A bit about General Safety and Etiquette...
As you've probably noticed, things are getting busier with more kiters hitting bay beaches. At times like these we need to be extra vigilant about safety and good kiter etiquette.
Special things to note during holiday periods
- Stay away from popular swimming spots such as between Tay St and Clyde St and also the Omanu Surf Club when the beaches are busy with swimmers!
- It's easy to move a couple of hundred meters down the beach to avoid the crowds
- Give Swimmers space!
- Be Considerate.
These are simple things to do and will ensure kiters maintain a good relationship with the public.
Some other general guidelines to freshen up on:
- Be respectful of the general public and other water users.
- Be aware of learners / trainees.
- Conversely - learners please be aware of your own area and allow the more advanced riders their space.
- Avoid doing air-tricks in front of newbies (unless you want to get tangled!).
- Give way to riders entering the water - outgoing riders have right of way over incoming riders.
- When two riders converge the rider going starboard (kite right-hand side) has right of way. The rider going port (kite left-hand side) must pass downwind with kite as low as possible.
- Speedsters going in the same direction as another kite must give way to the slower rider.
- The rider surfing a wave has right of way over the one who is jumping or going in the opposite direction.
- Maintain 30 meter distance (50m downwind) from other kiters.