Kitesurfing Rules of the Road

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Rule 5. The multiperson meetings increase the risk of collisions and should be avoided. It concerns especially beginners. Seeing that in a moment the multiperson meeting will take place and having doubts whether it is safe, the best way is to make a U-turn on the opposite course. If there is no place for that, just stop, set your kite in the zenith and wait until the situation is cleared. It is worth mentioning that being in such a position a rider obtains the right of way in accordance with the Shore Zone Rules. For example: the starboard tack rider meets with two port tack riders kiting in parallel direction, 10 meters apart. The upwind port rider is on the collision course with the starboard one. If he complies with Rule 4 he should go downwind to give way to the starboard one. But he cannot do this, because he simultaneously has to give way to the downwind rider who for instance additionally might be overtaken.

Taking into account the possible effects of a collision during these meetings, the special principle has been created. This principle distinguishes kitesurfing from the other water sports. During meetings involving more than two riders no one is privileged, but each must respond as a give-way rider! It means that everybody has to take an avoiding action once he realises that such meeting is going to take place. The most common action performed is a small course alternation and setting the kite in a way to avoid tangling. Rule 6. There is no need to write too much about this Rule. The essence of double checking the space behind the rider’s back before any jump, trick, or even change to switch or blind was highlighted by a separate Rule. It often happens that one rider switches his position and forgets about a colleague kiting 20 metres behind. Just a

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