Having right-of-way doesn't mean you can do whatever you want.
You actually have fewer options.
Having right-of-way means you must stay firm on your course ...
You must hold your line.
The other rider who doesn't have right-of-way initiates the change of course.
They must bearaway early and in an obvious manner.
Do you really think about stuff like this Slave? Always thinking though, good on you, hope you are getting out because it's windy and nice.
If two riders are on a collision course, some one has to initiate a course correction.
Correct ?
It's just commonsense, right ?
Now if both riders initiate a course change (both bearing away), the result will be a collision with a greater impact.
So who has the right-of-way ?
Who holds their line so there's no confusion ?
Who stays firm on their course ?
I know.
Do you ?
The bigger tougher looking guy with tattoos always has right of way. After them are teuros because they aren't moving out of the way for anyone.
Can anyone tell me when 2 riders on opposite tacks have actually collided? It stands to reason that you would simply stop if confusion got the better of the situation.
I would say most kiters don't know unless they have a windsurfing/sailing background.
This topic is not even mentioned during lessons.
If my memory is correct the rider heading off shore has right of way and the rider coming to shore should turn back. But if you are in Euro infested waters behave like them and pretend you are the only person kiting for miles and everyone is there to look at you. Narrowly miss every thing in your path because it makes you look so cool. 
overheard someone teaching the other day i have ginormous ears they were at least 2km away
Quote " if your kite is on your right side, you have right of way" ?
in yachting the captain on the starboard tack would call out "Starboard" to the other boat and the starboard tack has right of way. I havent gone yachting for a long time so correct me if i'm wrong? i thought the starboard tack rule still applies in the open ocean to all sorts of craft, plus a few other rules as listed on websites for kiting for passing, etc. In the surf is a whole different can of worms.
Starboard tack has right away, - unless over taking.
Windward position also has right of way!
Sail has right of way over power, - unless commercial traffic.
^+1 Spot on Poida
Check this out from the Irish KSA, I reckon they have got it pretty well sussed even though some of the pictures leave a little to be desired.
Not sure about going right on a lefthander though.http://kitingireland.com/Navigation%20Rules-IKSA-maq1.pdf
The only collisions I have had have been in the following situations:
1. Someone follows you into a point where you need to change direction and are running out of water, you do your change of direction and they are still bearing down on you.
2. Someone changes direction without checking if someone is behind them.
3. Someone is riding ~5-10m upwind of you and decides that it would be awesome to jump at that moment.
I haven't seen riders actually collide, mainly kitelines cross.
On a board, if you are riding heelside with your RIGHT leg leading, you have the RIGHT of way - that's how I remember.
In yacht racing if a collision occurs, both boats must do the penalty - because avoiding a collision regardless of who has the right of way is the first priority.
I don't think it would matter how simple the rules were to follow, in the kiddie pool at St Kilda on a cranking summer day you still seem to end up playing chicken with everyone!
Interesting that kiter entering the water has right of way.
In water skiing, the incoming skier has right of way.
It actually makes more sense for someone who hasn't launched yet to give way to a craft already under power.
I think that the only reason the kiter leaving the beach has right of way as illustrated in the rules in Ireland IKSA is because he is on starboard ie wind coming over right shoulder. Im pretty sure this wouldnt be the case in WA sw seabreeze rider leaving beach is on port ie wind coming over left shoulder therefore should give way to rider coming in who is on starboard. Same goes for NSW ne seabreeze.I think if everyone used these rules as a base it would become much easier to pass each other. When waves come into it , it does become more complicated. I feel that you should give way to the guy thats riding the wave irrespective of whether hes on port or starboard , the waves are what where there for.Also agree with lostinlondons 3 points especially point 1.If you are going to follow someone into the beach then stay upwind of them to allow them to pass downwind when they head back out .
Yer I reckon the kite launching rights thing is about getting the kiter into the water asap. Which means try keep the area clear. Otherwise always avoid collision, starboard rule and beware those upwind of you.
agree - standing on land with a kite above your head is where most accidents happen - makes sense to give way and let them get out to the safety of the water ASAP.
Oh, does the 3rd graphic look wrong to anyone else on that IKSA chart? - it shows the upwind rider lowering his kite, even though it says the downwind rider should lower their kite? (at least thats how i see it - bit confusing)
:) yeatsie
...if your wife is kiting and you approch her from upwind, or from down wind, or riding a wave or ... you giveway, 'cause its just easier that way!!! 
21.3 of ISF Rules:
"During the last minute before her starting signal, a kiteboard that significantly
slows down or stops, and is no longer making material forward progress, shall keep clear of one that has not."
So if you plan to sit in the water on the start line with kite overhead waiting for the green flag & horn PLEASE look behind before you move your kite!
Some others from the rule book:
When overlapped, Windward kiteboard shall keep clear of a leeward kiteboard
When not overlapped, a kiteboard clear astern shall keep clear of a kiteboard clear ahead
When kiteboards are overlapped the outside kiteboard shall give the inside kiteboard mark-room
Just a quick heads-up to anyone new to kiting Kurnell at the main beach (most easterly spot).
The local rule is - kiters coming in to do transition, jump, whatever, have righ-of-way over anyone launching. This is not open to debate, it's a local rule. This rule keeps the traffic flowing and stops conjestion further out the back.
If you are inexperienced do not kite at this spot, Go further towards the point where there is plenty of space.
