Riding techniqueThe rules of right of way when wingsurfing in the wave

Manuel Vogel

 · 09.09.2023

© Ben Thouard :
There are always critical situations when wingfoiling in the waves. In this clip, you can find out which rules of right of way apply and how to avoid stress.

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:

  • Only go out in conditions that do not exceed your riding ability
  • Ask the locals about the local conditions and possible dangers (shallows, tides, no-go zones, etc.)
  • Keep enough distance from other water sports enthusiasts
  • Slowly feel your way into the wave and observe where the waves are running, where other wingfoilers are riding the waves and where possible exit points are before your first wave ride
  • Use a board leash, because an uncontrolled wingboard and foil flushed through the surf poses a great danger to other water sports enthusiasts

Wingfoiling in the wave - the most important right of way rules

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:

  1. Steering board gives way to port: If you are surfing with the wing on the right-hand side as seen in the direction of travel, you are travelling on starboard and must take evasive action. If you are surfing with the wing on the left-hand side as seen in the direction of travel, you will be tacking to port and must keep to course. Tip: For water, it is enough to remember the rule: "Right hand in front is right!"
  2. Windward gives way to leeward: If both wingsurfers are travelling on starboard or backboard, the surfer further upwind must take evasive action
  3. The overtaking car swerves out of the way: If a following surfer surfs faster, he must give way to overtake and keep a sufficient distance

Etiquette in the wave

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

First come, first surf

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.

Whoever picks up the wave further out is allowed to ride it afterwardsPhoto: Duotone Wing AcademyWhoever picks up the wave further out is allowed to ride it afterwards

Surfer at the peak has priority

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.

The one who is closer to the breaking part of the wave (left) has right of way - but only if both have "picked" the wave at the same timePhoto: Duotone Wing AcademyThe one who is closer to the breaking part of the wave (left) has right of way - but only if both have "picked" the wave at the same time

People travelling out have 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.

Whoever rides out against the wave has priority. Those who ride off must ensure that they can keep enough distancePhoto: Duotone Wing AcademyWhoever rides out against the wave has priority. Those who ride off must ensure that they can keep enough distance

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.


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