Kiteboarding Victoria

As kiteboarding/kitesurfing becomes more popular, it is becoming more visible to the public and with increasing number of kiters, and the risks to ourselves and to the public are increasing due to inexperience and sheer numbers.

As the number of (avoidable) incidents and complaints increase, we expose ourselves to the it possibility that the sport will be heavily restricted or even banned on some beaches. It is up to us all to take the initiative and promote the sport by example and by assisting those who are less experienced.

Most kitesurfing shops in Australia will not sell a kite setup to a novice or inexperienced kiter. The kite setup must be purchased with a minimum amount of lessons. This has been initiated by the shops themselves and is not regulated by any official body. To these kiteshops, we acknowledge this with our thanks.

As a community of like minded sportspeople, we must look out for each other in an attempt to promote the sport and minimise the number of incidents and complaints. All kiteboarders (new-comers and experienced alike) need to understand that the kiteboarding community does not want the sport to be seen in a bad light due to the behaviour of unenlightened kiteboarders with no respect for public safety or no awareness of the danger associated with kiting. We do not want to lower the safety record of this sport to the point where it is restricted by official body or public community.

Most kiting beachs have areas designated as rigging and kiting areas as well as an access lane - generally rigging areas are those where kiters can assemble their rigs without getting in the way of the public (or vice versa), kiting areas are generally stretches of water more than 50M from the shore where kiters are unlikely to encounter swimmers, and access lanes are designated channels between the shore and the kiting areas through which kiters can move to and from the shore.

At the moment there oare only a few beaches where these areas are actually signpost3ed (for the benefit of both the public and kiters) however most ofthe locals are able to advise new kiters as to where they are.

As a general rule kiter are expected to remain 50 meters from the beach (ie outside the access lane). The access lane should only be used to launch and land - and be cautious as it is also used by swimmers.

Always remember:

Yield to other beach users. Be courteous and cooperative. Remember that we are seen to be the visitors.
Follow any safety instructions and rules and regulations posted at the beaches you use.
Check with local kiteboarding associations, shops or web sites prior to launching in a new area. There may be local rules and regulations to follow which are not posted.
Use common sense with safety (of other beach users) in mind.
Do not touch other people’s gear, unless instructed to do so by the owner. Picking up their bars, kites, etc. may disrupt a setup ritual they have.
Always secure your kite with sand or sand bags. An unmanned kite is dangerous.
Never leave an inflated kite unattended. Winds may shift and cause the kite to become unsecured and fly off.
Set up only the gear that you plan on using immediately. Deflate and put away your
kites when not in use.
Set up in an area where you have plenty of space.
Set up in a manner conducive to having multiple users in the area. Do not set up your equipment where your lines may cross those of another kite.
Roll up your lines when not in use.
Always keep other beach and water access users in mind when launching, landing,
and kiteboarding.
Always be ready to lend assistance to other kiteboarders. The favour may be returned sooner than you think, and even if it does not you are being a good ambassador for the sport.

If you are on the beach and learning to control your kite please observe the following simple guidelines:
- Do not practice within range of any beach users (including other kiters). Move to an area that has adequate clearing all around you even if you are dragged downwind. It is recommended that you have at least 100m clear on all either side and downwind of you (as per the diagram below).
- Do not ask or expect the public to assist you - by involving a member of the public who may not understand the dangers of handling the equipment, you are putting them at risk.
- Do not instruct others unless you are qualified (by experience or are an instructor) to do so.

Etiquette on the water

In general, kiteboarders can kite 50m from the beach and may only come closer when leaving or returning to the beach. 50m clearance means 50m from any part of your kite equipment....
Once you have launched you should stay outside of the 50m area to allow others to launch and land in safety. It may be "cool" to do a jump turn right in front of a full beach but this is dangerouse for swimmers and yuo need to consider other kitesurfers that may not be as experiened and need the space to learn to launch or land etc.
Keep a lookout for and keep clear of swimmers and other water activities.
Upwind riders have right of way... downwind riders should yield.

Upwind riders should keep the kite high.
Downwind riders should keep the kite low.
Check out the rules....

Do not follow another kiter too closely. Maintain adequate separation so that you have time to react in case of any unexpected action by the other kiter or by yourself.
Do not try to stay on the highest line you can when crossing over, downwind, of another kiter. Give the upwind kiter room to "slip" downwind if need be.
Do not "boost" or jump immediately upwind of a kiteboarder in your immediate vicinity. It is the responsibility of the upwind kiter to ensure there is adequate separation between them and any other kiter or water user - adequate separation means enough space (considering wind and water conditions as well as own and judged ability of others in the vicintiy) to jump and land (dont forget downwind drift while in the air), transition, etc.
Less manouverable craft have right of way. A less experienced rider on the same setup is considered "less manouverable".

Looking after our own

Ultimately we will set the tone for ourselves. We need to do this proactively and with sensitivity - never forget that we are always under surveillance by the public.

The following are some examples of "how to" and "how not to" assist other kitesurfers...

If you see a kitesurfer setting up on a beach which is crowded, go over and talk to him/her. Find out what skill level they are and offer to assist in the interest of protecting the public. If necessary suggest moving to a less crowded part of the beach.

There is a fine line between making tactful suggestions and acting like "big brother" or the police. We should do neither of the latter. A lot can be achieved by open and friendly communication. Do not tell any kitesurfer that he or she is "not allowed" to do anything. There is also no need to tell them off... Simply let them know the potential situation they are about to get into and what the possible consequences are (public and/or self injury, endangering the sport). Try to be constructive so always make a positive suggestion (offer to assist, show them a more suitable setup or launch area, etc).

Always keep an eye on the beach and make sure that everyone kiting is indeed able to look after themselves. When you see someone who is obviously inexperienced or in difficulty, go over and talk to them. You could help them with something, you could educate them on safety, you could talk them out if it, you could show them something that will make their kiting safer in the future.

Most of all, you will be teaching them that kiters stick together and look after each other and in the future when that person has become an educated rider, he will know that he or she too has an obligation to look out for other kiters and be wary of unsafe practices.

Kitboarding Etiquette - Something every kiteboarder should know and practice.... -

The following sections contain some guidelines on good kitesurfing etiquette.