I used to windsurf, then kitesurf. Now I ride a hydrofoil almost all the time. My general rule has been to give boats of all kinds plenty of room, particularly sailboats. I generally have much more speed and manoeuvrability so it is appropriate that I use it to get out of the way.

Occasionally, rarely, I get into a position where there is a possibility of conflict or collision with a sailboat.

I have had to take action to avoid being run over.

I have been forced to ride almost into the rocks of a breakwater with my kite flying over the boats inside.

The most recent event had me sitting in the water, struggling to keep my kite vertical overhead while boat after boat cruised well inside the range of my lines. The boats were approaching from more than 500m away and made no effort to give me any room.

Some of the times I have had right of way, not that that is particularly relevant.

Most of the times I have been extremely visible and avoiding me would have meant altering course by a few degrees.

So the question is, why?

Do you not see us? I do a fair bit of cruising with our live aboard friends. We look out for hazards constantly and avoid anything that is likely to cause a problem.

Is it ignorance? Is it not obvious that there are risks to both sides in going very close to a kitesurfer or windsurfer?

Is it competitiveness? We're in a race and we're not changing our line for anybody.

Is it arrogance? My million dollar boat has more right to be here than your toy.

Why does this happen?

I live this scenario every time I ride my motorbike. It is my predominate form of transport so I understand your sentiment Gorgo. Its just that you are a misunderstood creature. You have to look at it the same way, that everyone is out to kill you and treat it like that at all times.

Its a bit of a mix of what you are describing. Most people would not have tried kiteboarding and therefore have no idea of the dynamics involved. You are also quite small in size and therefore easy to not see, people will missjudge your speed and you are smaller and should get out of there way. And you are right in using your speed to get out of the way.

People of all intellectual degrees are out there and just cause they sail doesnt mean they are going to do the right thing.

I happened to tack on my hobie without looking behind me one day and was almost run down from behind by a yacht that was in a race. I got a heap of abuse. I replied that they need to give way to the right in which there was silence. I was correct but it wouldnt have saved my life if they hadnt been so quick thinking. I was very new and I now know better. Give anything bigger a wide berth as in the end you will come off second best.

I know this message wont bring any comfort but hopefully you take it on board and stay safe.

Craig66 said..

.....

or
D. Maybe their wife ran off with a foil kiteboarder

If he got to keep the boat in the settlement, isn't that a good thing?

Close reach on port tack. Changed to close reach on a starboard tack. Just started picking up speed. Yacht was pointing closer to the wind coming from behind on my port side. There was another yacht on their port side. I had right of way but at the same time I did not look back, make my intentions clear and because of my size could have given way. The boats were racing and probably not expecting a tack change and the speed change once the sails were pulled in. 15+ knts winds. Their skill was very good as it could have been a collision between all 3. I was also solo on a hobie16 thinking about all the sail handling, stearing etc. And green at the same time. I changed my sailing area to rockingham as it was too risky learning on the river. And yes I did deserve an ear bashing. On the other hand i dont deserve to be run over by boats im not racing with. Its not just their racetrack.

The message is more about being aware of the surrounds, bigger is bigger, even if you are in the right and perhaps just avoid areas where there is high traffic.

Most of the time they have no idea what you want to do, You're sitting there with your kite a 12o'clock they probably think you just having a rest