiting.
1. Kiter in water, feet in straps, kite in air. Any second he will dive his kite 12o'clock to 3 (or 9) to waterstart and take off.
2. Kiter in water looking lost means he’s lost his board. Our boards are very thin and even small chop can obscure it when your head is at water level. Even worse if it's upside down. If you see his board point it out (you're much higher up) or if you're really nice take it back to him. He'll be most grateful and totally amazed a "pole dancer" helped him out.
3. Kiter in water body dragging - He's trying to get back to his board (or still looking for it)
4. Kiter scanning around him – he’s either checkout the scenery or seeing if it’s all clear for him to transition (gybe/tack) or jump.
5. Kiter yanks his kite from 3o'clock to 12, he's started his jump. He should have checked no one is down wind but just in case keep an eye on this trajectory. Sometimes a gust can take him higher/longer than anticipated.
6. Kite spinning uncontrollably - a line has caught on something (eg the kite bar), stay well away. He’s got enough problems without people abusing him.
7. Kiter kiting with only one hand – no he’s not being a tosser and showing off. It can actually be easier this way.
8. Kiter smashes his kite in your path – trust me on this one, he hasn’t done it on purpose to piss you off. Kites are a LOT more fragile than sails so he’s probably more pissed with himself than you are with him anyway. He’s probably a learner so take a note of the colour of his kite and just give him a wide berth next time.
9. Kiter walking up the beach with kite in hand - either the Walk of Shame (hasn't learnt to edge/kite to windward yet) or something failed - either way point and laugh. Just kidding - every kiter goes through this, it's a rite of passage.
10. Kiter getting dragged up the beach – grab either the leading edge of the kite (the fat bladder bit) or grab the person. Either could save his life.
If you want any strange kiter behaviour explained, I'll try my best.
Ex-windsurfer who has gone over to the dark side.....
FF
If 4 and 5 actually happened ie: seeing if it’s all clear for him to transition (gybe/tack) or jump and He should have checked no one is down wind. The vast majority problems wouldn't occur in the first place and everyone would be MUCH happier and safer on the water.
To fix the other issue of right of way to make it simple, right hand forward has right of way. KISS theory.
FYI guys, kiters want to avoid collisions A LOT more than you. For you it's just a minor hicup. For them tangled lines is a nightmare and potentially life threatening.
For those kiters who seem to cut it close, chances are they are 100% confident their lines will miss you. (Remember, they want to avoid collisions at all costs). So if you abuse them, they will look confused as they know they will clear you with ample room to spare so they won't understand your concern. However, if you are really concerned gybe or bear away. This may not seem "fair" but kiters actually do this all the time. If we're unsure of something/someone ahead self perservation kicks in and we just turn around. It's simply not worth the hassle and risk.
(Edit: Think of it as an opportunity to practice an emergency snap gybe, when was the last time you did one of those?)
That just sounds like a list of excuses for being a kook and trying to justify not knowing what you're doing.
Select to expand quotehoop said..
That just sounds like a list of excuses for being a kook and trying to justify not knowing what you're doing.
So not helpful.
Select to expand quotehoop said..
That just sounds like a list of excuses for being a kook and trying to justify not knowing what you're doing.Select to expand quoteFreddofrog said..
FYI guys, kiters want to avoid collisions A LOT more than you. For you it's just a minor hicup. For them tangled lines is a nightmare and potentially life threatening.
For those kiters who seem to cut it close, chances are they are 100% confident their lines will miss you. (Remember, they want to avoid collisions at all costs). So if you abuse them, they will look confused as they know they will clear you with ample room to spare so they won't understand your concern. However, if you are really concerned gybe or bear away. This may not seem "fair" but kiters actually do this all the time. If we're unsure of something/someone ahead self perservation kicks in and we just turn around. It's simply not worth the hassle and risk.
(Edit: Think of it as an opportunity to practice an emergency snap gybe, when was the last time you did one of those?)
That's not always the case though...
Select to expand quoteFreddofrog said..
FYI guys, kiters want to avoid collisions A LOT more than you. For you it's just a minor hicup. For them tangled lines is a nightmare and potentially life threatening. ...
That's not always the case though...
True though my point being the consequences can be a lot more serious for kiters.
Select to expand quoteqldnacra said....... right hand forward has right of way...
Now why didn't anyone tell me this gem years ago. Would have made my course racing days just that little bit easier.
Select to expand quotegregwed said..
What about when you are on a starboard tack and a kiter heads straight towards you then does a jump out of the way at the last few seconds just when you are about to take evasive action. Happens regularly - is this just a smart a_se kiter showing off that he can jump?? What is the recommended course of action following this apart from an abusive or physical confrontation - Just ignore it??
Yes he could just be a smart ar$e or simply tryng to get a jump in before the empty patch of water downwind of both of you closes up. Either way don't let him get that close and bear away (or head up) earlier. You're happier and he's getting his jollies gliding about.
Select to expand quoteMastbender said..
All kidding aside, to the OP, being a kiter and former windsurfer, have you made a similar list for the kiters, so they know what to expect from us?
Surely we're not the only ones who you may think need some education.
Fair point though I'm going to need some help on what kiters need to be informed of. Windsurfing in my mind is very predictiable.
One main issue raised is kiters getting too close. I think it's fine but I can see how from a windsurfing perspective it seems way too close. I'm happy to champion a "give them more room" thing.
What else?
Select to expand quoteboardsurfr said..
Your understanding is wrong. The "pass on the right rule" applies only to two power boats. If a power boat and a sailboat (or windsurfer or kite surfer) meet, the sailboat has the right of way, unless the powerboat is a commercial vessel. For two sailboats (or windsurfers) on opposite tacks, the starboard sailor keeps course, and the port sailor changes course, always applies, not just for an imminent collision. If a collision is imminent, both sailors have the obligation to do whatever they can to avoid it. When changing course as the port sailor, changing to a downwind course if preferred (but not absolutely required).
I think you're splitting hairs here.
Most people sail very close to as high upwind as they can. It's a lot easier to change direction to point downwind, even more so when you've got a kite in the air and you need to allow for the angle of the strings.
All of this means that the port tack sailor will almost always head downwind when required to change direction. Which means that the two vessels "pass on the right" even if they are obeying the sailing rules.
Even so, most recreational sailors spot a potential collision a mile off and make a very small adjustment to their course so that it's obvious which direction they're going to go. With kiters it's even easier to see because you put your kite high if you want to go upwind, and down if you want to go downwind. This system works well because you've normally got no idea if the other guy knows the correct rules... making an obvious course direction change is how most people negotiate how to not bump into people in the street.
5. Kiter yanks his kite from 3o'clock to 12, he's started his jump. He should have checked no one is down wind but just in case keep an eye on this trajectory. Sometimes a gust can take him higher/longer than anticipated.
They should be looking behind themselves as well as downwind. I have lost count of the times a kiterr has jumped only to realise that a windsurfer was sailing in from behind and slightly downwind at double his/her speed. It doesn't take long to cover a few hundred metres at 25-30 knots - in fact it can easily be covered in the time the kiter is dangling in the air.
Select to expand quoteikw777 said..
I have lost count of the times a kiterr has jumped only to realise that a windsurfer was sailing in from behind and slightly downwind at double his/her speed. It doesn't take long to cover a few hundred metres at 25-30 knots - in fact it can easily be covered in the time the kiter is dangling in the air.
Thats all well and good but as we all know the vessel "clear astern shall keep clear of a vessel clear ahead" Not only is this rule 12 that you are breaking its also common sense. Im not going to drive my car at 100kph past a motorbike who i see it weaving around and expect him to get out of my way, sure he might be going slower than the speed limit and driving dangerously but that doesn't make me think "it will give me satisfaction in court."
As I'm aware, one major reason Jet skis were moved to separate zone's in many areas was the fact they don't, as you said, "take long to cover a few hundred metres", but at much more than 25-30 knots. Perhaps thats something you should consider, MarkSSC also mentioned his board being a missile 
As for me I am both a sailboarder and a kiteboarder, Its easy for me to read the language of both disciplines. I do think its a good idea to write out a list for the kite boarders even if for you it does seem predictable, it may not be for them. But its very important to write it in the same manner Freddo has done. No "don't do this", just "if we have this body language, expect this"
An example, on a recent trip to the sunshine coast I noticed a sailboarder doing some real nice powered gybes, and some kiters had no idea what was happening and kept getting in his way.
As for kiters not getting taught the correct rules, I know for a fact that the IKO guidelines do include right of way, which doe include port starboard, windward boat, etc. whether people are self taught or learn from their mates though means they wouldn't have bothered with it.
When a kiter goes towards you in full speed, jumps just in front, points to his kite while flying and screams " this is more fun!"
..and yes, it happened at Pelican Point. 
The extremes aside, I feel safe sailing a windsurfer around experienced kiters.
They somehow control that thing very nicely, and can easily turn back on a dime, or change direction quickly, or lift the kite to avoid the entanglement.
Both sports have beginners though, and while learning they are unpredictable so it is wise to give them ample space.
Select to expand quoteflyingcab said...ikw777 said..
I have lost count of the times a kiterr has jumped only to realise that a windsurfer was sailing in from behind and slightly downwind at double his/her speed. It doesn't take long to cover a few hundred metres at 25-30 knots - in fact it can easily be covered in the time the kiter is dangling in the air.
Thats all well and good but as we all know the vessel "clear astern shall keep clear of a vessel clear ahead" Not only is this rule 12 that you are breaking its also common sense.
The overtaking rule doesn't apply to airborne vessels flying cab. Nor does it apply when the airborne vessel falls onto the other vessel as a result of travelling downwind suddenly whilst airborne.
Predicting kiters behavious
Just think of the most ridiculous and stupid behaviour you can think of. They will do something dumber
Select to expand quoteSubsonic said...flyingcab said...ikw777 said..
I have lost count of the times a kiterr has jumped only to realise that a windsurfer was sailing in from behind and slightly downwind at double his/her speed. It doesn't take long to cover a few hundred metres at 25-30 knots - in fact it can easily be covered in the time the kiter is dangling in the air.
Thats all well and good but as we all know the vessel "clear astern shall keep clear of a vessel clear ahead" Not only is this rule 12 that you are breaking its also common sense.
The overtaking rule doesn't apply to airborne vessels flying cab. Nor does it apply when the airborne vessel falls onto the other vessel as a result of travelling downwind suddenly whilst airborne.
Exactly!
