More and more wingfoilers are having fun surfing the waves. While it is usually relaxed further out, where only swell waves invite you to ride them, it can sometimes get crowded in the surf zone. Especially when there are other water sports enthusiasts such as windsurfers, surfers or kiters in the line-up, it is essential that everyone knows the existing rules and sticks to them.
Before discussing specific regulations, here are a few basics:
When it comes to right of way rules, there is one thing you should be aware of: only the following three basic rules are legally binding. If an accident leads to a court case, it will be decided on the basis of the following right of way rules, regardless of whether the crash happened in surf conditions or on flat water:
What is commonly referred to as "wave rules" is therefore to be understood more as etiquette - i.e. rules of behaviour that can ensure relaxed interaction on the water and should therefore be observed. These are
If two wind-driven water sports enthusiasts (wingsurfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing) are on their way out, the first one to sit on the line that is building up is allowed to ride the wave.
Only if both surfers jibe onto the wave at the same time or it is not clear who was on the wave first, the surfer who is closer to the peak, i.e. the breaking part of the wave, has priority.
Whoever rides out through the surf has priority. If an oncoming surfer wants to ride a wave, he must ensure that he leaves enough space.
All the right of way rules in the wave are clearly explained in the following clip from the Duotone Wing Academy. Take a look and be sure to check out our big Beginner's guide for the wave to.