(reposted from Oahu Chapter of the HKA (Hawaiian Kitesurfing Association))

Safety Guidelines for Kiteboarding

General Rules:

-All beginners must seek professional instruction
-Kiteboarders yield right of way to all other beach users
-Kiteboarders yield to other water users
-Assisted launch and landing is recommended
-All kiters must use a proper safety leash
-While you are setting up pay attention to incoming kiters and assist in
 landing their kites
-Beginning kiters drag out two line lengths prior to water starting
-Do not leave unused kites on the beach

When Launching:

-Set up kite and clear all tangled lines in the beach park
-Attach kite safety leash (DO NOT ATTACH BOARD LEASH until kite is launched
 and in the neutral position)
-Make sure that beach area is clear
-When launching make sure that kite is free of sand before release (This is
 a courtesy to other beach users)
-Launch kites only from designated area
-SLOWLY bring kite up to neutral position (12 o¹clock)
 Attach board leash
-Leave the beach in a slow and controlled manner
-Beginners body drag 200¹ out before water starting
-ABSOLUTELY NO BEACH JUMPING!!

On the Water:

-Starboard tack has right away (right hand forward is starboard, left is
 port)
-Jumping kiters sacrifice right away
-Incoming kiters let launching kiters go out first before landing
-Jump and jibe at least 200¹ outside shore break and swimming area
-Yield right away to ALL other water users
-DO NOT COME WITHIN 200¹ OF THE BEACH OR SWIM AREAS UNLESS LAUNCHING OR
 LANDING!!


Your compliance with these rules will help to keep public beaches safe and
open to kiteboarding.  Please remember that we are new comers to the beach
and our behavior will determine how others will perceive our sport.