For the kiting community’s best interest, we drafted a set of recommendations, procedures and standard etiquette that ALL kiters should diligently adhere to and share with others. The have been purposefully written to keep kiters and lake users safe from injury, equipment damage, accidents and preserve our lake access. Please DO NOT disregard the guidelines as this sets a bad example for others and always exercise good judgment and common sense. Our grand hope once again is that this message reaches out to the far ends of this wonderful kiting community.
In addition to the guidelines below, there will be a set of recommendations and etiquette for that are specific for more challenging lakes such as White Bear Lake, Waconia and Washington. The goal is to equip kiters who desire to kite in the metro area lakes with useful information such as launch areas and wind direction, skill level, windsurfer traffic etc.
1) Know your skill level –
a. Un-trained: Haven’t touched a kite yet.
b. Beginner: Can’t ride upwind on the water.
c. Experienced: Can stay upwind and up.
2) Must be an experienced level rider when launching from congested and challenging sites/beaches (i.e. Waconia, White Bear
Lake, etc.)
3) Must have an attached safety/ flagging leash and be familiar with kite and safety mechanisms.
4) Similar to driving, follow these basic international sailing rules and you will be safe:
a. Starboard Rule (MOSR IMPORTANT) When kiters approach from opposite directions the kiter who has the wind on the
starboard (right side, right leg/arm leads in direction of travel) has RIGHT of way.
b. Kite High Rule - A kiter who is UPWIND (closest to the wind) must keep their kite high to avoid their lines crossing those of
downwind kiters. The DOWNWIND kiter must keep their kite low to avoid their lines crossing upwind kites. This applies \
regardless of whether kiters are on the same, or opposing courses.
c. Clearance Rule - A kiter must have a clear safety zone of at least 50m downwind because they move downwind during a
jump. A rider must also have a clear safety zone of 30m upwind to jump as his lines could touch the kite or the lines of
another rider kiteboarding close by (see Kite High rule).
d. Static objects have the ultimate right of way. Navigate your way around people, parked jetskis, boueys etc.
5) When 2 kites get entangled BOTH kiters MUST FLAG their kites IMMEDIATELY. No exceptions.
6) Use and know the universal hand signals:
a. Thumbs UP - OK to launch
b. Head Tap - Please land my Kite
c. Arms crossed above head in water – Help!
7) Launching/ landing
a. Familiarize yourself with any special launching/ landing procedures specific to a given launch area. Not sure, just ask.
b. Secure your kite and wrap up your lines after landing.
c. A launching kite has right of way over a landing kite. Launch/ land only one kite at a time.
d. Allow at least two kite line lengths between rider and closest down wind object when Launching.
e. Ride or walk away after launching.
f. Launch with kite facing the water.
Ridingb. Observe universal rules of right of way.
c. LOOK (behind you) before transitioning or jumping.
d. Stay at least 500 ft from launch/ landing area.
e. Familiarize yourself with self-rescue procedures.
9) Equipment
a. Appropriate thermal protection. (dress for the swim)
b. Floatation device.
c. Knife
e. Helmet.
f. Ensure safety mechanism is functional.
10) Teaching (professional instruction and friends)
a. All kiters are should have had professional instruction/introduction.
b. NO teaching with obstacles within 4 kite lengths (people, beach, trees)
c. NO teaching within and immediately upwind of launching/landing site (this is especially problematic at Reddy Creek)