How to Understand Right-of-Way Rules in Windsurfing

Understand the rules and principles of windsurfing right of way to avoid dangerous crashes at high speed.

Things You'll Need

  • Life Vests
  • Wet Suits
  • Windsurf Boards
  • Windsurf Rigs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Understand that these rules exist for everyone's safety. Avoiding a collision at all cost is the overriding rule of thumb, even if it means going against any of the following right of way principles.

    • 2

      Recognize that, as in sailing, a starboard tack always has right of way over a port tack. As you face the nose of your board, starboard is the right side, and port is the left.

    • 3

      Understand that a leeward board has right of way over a windward board. This means that a board upwind (windward) overtaking a board leeward (downwind) of it must concede the right of way.

    • 4

      Know that, when surfing in the ocean, the board traveling away from the beach has right of way over a board heading toward the beach.

    • 5

      Concede right of way to the windsurfer closest to the peak of the wave when riding in surf.

    • 6

      Realize that a powerboat should give right of way to a windsurfer, but doesn't always. Use caution in such situations. Often the larger tonnage tends to claim right of way for itself. Let it.