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Kite and windsurfing
Find out about the rules and safety equipment requirements for kite and wind surfing.
Kiteboarders and windsurfers are subject to marine laws in WA.
Although you do not need a Recreational Skippers Ticket (RST) to operate kite or wind surfing equipment, you are still considered to be the responsible skipper.
As a skipper, you’re responsible for the safety of your vessel and must follow:
- safety equipment requirements
- areas of operation rules
- collision rules.
Kite and wind surfing rules
Kiteboarders and windsurfers do not have right of way in all circumstances.
You must not impede or obstruct the safe and lawful passage of another vessel.
Always keep a lookout for other vessels and be ready to take action to avoid a collision.
Safe speed
Operating a kiteboard or windsurfer at high speed in a busy boating area is dangerous and can have tragic consequences.
Kiteboarders and windsurfers need to determine a safe speed for the area they are operating in.
Slow down when:
- visibility is poor
- there is lots of traffic on the water
- your manoeuvrability is restricted by other kiteboarders or water users
- you are close to navigational hazards
- water is shallow or sea conditions become unpredictable.
Abandoned equipment
Always inform the local Police if you’ve had to abandon equipment. Marine search and rescues have been unnecessarily activated after locating abandoned equipment.
It’s also a good idea to label your equipment clearly with your contact details so it is returned to you.
| Kite and windsurfing safety guidelines | Kb | |
| Kite and windsurfing safety equipment reference (printable) | Kb | |
| BeachSAFE | ||
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Safety equipment requirements
When kite or wind surfing, you must comply with the following safety equipment requirements.
No safety equipment is required within protected waters (except Lake Argyle and Cambridge Gulf) or within 400 metres of the shore in unprotected waters.
However, it is strongly recommended that an approved lifejacket is worn at all times when kiteboarding or windsurfing.
Between 400 metres and 2 nautical miles from shore
When kite or wind surfing between 400 metres and 2 nautical miles from shore in unprotected waters you must:
- wear a lifejacket level 50S or higher
- carry an-in date inshore distress flare kit or a registered Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Between 2 and 5 nautical miles
When kite or wind surfing between 2 and 5 nautical miles from shore you must:
- wear a lifejacket level 50S or higher
- carry an-in date registered EPIRB or PLB.
More than 5 nautical miles
When kite or wind surfing more than 5 nautical miles from shore, you must:
- wear a lifejacket
- carry an in-date offshore distress flare kit
- carry an in-date registered EPIRB or PLB.
Ensure your safety equipment is in good working condition and is easily accessible before going out on the water.
Make sure you know how to operate your safety equipment and practice using the safety release system.
Before you go out
Before you leave home:
- Check the latest weather update and tide information.
- Check all your safety equipment is in date and in working order.
- Consider what to do in an emergency.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.
Download the Deckee app for safety, weather and location-based information to help you stay safe on the water.