what is the ettiquette or practise where sailing in close proximity to kites? I was at the grand yesterday & a fellow with a kite was hugged up against the bank on the smooth water. I was pushing up above him so I would pass him on the upwind both when we were going the same way and when going opposite direction.

I dont think it was a prblem but he seemed quite uncomfortable about that, as if he expected me to go under his kite & down wind or at least downwind one direction upwind the other.

It seems to me if you go downwind you are at risk first of snagging his lines with your mast as you go under - and second being wiped out if he does a jump (I got wiped out by an israeli fellow like this one day) - the sensible course is to pass upwind either direction - but then they can go into shallow water? I gather there is proceedures in Hawaii but i have never been there and dont know what they are - anyone know?

at all costs dont crash
its usally a pointing race[}:)]
hoever is upwind
stays upwind
if a local i give way