Etiquette - Right of Way

Kiteboarding can be a thrilling sport, where one can have such a good time with mates and push one's limits, but it is important to have respect for your fellow kiters, follow the rules and have awareness of your surroundings.

Following established right-of-way rules and maintaining good etiquette helps keep everyone safe and fosters a positive atmosphere on and off the water, maximising EVERYONE's fun.

Below are the essential guidelines, including general international standards and Cape Town–specific notes.

General RIght-of-Way Rules

Starboard Tack vs. Port Tack
- Starboard tack (right hand forward, kite on your right) has right-of-way over port tack (left hand forward, kite on your left).
- If you’re on a port tack, yield to riders on a starboard tack.
Overtaking or Passing
- The kiteboarder being overtaken always has right-of-way.
- If you’re overtaking someone, do so downwind or at a safe distance upwind, ensuring your lines won’t cross.
Upwind vs. Downwind Kiters
- When two kiters are on the same tack and converging, or passing, the upwind kiter should keep their kite high, while the downwind kiter keeps their kite low to avoid tangles.
Give Way to Less Maneuverable Riders
- Beginners, schools with students, or riders dealing with equipment issues might be less maneuverable—give them extra space and right-of-way when possible.

Passing Each Other

Keep Kites at Different Heights
- When riding close, communicate or use body language to agree on kite positioning. Typically, the rider upwind flies the kite high, and the downwind rider keeps theirs low, unless both agreed upon differently.
Maintain a Safe Distance
- Always leave enough space between you and the other kiter to safely maneuver if conditions change suddenly.

Entering & Exiting the Water

Priority for Riders in the Shore Break
- In many kite spots, riders who are close to shore or negotiating broken water have the right-of-way. In Cape Town, this is particularly important due to the strong shore break. Give them space and time to launch or land safely.
Check Before You Launch
- Ensure no one is directly downwind of your launch area. Announce your intention to launch so others around you are aware.
Exit Without Blocking Others
- Move quickly clear of the shoreline after landing so others can exit or enter.
Riders leaving the shore (outgoing) have right of way over incoming riders. This is especially true and must be followed when waves are large.
- NB for Cape Town: When leaving the shore, ALWAYS check upwind first to see if there may be a rider coming downwind very quickly such as during a jump or if a rider is busy riding a wave in the shore break. only enter when it is safe to do so.

Wave Riding

Surfer’s Etiquette in Waves
- The rider closest to the peak of the wave or first on the wave has priority. Do not drop in on someone who has already claimed the wave.
Downwind Rider Priority
- When riding waves, the downwind rider typically has the right-of-way because they cannot see the upwind rider or because they will have to navigate the kicker/incoming-wave
Communication
- If you see someone committed to a wave, give them space. Use hand signals or clear body language if you’re uncertain who should go first.

General Common Sense & Safety

Space for Boosting, Jumps and Tricks
- Always ensure there are at least 100 meters of clear space downwind before attempting jumps or big moves. This allows room for error and protects other water users.
- If you are boosting, you DO NOT have right of way. Only attempt your boost when it is safe to do so and there are no riders or obstructions down wind of you.
- In certain locations, where there is a single jump spot, it is important to form a train and follow a 1by1 rule. Riders downwind or trying to edge upwind to get back to land or safety have right of way always. Do NOT jump if it is not safe to do so or if you are going to endanger another rider.
High Kite vs. Low Kite
- If you find yourself in a tricky spot, especially near large waves, maintain the high kite (if you are upwind) or low kite (if you are downwind) protocol if right-of-way isn’t clearly established.
Awareness of the Environment
- Watch out for swimmers, surfers, or other watercraft.
- Be mindful of quickly changing conditions, big sets rolling in, and other riders dealing with gear issues, board rescues or body dragging after an incident.

Cape Town No-No’s

Short Tacking
- In busy spots, doing extremely short runs back and forth near shore (short tacking) creates congestion and hazard. Take longer tacks out to sea if possible and let others have a chance and have fun too.
Hogging the Shoreline
- Avoid sitting near the water’s edge for long periods with your kite at 45° aiming out to sea. It blocks other riders who are trying to launch, land, or negotiate the shore break.
Waiting for Kickers
- If you want to wait for the perfect wave or kicker, position yourself away from the main traffic area.
Being Selfish
- Everyone is here for the same thing, to have fun. Being selfish and hogging the fun will just cause frustration in other riders, likely causing someone to make a dangerous decision often resulting in you or them getting hurt. Let's share the stoke & good times with your fellow kiters

Handling Tricky Situations

Line Tangles
- If your lines get tangled with another kite, activate your safety release promptly and signal the other rider to do the same. This prevents further injury to each other or bystanders, and limites the damage to your equipment.
Kite stuck in Shore Break or Blowning Down the Beach
- Always assist a fellow kiter whose kite crashes in the shore break or is being dragged along the beach. Swift help often prevents more damage or injury to the kiter, bystanders or yourself.
Emergency Situations
- Help each other self-rescue. Offer support if someone is struggling or if gear is malfunctioning.

Travel Insurance & Sharing Details

Insure Yourself
- Kiteboarding accidents can be costly. Travel insurance or specialized watersports insurance is advisable, especially for visitors to Cape Town.
Exchange Information
- If there is a collision or accident, exchange contact and insurance details. Calmly discuss how to proceed, and if necessary, involve local authorities or rescue services.

Community Spirit & Respect

Launch & Land Assistance
- Offer to hold or catch someone’s kite if they need help—safe launches and landings are a communal effort.
Respect the Beach & Town
- Avoid reckless behavior both on the water and in the parking lots or roads around Blouberg. Drive responsibly and be considerate of local residents.
Share the Stoke
- A friendly atmosphere on and off the water makes for a better session for everyone. Cheer on fellow riders, welcome newcomers, and promote a supportive vibe.

Conclusion

Kiteboarding is all about enjoying nature’s wind and waves in harmony with fellow riders.

By following these right-of-way rules, showing respect for Cape Town’s unique conditions, and exercising common sense, we can all share the stoke safely.

Remember that rules may vary slightly from one spot to another, so always familiarise yourself with local regulations and customs.

Stay safe, have fun, and keep the positive kiteboarding spirit alive!