I have been reading a lot of interesting articles here about various places being potentially banned and would like to start something to make other kitesurfers aware of each other which in turn will help reduce non kiters wanting to try and ban areas.

The reason I say this is that while I am still a bit of a beginner I do adhere to the "rules of the road" while kitesurfing ie: giving right of way while upwind of someone, etc but when I tried a spot of kitesurfing up at Ruakaka the one weekend I eventually gave up as there were a number of kitesurfers totally ignoring the right of way rules thereby prohibiting me to learn. This was to the point that one kiter actually managed to fly her kite inbetween another kiters lines thereby wrapping her kite around his lines.

When I was taught kitesurfing there was quite an emphasis on rules of the road and mainly to make kitesurfing safer and enjoyable for all.

Is there some way to make people aware of rules without it seeming like some sort of dictatorship. If we can do this then maybe we can spend more time kitesurfing (and enjoying it) and less time trying to stop people banning some really good kitesurfing spots.

Let's see what this thread comes up with... :twisted:

The easiest way is to get to know the people you are riding with then it is easy to discuss this kind of thing with them, I have never seen any attitude in nz kitesurfing all good people

kiters hurting each other has nothing to do with potential bans (whoever heard of a kiter going to the authorities about another kiter - that will be a sad day indeed..), it is total respect for non kiters in the kiting area and not going anywhere near the red and yellow flags (swimming zone) that will keep things sweet.

Going somewhere like Ruakaka on a weekend after 2 weeks of no wind may not help - it is small and there are soooo many other places to ride with no one else around - nowhere else in the world is lucky enough to have so many spots to ride within an hour and a half's drive

The rule for me with riders that i can see are learning/learners is keep well clear at all costs until they have full control at all times and understand the rules of the road (can handle big gusts and have full confidence) - kind of why I would not go to Ruakaka if I knew there were learners there as there is not much room for error, liekwise learners may want to think about finding a less crowded area for faster progression.

unwritten rules

use common sense to keep riders safe irrelevant of any other unwritten rules - ie if you see some traffic jam potential turn around before it happens

downwind - keep your kite low as possible

upwind - keep your kite as high as possible

if standing in the water or at the edge of the beach with a kite in the air this also applies - or you will stop the flow and everyone behind the person you stop from going past will have to turn around too and you create a hug traffic jam.. (especially with onshore winds) These riders have a special nickname

When someone is coming towards you try not to tack right in front of them unless you have no choice (tack very early or better still go pas them) - keep spread out as possible - it is likely that the person you tacking in front of is saying to themselves "well thanks a lot, now i can't do any jumps/ tricks cos you are in my way - and this is the 5th time in a row you have done this to me, goodbye, you are the weakest link"


On waves rider already on the wave has right of way - if you are heading out through teh waves - keep out of their way - easpecially important in bigger waves

as far as riders trying to pinch each others upwind spot starboard does have right of way if you are on a collision course, but this is quite rare it is usually very clear who is further upwind so give way, as you kite more you get to know all the tell tale signs of someone trying to communicate to you that they are more upwind than you when they are in fact full of shit lol! ?(they come to a grinding halt trying to point up wind too much.. More skilled riders tend to end upwind also as they often have better upwind technique.

Take this all as a pinch of salt just trying to explain some stuff the best I can to newcomers so that riders have a good session and don't end up pissed off.

Is all good and I totally understand and appreciate the comments made.

As for kiters hurting each other relating to bans you get the folks who are watching something like this happen and the knock on effect is that it appears more dangerous than it actually is resulting in them being concerned for the safety of non kiters.

I found at Ruakaka that as a learner I was causing less grief to other kiters than the experienced kiters around me . When the two kites wrapped around each other there were only 4 of us on the water in the estuary. I was the 2nd person there when I arrived hence why I chose that piece of water thinking I would not disturb others. It was nice and flat so you can't really blame anybody else for wanting to kite there.

heh heh... I do experience the stationary kite at 12 o'clock a lot and you are right. If you are downwind keep your kite down and upwind keep your kite up and likewise when you are stationary.

I guess what I am trying to get at is to make people more aware of other kiters and show respect so that we can all have a good time.

I have been in the country a number of months now but if you could point me to a number of locations that would be good for learning in I would be much appreciative of that. I live on the north shore but find that Shoal Bay is not the greatest spot when you have to keep on navigating sandbars. I found Orewa quite nice and open with a nice enough amount of break to waterstart in and a big enough beach to learn to navigate the waves.

Check the guide on this website. It is good there are so many spots so everyone can spread out on weekend windy days!