Integrating with Kitesurfers 

The sport of Kitesurfing is growing at a fast pace. More and more boaters may come across kitesurfers and may therefore have an interest in their unique characteristics with regards to requirements, speed, tack and manoeuvrability.

Please note that the RYA is not the National Governing Body for Kitesurfing, for more information on the sport please refer to the British Kitesurfing Associations (BKSA) web site.

Kitesurfing is a fast wind powered planing sport, and unless expert, those that participate may have little manoeuvrability and can spend periods in the water trying to regain or maintain control of their kite. 

When encountering a kitesurfer, other water users may have difficulty establishing their intentions. It is hard to understand or recognise which tack they are on and they may alter course without warning. Being aware of the performance characteristics of the kitesurfer will help you predict its movements and avoid a colliding with them.

• The kite board itself is very small (smaller than the smallest windsurfer) however, it works in combination with a kite, with lines up to 45 meter long. Consequently kitesurfing actually occupies a very large area. The kite and lines could strike another craft anywhere within a 45 meter leeward radius of the kitesurfer. 
• The kite board itself has very little buoyancy and it has very limited slow speed manoeuvring capability. 
• A kitesurfer in the water preparing to start needs space downwind into which it can bear away and get going. 
• An inexperienced kitesurfer is unlikely to be able to sail upwind with any precision and may struggle to control the power and hold position upwind. They could even be inadvertently launched downwind. Even an experienced kitesurfer short of power or in a failing wind will struggle to sail upwind. 

Wherever possible, it is best to avoid forcing a kitesurfer into a small area (between two vessels for example) and as taking avoiding action to windward can prove difficult for them, it is safer to pass to windward of the kite board.

The kite is similarly positioned whichever tack the kitesurfer is on therefore it is the leading leg / arm which determines their tack. If the kitesurfers leading leg / arm is their right one they are on starboard, conversely if their left leg / arm is leading they are on port.

When overtaking, Kitesurfers will probably choose to overtake other water users to leeward to avoid the risk of catching their lines on the rig of the craft they are overtaking, and in case they inadvertently travel downwind during the overtaking manoeuvre.

If you do become somehow embroiled with a kitesurfer in the water or are trying to help them re-launch their kite, DO NOT HANDLE THE LINES. Pulling on a line may cause the kite to suddenly power up and garrotte hands etc.