Kiters & Windsurfers

[Marty Lowe]

I must admit that I was quite impressed
by the way the kiters and windsurfers interacted
on the first major wind (and water depth) at Rush a few weeks ago.
I kinda thought the first big interaction was going to be....
Iduno....bad.

I have known most windsurfers for many years,
and most kiters for quite a while.
there is a overall age difference in both groups.
and some actions may reflect this.

Talking to some jibbers (as Mitch called windsurfers)
there are a few things that were brought up.

As both a kiter and jibber...

I would like to start a Q&A post here.

please, post your thoughts...........

Things I think Kiters need to know:

Walking back upwind on a windsurfer is called the "walk of shame"

Right of way rules: starboard (right hand forward) has right of way.
(Waves are a different story but no need to worry around here)

It takes jibbers more space to initiate a turn.
Most take years to be comfortable jibing.
give sufficient room.

I woul like to see beginners launch a little down wind,
as to not "drag" through the crowds.

please, post your thoughts...........

Things I think Windsurfers need to know:

Walking back upwind is called "learning"

Right of way rules: starboard (right hand forward) has right of way.
(Waves are a different story but no need to worry around here)

Most kiters can turn on "a dime"
thats is why some get closer to you than you think they should be.

I feel windsurfers should hold thier course,
(right of way rules aply)
because kiters can manuver easier.

An underpowered kiter.....

If a kiter is sineing (rapidly moving kite up and down)
they are searching for wind, and
they may not be able to go upwind at this point.
give sufficient room.

An overpowered kiter will do one of two things...IMHO

#1 kite straight over head.... not much edge control.
kiter may be riding downwind to slow down.
avoid being downwind of kiter, if possible.

#2 kite lower to water, edging very hard
to put kite at edge of the wind window, and slow down.
give room for kiter to travel up wind and gain control.

A beginner kiter...

kite in the water. floating downwind

please, post your thoughts...........

No wind,
lets at least talk about what we all love to do.

-Marty

[Kenny]

Marty,

I remember when I was learning to kite at Rush in 2000/2001 and the windsurfers would just shake their head and laugh. I remember seeing 25 sails on the water and only 2 kites. In 2001 or 2002 there was this rumor that kites lines are as sharp as razor blades and that kiters could decapitate sailors with their lines. Fortunately, the lack of water at Rush ended any conflict between the two parties as Rush became too shallow for jibbers and mudboard heaven for kiters.

My two cents on what you said below. Walking upwind is still the "Walk of Shame" for kiters. Nobody likes it even though it is a necessary part of learning to kite.

Kiters need more space and should allow for a lot of downwind space not only for jibbers, but for other kiters as well. It is easy to become overpowered and get pulled downwind in a strong gust. When we are kiting on south winds it is a good idea to spread out for this reason. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least a full kite line length from other riders if possible. This also makes it easier for jumping. There is plenty of room at Rush. We should not cluster together.

It was good to see the friendly vibe between kiters and jibbers a couple weeks ago at Rush. We all love the wind, we have that in common and that should be enough if you ask me.

Kenny

[ricki]

This is a repost from fksa.org at:
http://fksa.org/viewforum.php?f=7

"I found this on the web and thought it might be very helpful to forward this to windsurfers or do whatever to inform non-kiters.

1) While we try to stay upwind, occassionally, due to the same
conditions that effect windsurfing we find ourselves downwind and
among the windsurfers. Our options are to make our way through
"the pack" or Bermuda. Basically, its the same rules as sailing.
If your right arm is forward on the boom you have the right of way.
Continue on your tack and let the kiter react. It was once thought
that kiters should always go downwind of any windsurfers. This does not work because we cant keep going downwind. This draws
us further into the pack. Also, sometimes there are other windsurfers downwind. Anyway, its the same rules as sailing. If
you are passing downwind of a kiter, just relax and hold your tack
or bear off a little downwind. Because of how high the kite usually flies the lines will rarely ever be low enough to hit you or your mast.
If I see a windsurfer looking kind of confused I signal my intention
by pointing in the direction I'm going to go.

2) What to do with a beginner kiter dragging or being dragged downwind.
We try to encourage rookies to seek lessons first. We are working with the shops in the area (Jim, Steve, etc.) and they have agreed
not to teach here. However, some people insist on doing things the hard way. Basically, beginners are easy. They usually blow by wherever you are in seconds.
If you see one coming, just jibe or get out of the way. They'll be gone in seconds. We tell beginners to launch all the way at the
seawall and to come in when they reach the most upwind windsurfers.

3) What to do if you see a kite in the water in your path.
First, try to avoid the area if possible. Jibe if you can or manuever around the kite (give 100 ft each way so you don't hit the
lines). If the lines are in the water, DO NOT SAIL OVER THEM.
Your fin will not cut them. What will happen is your fin will
power up the kite and the kiter will have no control over the kite.
You will probably be lifted and tossed off your board . If you realize you are about sail over the lines, jump off your board into water. This will defuse the entire situation. You can then grab your board and sail away. If you feel you are about to be hit by a kiter's lines, jump off the
board and into the water. I doubt this will ever happen but if you think its going
to, jumping off is what to do.

4) What to do if you see a kiter has lost his kite. This is optional but you might spare a beachgoer an "adventure" and the
grateful kiter is sure to reward you with a case of your favorite beverages. Rarely, but sometimes, #4%@ happens and you are seperated from your kite. The kite itself cannot hurt you. It weighs about 3 to 5 lbs and is filled with air. If you grab the KITE and not the LINES it has the same
power as a sheet blown off a clothesline. Just grab one of the edges and hold it tight. Any kiter can take a few seconds to show you how to catch it safely. DO NOT GRAB THE LINES OR THE KITEBAR. As much as we'd like to have our kite saved from a trip
the kite hospital we value you folks more.

5) Launching and Landing. We try to always have assisted launchings and landing. This is the part of kiting that can cause the most trouble. That is why we walk upwind and give ourselves a safety zone. Basically, if you are upwind of a launching or landing kiter there is no way you can be "involved". So, if you are
strolling down the beach and see somebody getting ready to launch, either stay upwind or stay way downwind (100 feet minimum).

6) Flying a kite on the beach over beachgoers. This is a kiting NO NO. We stop anybody foolish enough to do this. If you don't feel comfortable approaching anyone who does this, ask me or any of
the other kiters to do so for you. We APPRECIATE YOU and our access here. We send anyone who wants to just fly his kite on
the beach up to the northside, where at Chapin or Mayflower at low tide they can fly on the beach all day and only disturb the the seagulls. "

[jason morton]

marty-
i can tell when you are bored and want to go kiting- tomorrow at rush ?? too shallow for polesurfing now.

[Marty Lowe]

Jason,

reply in another thread

http://utahwindriders.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=434

-Marty