Take a moment to think and answer this… Do you believe it is important for car and motorcycle drivers to know the driving rules? If the answer is yes then would you believe it is also important for kiteboarders to know the rules of kiteboarding on and off the water? Unfortunately, many of us might agree with this logic though many individuals have never taken the time to learn and understand the rules.

In prior tips we have spoken about the 8 rules though it is important to share and remind all kite boarders of their existence.

Rule #1: The rider entering the water from the beach has right of way over the incoming rider.

Rule #2: Starboard rider (kite on the right-hand side) has priority over the oncoming rider and should keep his course, speed and heading to allow the other rider to avoid him.

Rule #3: When two riders are traveling in the same direction, the faster rider must give way to the slower rider in front.

Rule #4: The rider surfing a wave has priority over the one who is jumping or going in the opposite direction.

Rule #5: Right of way must be given to other ocean and beach users. Kiteboarder must travel downwind of them.

Rule #6: To jump, a kiteboarder must have a clear safety zone of 50m downwind and 30m upwind.

Rule #7: When two kiteboarder are on land at the same time, one kiter is preparing to enter in the water and the other one is ready to land, both proceed and keep clear from each other.

Golden Rule:

If you are passing upwind, keep your kite HIGH.

If you are passing downwind, keep your kite LOW.

These 8 rules will keep you and others safe during sessions. It is always important to be as sensible and educated as you can be in anything you are doing.

What is a Kitefoil?

Kite board hydro-foiling, flying, hovering aka kite foiling, the next era in kite boarding.

In simple terms the analogy is a model glider (foil) connected to a 1m shaft/mast, which is attached to a surfboard. The kiter stands on the surfboard and is powered by their kite. As the board speed increases the foil generates lift and the board rises above the water. The kiter controls elevation by applying pressure on the board through his feet and forward drive via the kite.

Why has there been an increased interest in kite foiling?

Kite foiling has been around for 10 years, predominately in Europe.

However, ever since the 2013 America’s Cup where the winged sailed catamaran with hydrofoil capabilities (AC72 Class), was televised worldwide, travelling at insane speeds in excess of 40 knots or 3 times the wind speed, there has been an increased interest in hydro-foiling sailing craft from moths to kite foiling. Oracle’s Skipper, so inspired by hydro-foiling speed, has taken to the sport to satisfy his need for speed.

The rest of the kiting world is now taking up kite foiling from racing to recreational sailing. Kite foiling allows one to kite all year round.

There is something magical about kite foiling for all levels of sailors, kiters and twin-tippers. Surfers are also trying kite foiling in surf – Inspired and first mastered without a kite by legendary surfer Laird Hamilton.

What’s the thrill/excitement of riding a kite foil?

–     Flying one metre off the water, being able to sail/kite all year round in 4-6knots to the upper limits of 25-30knots and pushing speeds in excess of 40knots.

–     Effortless

–     Silence on the water

So what are you waiting for……

Come to the kiteshack and learn how to foil,when everybody else pray for wind!