Kiteboarding Safety

Maui North Shore kiteboarders operate under an FAA certificate of waiver, which authorizes kiteboarding near Kahului Airport. The FAA waiver stipulates all kiteboarders must comply with:

1. No maneuvers shall be performed over persons or property not involved in kiteboarding activity
2. No kiteboarding in the two mile long by one mile wide corridor at the end of the runway in Spreckelsville
3. The waiver is applicable and only valid between the hours of official sunrise and sunset
4. All kiteboarders operating within the area shall be responsible for avoiding non-participants
5. The kite will not be operated above 125 feet above sea level
6. The waiver is valid for two years and we must remain in good standing with the FAA.

In addition, observe these guidelines

Safe Riding Guidelines:

1. Take lessons from a certified school
2. Know right of way rules for sailing
3. No Riding before 11 AM
4. Keep 300 feet from Humpback Whales
5. Observe mapped kiteboarding boundaries
6. Select a safe launch
7. Carefully check the weather and wind
8. Don’t fly in offshore or onshore winds
9. Check all equipment before launching
10. Check lines for knots, wear, and twists
11. Always use a kite leash
12. Wear a helment if using a board leash
13. Don’t launch or land in crowded areas
14. Stay clear of power lines, trees, and roads
15. Don’t fly near or over people
16. Maintain a 2 line length downwind buffer
17. Keep downwind of canoe paddlers
18. Keep downwind of windsurfers
19. Assist fellow riders with launching/landing
20. Disable unattended kites
21. Call 911 in an emergency

Kite Priority Rules

Rules of the Road:

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 kiteboarders.

1. Always use a kite leash
2. Never launch or fly you kite over a non-kiteboarder
3. Incoming Kiter gives way to the Kiter who is launching
4. The kiter with the right hand forward (starboard tack) has right of way
5. The upwind kites gives way to the downwind kiter
6. The overtaking kiter gives way to the slower kiter
7. Look before you turn or jump
8. The outgoing kiter gives way to the kiter on the wave
9. Avoid collisions at all costs
10. Stay clear of beginner kiters
11. Do not jump close to shore
12. Give way to swimmers and surfers
13. Give way to Fishermen and 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.

Kite Safety Guidelines

1. Always kite with a buddy
2. Never launch in strong onshore winds
3. Do not kite in Offshore winds
4. Never kite further from shore than you can swim
5. Carry a safety cutter knife
6. Do not use a board leash
7. Never jump over obstacles or people
8. Do not kite after dark
9. Tell someone where you are kiting and what time you will come back
10. Help out other kiters in need
11. Respect other water users
12. Respect the right of way rules
13. Kite with respect for others and you will get respect

Remember: You are responsible for your conduct on the water!

You are also responsible for any damage and injury caused by you and your equipment to other persons or property. You are under the legal obligation to follow the kiteboarding right of way rules & guidelines which include FAA directives which are under federal law, and to always kiteboard safely. In addition to special state and federal laws particular to the marine environment, you are also subject to all the same laws that apply on land too. The lifeguards, DLNR officers, State Police, Park Rangers and County Police have the authority to give citations, fines, or confiscate your equipment and even arrest you, for any illegal action, infraction or misdemeanor. Always follow the directives of the lifeguards, and stay in the designated kiteboarding areas.