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Re:Kiting at "Uppers". - 2006/06/12 21:11
Thanks for the concern Pete,
About the Rules
The problem is that most kitesurfing Zones are voluntary.
We do strictly recommend that there be no launching at Kooks beach.
And pointing out the ("No Kitesurfing") sign at Kooks beach, is a good deterrent for anyone attempting to launch there.
Some kiters have private launch spots at houses at Sprecks, and will ride out to the reef. Some kiters are launching at kite beach and riding outside and around the "lowers" brewak and dropping in on a few waves at "uppers". Many of these guys were already windsurfing at uppers for the last ten years or so before they began kiting.
They already have a connection to the break and now that they have good enough kite skills to get up there, they can probably hold their own.
Some kiters ride at lower lowers (the old canoe hale) and will sneak up to the "lowers" wave and get too close to the windsurfers. There is an imaginary line straight out from the rock wall at the canoe hale that kiteboarders should keep downwind(west) of. We encourage kiters to stay out of lowers.
The actual FAA rules are that:
1. there is no kiteboarding in a two mile corridor at the runway.
2. And that no kite should be flown in a reckless or dangerous manner.
3. And should not be flown over anyone not engaged in kiteboarding.
Respect and wave-sharing
Kiteboarders should respect the wavesailing rules, just like windsurfers.
They should act responsibly, and share the waves just like anyone else.
We all should keep an eye on eachother in case we lose a board or need a tow in.
Kites are actually great for rescuing windsurfers.
We usually have a rescue handle on the back of our harnesses to grab onto.
Tips for windsurfing with kiters.
To windsurfers, I would advise staying upwind of kiters in general.
I would also recommend that you should stay far away from beginner kiters (which are mostly restricted to kite beach close to shore.)
However the kiters that are getting out at uppers probably have as much control as the windsurfers.
When I jump my kite I can actually change direction in the air if necessary.(several times).
Anxiety and aggression
There are gentleman's agreements, and each of us need to take care to avoid the others, and not get in eachother's way.
Some windsurfers will get scared when a kiter gets too close. (and vice versa).
Fear quickly turns to anger or aggressive behavior. Words are exchanged etc.
Some people however will still get territorial and think they own the water, they do not!
Priority of users
But for safety reasons there is a priority order:
• fishermen have the water before 11 o'clock,
• Swimmers and surfers have right of way over sail/kite craft.
• Outrigger canoes have right of way over windsurfers and kiters.
• Upwind gives way to downwind,
• port gives way to starboard,
• first person on the wave has the wave.
• (when timing is equal) Upwind person on the wave has priority.
• and my favorite, "avoid collisions at all costs."
Reporting wave rage.
If you see a kiter or a windsurfer being overtly aggressive or reckless to other persons,
report them to the lifeguards,
if they persist with bad attitudes, try to get their name and number and let me know, and I will talk some sense to them.
If there is and deliberate injury inflicted on the water, it should be reported to the police immediately (as with any assault).
The police can handle exactly this kind of situation, that is their job. report any crime immediately (every time).
Just Call the MPD.
Breaking stereotypical behaviors
Sometimes cranky old dudes will mouth off, and this sets the worst kind of example to younger persons,
who will emulate the behavior, especially because they think it is cool, to intimidate another.
For the most part we have fostered a respectful conduct among the kiteboarders.
Keeping tempers under control, and quickly resolving disputes.
Trash talk and insults etc can quickly deteriorate the mutual respect and tolerance that we should all have toward one another.
Respect (have some, show some, and then you may get some)
Try to have respect for eachother, share the resource, and give eachother enough room to feel comfortable.
If you want to post your email on the internet, use the newly created "Watersports Forum" for Maui. Written posts that are constructive are always welcome.
http://216.70.100.159/forum/
I will also share your email and concerns with the kiteboarders, through the Maui Kitesurfing Association MKC
http://www.mauikitesurfing.org
thanks again,
David Dorn
(808) 871-5857
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