11-20-2006, 07:51 PM
The committee would like to draw everyones attention to several important things:
PARKING AT HUNSTANTON
To park in the free car park in front of Hunstanton Sailing Club you must be an HSC member with a parking permit sticker. We (and HSC) have noticed an increase in the number of non HSC members parking illegally in the free car park. So, if you're not a member of the sailing club with an HSC window sticker please park in the adjoining pay & display car park. Thanks.
KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT
Make sure you know your kit and safety system well. If you're using a new system practice self rescue and relaunch in the shallows downwind of everyone else before taking to the water proper. Underestimate the importance of this at your own peril.
LAUNCHING/LANDING AT HUNSTANTON
Please DO NOT launch or land between the groynes (the concrete sea defenses with metal poles at the end). This can be extremely dangerous because in the event of a problem with your kite you could be dragged into the concrete. This exact accident happened last year so now when we see people launching inbetween the groynes we just can't believe it. Please, for your own safety and the safety of others walk out further until you are clear of the groynes. Thanks.
ON THE WATER
Most Hub members act impeccably on the water but, again, we've noticed an increase in the number of people completely failing to observe some of these basic rules of the road. So, whether you're a Hub member or not here's an essential summary of some very basic guidelines which everyone should adhere to:
1. Other water users ALWAYS have right of way. This means that if you are heading for a windsurfer, kayaker or swimmer either bear off downwind or turn around. Do NOT just keep on going thinking that they will get out of the way for you. Windsurfers usually keep downwind of kitesurfers - please respect their space and don't go ploughing through them.
2. When things get really busy the windsurfers tend to keep downwind while the kitesurfers stay upwind. This is an unwritten rule which has evolved over the years and works well. Again, please respect their space and don't go ploughing through their group.
3. Be courtious and respectful at all times. If you mess up and give someone a scare then apologise. Likewise, if a windsurfer bears off downwind to give you some space it doesn't hurt to give them a quick wave of thanks. These are simple things but not doing them can make you seem rude and give people the wrong impression about kitesurfing.
4. When two kitesurfers are heading towards each other, the rider heading starboard (travelling towards their right hand side) has right of way and the other rider must give way by bearing off downwind.
5. When two kites pass on the water the upwind kiter should keep their kite high whilst the downwind kiter should keep their kite low.
6. If you are riding fast and catch up with a slower rider be aware that they might not know you are there and that they have the right of way.
7. The kitesurfer on the beach has right of way over the kitesurfer on the water. If you see someone on the beach trying to get onto the water give them some space and let them in.
8. If you are a beginner and cannot yet keep upwind please keep to the downwind stretch of the beach.
TEACHING MATES
Whilst it's tempting to give your friends and family a go on your kit it's actually a really bad idea, especially when the water is busy. Instead, if they're keen to get into the sport then point them in the direction of one of the many local IKO instructors for some lessons. Through proper lessons they will be able to practice and learn essentials such as how to properly pack down in deepwater, how to relaunch and much more. The other thing is that they won't trash your kit!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. We hope it has helped to clarify some points.
Hub Committee
PARKING AT HUNSTANTON
To park in the free car park in front of Hunstanton Sailing Club you must be an HSC member with a parking permit sticker. We (and HSC) have noticed an increase in the number of non HSC members parking illegally in the free car park. So, if you're not a member of the sailing club with an HSC window sticker please park in the adjoining pay & display car park. Thanks.
KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT
Make sure you know your kit and safety system well. If you're using a new system practice self rescue and relaunch in the shallows downwind of everyone else before taking to the water proper. Underestimate the importance of this at your own peril.
LAUNCHING/LANDING AT HUNSTANTON
Please DO NOT launch or land between the groynes (the concrete sea defenses with metal poles at the end). This can be extremely dangerous because in the event of a problem with your kite you could be dragged into the concrete. This exact accident happened last year so now when we see people launching inbetween the groynes we just can't believe it. Please, for your own safety and the safety of others walk out further until you are clear of the groynes. Thanks.
ON THE WATER
Most Hub members act impeccably on the water but, again, we've noticed an increase in the number of people completely failing to observe some of these basic rules of the road. So, whether you're a Hub member or not here's an essential summary of some very basic guidelines which everyone should adhere to:
1. Other water users ALWAYS have right of way. This means that if you are heading for a windsurfer, kayaker or swimmer either bear off downwind or turn around. Do NOT just keep on going thinking that they will get out of the way for you. Windsurfers usually keep downwind of kitesurfers - please respect their space and don't go ploughing through them.
2. When things get really busy the windsurfers tend to keep downwind while the kitesurfers stay upwind. This is an unwritten rule which has evolved over the years and works well. Again, please respect their space and don't go ploughing through their group.
3. Be courtious and respectful at all times. If you mess up and give someone a scare then apologise. Likewise, if a windsurfer bears off downwind to give you some space it doesn't hurt to give them a quick wave of thanks. These are simple things but not doing them can make you seem rude and give people the wrong impression about kitesurfing.
4. When two kitesurfers are heading towards each other, the rider heading starboard (travelling towards their right hand side) has right of way and the other rider must give way by bearing off downwind.
5. When two kites pass on the water the upwind kiter should keep their kite high whilst the downwind kiter should keep their kite low.
6. If you are riding fast and catch up with a slower rider be aware that they might not know you are there and that they have the right of way.
7. The kitesurfer on the beach has right of way over the kitesurfer on the water. If you see someone on the beach trying to get onto the water give them some space and let them in.
8. If you are a beginner and cannot yet keep upwind please keep to the downwind stretch of the beach.
TEACHING MATES
Whilst it's tempting to give your friends and family a go on your kit it's actually a really bad idea, especially when the water is busy. Instead, if they're keen to get into the sport then point them in the direction of one of the many local IKO instructors for some lessons. Through proper lessons they will be able to practice and learn essentials such as how to properly pack down in deepwater, how to relaunch and much more. The other thing is that they won't trash your kit!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. We hope it has helped to clarify some points.
Hub Committee