Right of Way is a set of priority rules that determines which rider has the right to maintain their course when multiple riders cross paths or approach each other on the water. The fundamental rules in kitesurfing are derived from sailing and serve as a universal standard to prevent collisions.
“The standard thinking is the person with priority can do exactly what they want that’s not necessarily the case they have the priority to choose to go for the wave but the person behind them who doesn’t have the priority can play games in order to try and squeeze them to take a wave”
As a primary basic rule in freeriding, a rider on a port tack (left hand leading) must yield to a rider on a starboard tack (right hand leading). When riding parallel in the same direction, the upwind rider has the obligation to give way, as they have a clearer view of the downwind rider. When passing each other in opposite directions, the upwind rider should fly their kite high, while the downwind rider keeps their kite low to avoid tangling. Furthermore, an outgoing rider leaving the beach has the right of way over an incoming rider.
In wave competitions such as the GKA Kitesurf World Tour, a stricter “priority system” is implemented in addition to the standard right of way. During a heat, the first rider to round the upwind marker set offshore is granted priority for the next set wave. Once priority is acquired, a flag matching the color of the rider’s lycra (competition jersey) is displayed on the beach or at the point. The priority is lost the moment the rider catches a wave or makes a clear approach towards one, at which point the right transfers to the next competitor who rounded the mark.
In big air competitions, rules to prevent collisions and scoring overlaps vary depending on the event format. In competitions like the GKA and BAKL, a sequence format is often adopted where riders are shown colored flags indicating their turn to jump one by one within a specified time limit. On the other hand, in events where multiple riders compete in a heat simultaneously, such as Red Bull King of the Air (KOTA), a “gentleman’s agreement” applies. This is an unspoken rule where if someone takes off first, other riders refrain from jumping and yield their turn so the judges can fully focus on scoring that maneuver.
Search Aliases: Right of Way, RightofWay