Safety 101

General Guidelines:

  • Know right of way rules for kiting, especially if you go out into the waves in Maui
  • No Kiteboarding before 11 AM on the northshore of Maui
  • Keep 300 feet from Humpback Whales and divers
  • Select a safe launch and ask the locals before attempting to ride at a new location for the first time
  • CarefullyΒ check the weather and wind
  • Don’t fly in offshore or onshore winds unless you have done a proper risk assessment
  • Check all equipment before launching and do not launch close to people or dangerous obstacles
  • Check lines for knots, wear, and twists. Β Make sure screws are properly tightened on board and kite is properly inflated.
  • Always use a kite leash and attach it before hooking into the chicken loop
  • Don’t launch or land in crowded areas.Β Don’t fly near or over people/obstacles
  • Stay clear of power lines, trees, and roads.Β Β Maintain a 2 line length downwind buffer from all obstacles
  • Keep downwind of other ocean users (eg. windsurfers, stand up paddle boarders, spear fisherman)
  • Assist fellow riders with launching/landing if they need it
  • Always kite with a buddy, but if you have to go alone, tell someone where you are kiting and what your plan and backup plan are
  • Never kite further from shore than you can swim
  • Carry a safety cutter knife
  • Help out other kiters in need
  • Kite with respect for others and you will get respect

Rules of Riding (Right of Way):

Responsible kiteboarders know the right of way rules, and always ride with courtesy and respect. Kiteboarding rules help to avoid collisions with other water users and other kiters.

  • Always use a kite leash
  • Never launch or fly you kite over a non-kiteboarder
  • Incoming Kiter gives way to the Kiter who is launching
  • The kiter with the right hand forward (starboard tack) has right of way
  • The upwind kites gives way to the downwind kiter
  • The overtaking kiter gives way to the slower kiter
  • Look before you turn or jump
  • The outgoing kiter gives way to the kiter on the wave
  • Avoid collisions at all costs
  • Stay clear of beginner kiters
  • Do not jump close to shore
  • Stay away from swimmers, surfers, fisherman, canoes

Remember: Your conduct is representative of all kiteboarders, Please always ride with respect and tolerance. Kiting on the north shore is a privilege, do not take it for granted. Always follow the directives of the lifeguards, and stay in the designated kiteboarding areas.

Want some more local knowledge or someone to watch your back? Β No worries, thats what we do, book a lesson.