Any kite surfer who kitesurfing lesson she should know. The 8 kitesurfing rules drawn up by the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO). The 8 IKO rules below all speak for themselves. Whether they are always adhered to is not. Nor whether kite surfers consciously do not comply with them. It may be that a kitesurfer is so caught up in his own world or learning process that he/she does not pay attention to the rules. Totally unintentional. Our opinion is safety above all else. Like the KNRM aptly postpones 'Safe, safe at home'. The conclusion regarding rules and good kite surfing is therefore as follows.
IF YOU, EVEN IF YOU HAVE PRIORITY, ARE ABLE TO PREVENT A POSSIBLE COLLISION WITHOUT PROBLEMS, YOU MUST ALWAYS DO THIS
Did you know that in Dutch legislation this 'good seamanship' is also specifically included in the inland waterway police regulations† Namely under article 1.04 that deals with precautions and under article 1.05 that deals with deviations from the regulations.
Kitesurfing rules - 8 basic rules with one 'Golden rule' by IKO
The IKO has drawn up 8 basic rules, one of which is a Golden rule. We list the rules below and give you a brief description of why that particular rule is so important.
Golden rule: If you kite upwind ('upwind'), keep the kite HIGH. If you kite downwind, keep the kite LOW.
Why? This ensures that the kites cannot touch each other and the chance of colliding and tangled lines is excluded.
Kitesurfing rule # 1: The kite surfer entering the water from the beach has priority over the incoming kite surfer.
Why? The kite surfer entering the water is more at risk than a kite surfer on the water. On land, for example, there is a higher chance of gusty winds and nearby obstacles.
Kitesurfing rule # 2: A port kite surfer has right of way over a starboard kite surfer. The port kite surfer (green) must maintain his course and speed so that the starboard kite surfer (orange) can avoid him.
Why? It is important to follow this rule in order to avoid unpleasant situations. But it also applies here - even if you have right of way, always avoid an accident.
Port and starboard can be difficult to interpret. If you sail to the right and look in your heading (not downwind), your kite is actually to the left (port) of you.
Kitesurfing rule # 3: When two kite surfers are kitesurfing in the same direction, the faster kitesurfer must give way to the slower kitesurfer in front.
Why? The faster kite surfer who is overtaking has more overview than the slower kite surfer.
Kitesurfing rule # 4: The kitesurfer who is surfing or riding a wave has priority over the person who is jumping or kitesurfing in the opposite direction.
Why? In a wave, controlling the kite and keeping an overview is more difficult.
Kitesurf Rule # 5: Priority should be given to other sea, ocean and beach users. The kite surfer must then always pass downwind ('downwind').
Why? There is much more chance that a kite surfer passing a short distance upwind will get entangled and bump into the other. Estimating the distance between the kite and an object is difficult to estimate when you are kite surfing. So keep extra good distance to prevent visual deception.
Always look over your shoulder before turning. This way you know for sure that it is safe to turn around.
Kitesurfing rule # 6: To jump, a kite surfer must have a free safety zone of 50 meters downwind and 30 meters upwind.
Why? To avoid the risk of accidents.
Kitesurfing rule # 7: If there are two kite surfers on land at the same time, and one kite surfer intends to enter the water and the other is ready to lower the kite, then both continue with their own action and serve to stay away from each other.
Why? Here an appeal is made to common sense, whereby both kite surfers ensure that they do not collide or get trampled.
These 8 kitesurfing priority rules are intended to allow yourself and others to have a pleasant session without accidents. Be sensible and helpful.
Crash analysis and information
To help you interpret the kitesurfing rules, we have a number of additional articles and links. For example, check out a case analysis and video of a near crash. 'Risk happens fast' and that is clearly visible in the video. Also check out a case analysis linked to legal framework. In addition, a link to youtube with a clarified video about kitesurfing priority rules.
Enforcing the kitesurfing rules on the water can lead to dangerous situations. And, after all, we want to prevent these. Therefore, be the wisest and avoid accidents.
International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO)
Dhe IKO, best known for the international kitesurfing rules, was founded in 2001. Started from the vision of 2 kitesurf ambassadors for the safe development of the sport, the IKO is now the largest kitesurfing organization worldwide. More than 125.000 kite surfers have had kitesurfing lessons according to the IKO principles and an official kitesurf certificate.
As mentioned above, IKO emphasizes the importance of good kitesurfing lessons according to standard protocols that are continuously evaluated and improved. The IKO thus compares this process with driving skills. How important is it that people who are part of the traffic know the rules? Yes, that is why it is important that kite surfers also know the rules on the beach and the water.
