You are just starting out, know how to ride though you have yet to learn the rules of the sea; don't worry- that will change forever today.

There is no doubt that kiteboarding is still in its infancy stages and growing rapidly. Kiteboarding locations like Cabarete that use to have 10 kiters out at sea now have hundreds, and without rules- these crowded waters can quickly become hazardous. Proper kiteboarding manner  not only makes it easier to navigate in crowded waters; it makes this extreme sport much safer overall. A kiteboarder who does not respect the right of way rules is an irresponsible and dangerous kiter and no one really wants to be that person.

Now you must be wondering, what is proper kiteboarding manners? It is quite simply a set of 8 rules. To help maintain clarity we will list the rules in a clear list.

Golden Rule:

If you are passing upwind, keep your kite HIGH.

If you are passing downwind, keep your kite LOW.

Rule #1: The rider entering the water from the beach has right of way over the incoming rider.

Rule #2: Starboard rider (kite on the right-hand side) has priority over the oncoming rider and should keep his course, speed and heading to allow the other rider to avoid him.

Rule #3: When two riders are traveling in the same direction, the faster rider must give way to the slower rider in front.

Rule #4: The rider surfing a wave has priority over the one who is jumping or going in the opposite direction.

Rule #5: Right of way must be given to other ocean and beach users. Kiteboarder must travel downwind of them.

Rule #6: To jump, a kiteboarder must have a clear safety zone of 50m downwind and 30m upwind.

Rule #7: When two kiteboarder are on land at the same time, one kiter is preparing to enter in the water and the other one is ready to land, both proceed and keep clear from each other.

If you follow these 8 rules above, you will be a responsible kiter. Some kiters have never learnt proper kite manners and others have never learned them. No matter what, now you know the rules!  

Tag a friend below who needs a refresher on the 8 rules one must follow to be a responsible kiteboarder!