What it means
Starboard tack means riding with the wind arriving over your right side, right hand and right shoulder forward in the direction of travel. The name comes from sailing, where the starboard (right) side of the vessel faces the wind, and it matters in kitesurfing for one big reason: on opposite tacks, the starboard-tack rider has right of way.
The rule inherits directly from the international sailing rules that govern every wind-driven craft sharing water. When two riders converge head-on on opposite tacks, the one with the wind on the right holds course and speed; the port-tack rider bears away and passes downwind. The convention only functions when the priority rider actually holds a predictable line, so 'having right of way' is itself a duty: keep your course readable, no sudden changes, and let the other rider's avoidance work.
A practical memory aid: right hand leading, you have the right. Checking which tack you are on becomes automatic within a season, and it should, because busy spots produce dozens of these crossings per hour. Racers add a layer of tactics on top (forcing port-tack boats to duck costs them distance), but for everyday riding the rule is simply the sport's version of driving on the correct side of the road.
Example on the water
Riding with his right hand forward toward the oncoming kiter, he held his course; the other rider, on port tack, dipped downwind early and the crossing needed no words.
Common mistakes
- ·Not knowing which tack you are on when another rider converges.
- ·Holding 'right of way' while changing course unpredictably, which defeats the rule.
- ·Assuming beginners know the convention — many don't, so stay ready to avoid.
- ·Confusing the tack names and yielding in the wrong direction under pressure.
Why it matters
Important for right of way decisions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remember which tack is starboard?+
Right hand forward = right of way. If the wind comes over your right shoulder as you ride, you are on starboard tack and oncoming port-tack riders should give way.