Kitesurfing is a fun sport, but just like any other discipline, it also has its rules. In this sense, if you want to start practicing the sport, you need to know the kitesurfing rules.
With regard to the guidelines for using the equipment, it’s quite simple to understand how it works. After all, the athlete uses the kite (the kite) to catch the wind and be pulled over the water while on a board.
By means of the control bar, the kitesurfer manipulates direction and speed.
It is precisely this control that allows you to navigate and perform the sport’s famous maneuvers.
However, in addition to this general understanding of how kitesurfing works, you need to master the rules of safety, communication and navigation. So let’s get to it!
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Kitesurfing rules: 7 rules you need to master
We’ve organized the kitesurfing rules into a list of 7 main points that can’t be ignored by any athlete, not even the most experienced or inexperienced, okay?
- When starting your kitesurfing session, the rider who is entering the water has priority over the one who is leaving the water.
- In situations where two kitesurfers are on trajectories that will lead to a collision, generally, when they are heading towards each other, the athlete with the kite positioned to the right has preference. They must therefore keep their course and speed constant to allow the other kiter to swerve safely.
- With regard to maneuvers, priority is given to the athlete who is surfing a wave over the one who is jumping or sailing in the opposite direction.
- It is essential to give priority to other beach users. Kiters should go around them on the leeward side (into the wind).
- To perform jumps safely, it is recommended to have a clear area of at least 50 meters in the downwind direction and 30 meters in the upwind direction.
- When two kitesurfers are approaching each other from opposite directions, the kitesurfer who has the wind blowing on the left side of their body has the right of way.
- When two kiters share space on the beach, whether one is preparing to enter the water or the other is collecting the kite, both must keep a safe distance between them to avoid accidents.
Other precautions are also indicated and can be considered kitesurfing rules that guarantee a good practice of the sport, such as:
- Before entering the water, remember to check the weather conditions. Make sure they are suitable for your skill level.
- Only kitesurf in areas where kitesurfing is permitted.
- Beginning kitesurfers should give priority to more experienced kitesurfers.
- Use hand gestures or light signals to communicate with other athletes while on the water. This helps them understand your intentions and increases safety.
Read also: Rules of Windsurfing: how the Olympic sport is practiced and tips for those who want to watch it
Kitesurfing rules prioritize safety
Safety is one of the main concerns when it comes to practicing water activities such as windsurfing, canoeing and, of course, kitesurfing.
That’s why, in addition to the kitesurfing rules we’ve shared above, we’re going to give special prominence to other rules that also need to be considered by kitesurfers.
We start with the use of appropriate safety equipment, which includes:
- life jacket;
- helmet;
- leash (leg rope attached to the surfboard and leg) Prevents the equipment from being dragged by the waves.
It’s impossible to talk about the kitesurfing rules and not devote a few lines to the athlete’s need to be aware of everything going on around them.
If you know how to drive a car, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. After all, when you’re behind the wheel, you need to be aware of what you’re doing, but also of what other people are doing.
After all, unfortunately, not everyone follows the rules of the road, just as many people don’t follow the kitesurfing rules either.
In this sense, if you’re attentive to what’s going on around you, and to the movements of other kitesurfers, you’ll have more time to make decisions that avoid potential accidents.
Believe me, with practice, this kind of attentive eye will come naturally to you, just as it has for those who have been driving cars for a long time.
However, it’s essential that you combine fun with safety and attention to the kitesurfing rules.
Also, be aware of nearby obstacles, such as rocks, boats and other riders.
Do I need to take kitesurfing lessons to practice the sport?
This is not exactly one of the kitesurfing rules, but it is a necessity. Lessons are crucial for you to master the techniques of the sport and thus be able to offer safety to yourself and other people around you.
In addition, an instructor will teach you the correct steps and essential safety procedures.
In other words, without proper training, the beginner is a danger to everyone (including themselves).
The good news is that the lessons will give you an excellent background, including information such as:
- taking off;
- land;
- control the kite;
- gliding on the board over the water
- how to control the kite;
- analyze safety conditions;
- analyze wind direction, strength and gusts;
- analyze tides, currents and hazards;
- choose the right equipment according to the conditions;
- preparing, tuning and storing the equipment;
- safety procedures in emergencies;
- kitesurfing rules in the water and more.
With these kitesurfing rules in mind, all you have to do is enjoy the indescribable sensation that this sport offers as you glide through the waters of the sea.
However, before we say goodbye, I have an invitation for you who are sports fans! Join our free WhatsApp community and receive daily tips, news and trivia on more than 50 sports, including kitesurfing, windsurfing and much more! Click here to join.
